St Clair
- Freeride, Bodyboard
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- Spot Type
- Busy
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
St Clair is an exposed Dunedin surf spot offering an ocean beach-and-point setup, where south to southeast swell can produce reliable surf on both the beach and the rocky point. Conditions are described as generally good to excellent depending on how the sand is set and how the point is running. Wind is most helpful when it comes from the north/northwest, described as offshore or grooming the waves. The spot is active year-round, with particular mention that late autumn through spring can be especially favorable in the broader St Clair wind/swell window. Safety is a major consideration. Sources consistently warn about sharks and rip currents, and note that the lineup can become crowded on good summer days. The break area includes obstacles such as old pier pilings (and also rocks/point features), so it’s important to be mindful of where you’re entering and how currents move you. For surfers, guidance is to expect strong shore impacts and shifting sand banks after storms. During patrolled periods, surfers and swimmers are reported to use designated zones, and respect for the localized point is emphasized when it’s firing.
- Exposed beach-and-point surfing with occasional strong right-hand point waves
- N/NW winds described as offshore/grooming
- Cold water all year—use a proper wetsuit
- Consistent exposed beach/point break with both beach waves and occasional right-hand point quality
- Offshore N/NW winds can groom the surf
- Surfable year-round with appropriate wetsuit
- Cold water and exposed conditions
- Rip currents and sharks reported hazards
- Can get crowded, especially in summer
- Old pier pilings/rocks in and around the break
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NW, W
- Offshore directions
- N, NW
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Wind influenced by north–northwest directions; sources describe best wind as N/NW.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy beach break.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Wave size varies by source/conditions; another source describes medium waves and a heavy, sweeping feel on larger swell.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Offshore wind can groom waves; otherwise shore break can be heavy.
- Launch
- Medium — Wide sandy beach with an esplanade entry point.
Through the year
Peak crowds in summer; quieter but colder in winter.
Winter months can bring frequent storms and heavy rain.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Kitesurfing is possible, but much more commonly discussed for the wider area due to wind/shadow and higher concentration of surfers/swimmers at the esplanade.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Occurs mostly in the waves; wave riding is best but the spot requires high skill due to shore break and cold conditions.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–5.5 m²
Foiling is possible when waves are smaller, but deep water and consistent swell make it challenging for beginners.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited
- Min Depth
- 2 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–5 m²
Exposed beach and point break in Dunedin with south-facing swell opportunities and occasional right-hand quality off the rocky point.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- S, SSW, SE
- Swell Height
- 1–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — One source states good surf at all stages of the tide; another notes best around mid tide.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed with consistent swell; generally not sheltered.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore in north-angled winds; NW winds are described as offshore and grooming the waves.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds significant size but can become very heavy and prone to strong sweeps.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Described as good/moderate by one source; described as excellent by another when conditions align.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — One source describes moderate power; another describes powerful surf depending on conditions.
- Wave Shape
- Mixed — Beachbreak is described as mixed; the point can provide peeling right-hand waves when conditions are right.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Point can offer longer peeling rights; beach tends to be shorter, punchier peaks.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- The point can offer long peeling rights, while the beach provides shorter, punchy peaks.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for St Clair in the full forecast view.
St Clair wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–18 ktsGusts 39 kts
- Direction
- WNW282°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 2618 kts
- Windy days
- 5/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.7–2.4 m10s period
- Temperature
- 7–24 °C
Over the next 7 days, St Clair is forecast for daytime winds of 4–18 kts, peaking around 18 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 39 kts. The prevailing direction is WNW. Waves run 0.7–2.4 m with a period of about 10s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- sharks
- rip currents
- crowds
- old pier pilings
- rocks
- heavy shore break
- cold water
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal patrols are mentioned for St Clair/St Kilda beach areas.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited
- Emergency Info
- Dunedin Hospital is approximately 10 minutes away by car.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Heavily localized when the point is firing.
Rules of the spot
Good surf at all stages of the tide.
- Seasonal lifeguard patrol zones.
- Can get crowded on good summer days—go early if possible.
- Respect the local lineup at the point when it’s firing.
- Check the sand banks after storms (they shift frequently).
- Follow designated zones during patrolled periods.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Dunedin
- Nearest Town
- Dunedin
- Parking
- Parking at the beach (public parking along the Esplanade and surrounding streets; it fills up quickly on weekends).
- Access
- From Cumberland Street heading south, continue onto Anderson Bay Road, then Queens Drive to St Kilda; turn right on Victoria Road, down the hill, left on Forbury Street or Beach Road to park at St Clair
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Numerous boutique hotels, motels, and holiday rentals are located within walking distance in the St Clair suburb.
- Food & Drink
- The esplanade is lined with cafes, bars, and restaurants.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surfboard and wetsuit rentals are available at the local surf school on the esplanade.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A rugged, scenic coastline where southern-ocean swells meet a local water-sports culture, with heritage and wildlife experiences around the Otago Peninsula.
World’s only mainland breeding colony of Northern Royal Albatross, located at the tip of the Otago Peninsula.
New Zealand's only castle, offering historic architecture and award-winning gardens.
Guided tours to view rare yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals, and sea lions in their natural habitat.
A vibrant strip of cafes, bars, and restaurants overlooking the ocean.
A popular themed playground near the St Kilda waterfront.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at St Clair?
The best overall months at St Clair are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at St Clair?
St Clair works with N, NW, W winds. Offshore directions are N, NW.
What equipment sizes are recommended at St Clair?
Recommended equipment sizes at St Clair: Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–5.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–5 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is St Clair suitable for?
St Clair suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.