Three Points

Three Points is an isolated, exposed beach-and-point surfing spot north of Tolaga Bay on East Cape. It’s described as a place that doesn’t work very often, with no strong seasonal pattern to surfable sessions. When it does line up, it can produce separated rights and lefts with point influence, and it’s best when big east to southeast swells wrap into the bay. The spot is most often surfed around mid tide—specifically noted as best when the tide is falling. It’s rated as exposed, with rocks present at the point and scattered along the shoreline. Larger swell conditions can come with additional complications, including messy water and increased difficulty in paddling out, and rip currents can form during larger swells. Wind is reported as variable with low reliability, with guidance that offshore performance is strongest with west to northwest winds (and also notes that southerly winds can affect how “offshore” feels). The spot is described as sensitive to cross-shore wind, so checking both direction and shoreline wind alignment is important before committing. Because the beach is remote and access can be challenging (including possible private-land crossings and limited informal parking), come prepared with supplies and the gear you’ll need for the session—there are no on-site rentals or repairs reported. Sessions are consistently low-crowd due to the difficulty and infrequency of conditions, making it well-suited for intermediate surfers seeking a quiet, wilderness-style lineup away from busier hubs.