Waikawau Bay (Waikawau)
- Bodyboard, Beginners
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Waikawau Bay is a remote, largely uncrowded, exposed beach-break on the Coromandel east coast, known for producing consistent surf. The spot works best with east-northeast groundswells and offshore west winds, which help groom cleaner faces. Surf quality is described as generally good, with waves typically peeling and offering medium-length rides. Ride length is reported in the range of about 150–300 meters in some conditions, while other descriptions note shorter rides (around 50–100 meters) depending on the bank configuration. Tide advice is generally “mid tide” for consistency, but the spot is also described as workable across all tides. For wind, west is the key direction because it tends to be offshore; wind reliability is rated as moderate, with conditions more closely tied to frontal systems and coastal effects. For safety, rip currents and submerged rocks near the headlands are recurring hazards, and shore break can be strong. There is no on-site lifeguard or dedicated rescue base at the beach; if you go out, plan as if help may take time and be prepared with local water-safety judgment.
- Uncrowded, forgiving east-coast beach break
- Offshore west winds improve wave cleanliness
- Works best on east-northeast groundswells
- Large DOC camping experience nearby
- Quite exposed beach break with consistent surf
- Offshore westerly winds groom cleaner faces
- Beginner-friendly reputation for forgiving conditions when waves are small
- Wide sandy setup space and an uncrowded lineup most weeks
- Exposed shoreline can produce a strong shore break
- Rip currents are common
- Mobile reception is very limited at the beach
- Limited local services (no on-site supplies or equipment support)
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W
- Offshore directions
- W
- Wind Range
- 10–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Regional wind character is described as frontal/gradient/westerly driven; spot wind benefits from westerly offshore flow for surfing.
- Reliability
- Moderate; the spot relies on frontal systems or coastal sea breezes.
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- June
- Shadow Zones
- High hills surrounding the bay can create shadows or turbulence in certain inland wind directions.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — White-sand beach.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Small — Some descriptions cite small wave conditions; other sources describe medium conditions depending on swell.
- Launch
- Medium — Spacious sandy beach with plenty of room for setup and launching; primarily used by surfers.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Beach access with easy setup/launch conditions.
Through the year
Can be very busy during Christmas/New Year (January) due to the large campsite; quiet outside peak holiday periods.
winter (June–August) with more frequent rain and frontal systems.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Possible but rarely frequented due to remote location and mainly onshore conditions for most rideable winds; best described for experienced riders when winds suit Northeasterly or Southeasterly directions.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Sandy bottom and limited reef presence make it foil-friendly; shore break can be challenging during large swells.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
A quite exposed beach break with consistent surf. Works best with east-northeast groundswells and offshore west winds, producing quality peaks along the length of the beach.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- NE
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — Mid tide is also cited as best for consistent surf/clean conditions.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed beach break with reliable surf; adjacent headlands can influence local conditions.
- Wind Effect
- West winds are perfectly offshore, grooming the swell into clean faces.
- Bigger Swell
- Can become heavy and close out during very large storms, but generally holds up to about 2.5 meters well.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Clean, quality peaks; clean conditions are relatively infrequent in the best month (June).
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Waves typically offer rides of 50 to 100 meters depending on the bank configuration.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–100 m
- Ride Length Details
- Ride length ranges from about 150 to 300 meters in reported conditions; other descriptions note ~50–100 meters depending on bank configuration.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Waikawau Bay (Waikawau) in the full forecast view.
Waikawau Bay (Waikawau) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 5–18 ktsGusts 33 kts
- Direction
- W268°
- Strongest day
- Thu, Oct 2918 kts
- Windy days
- 5/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.3–1.4 m6s period
- Temperature
- 13–19 °C
Over the next 7 days, Waikawau Bay (Waikawau) is forecast for daytime winds of 5–18 kts, peaking around 18 kts on Thursday, October 29 with gusts to 33 kts. The prevailing direction is W. Waves run 0.3–1.4 m with a period of about 6s. 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
- Rip currents
- Strong shore break
- Submerged rocks at headlands
- Rocks are present at both the northern and southern ends of the bay
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No dedicated on-site rescue base at the beach; Coastguard NZ and local emergency responders provide coverage from nearby townships/areas.
- Emergency Info
- Dial 111 for all emergencies. Nearest medical facilities are in Coromandel Town or Thames; mobile reception is very limited at the beach.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — Localism is described as none.
Rules of the spot
Standard water safety rules apply; be mindful of swimmers near campsite access points.
- Check the sandbanks before heading out as they shift after major storms.
- The southern end often offers a bit more protection from certain wind directions.
- Uncrowded and forgiving like most east-coast breaks; May still be OK for beginners and groms when waves are small.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Coromandel Town
- Nearest Town
- Colville
- Parking
- Ample parking available near the beach access and within the DOC campsite.
- Public Transport
- Extremely limited; private vehicle essential.
- Access
- From Coromandel Town, head north past Kennedy Bay to Waikawau Bay; access is also described as a long, winding gravel road from Colville.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English, Māori
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — DOC campsite right behind the dunes; holiday homes in nearby Colville.
- Food & Drink
- No shops at the beach; nearest supplies are in Colville or Coromandel Town.
- Equipment Rental:
- No rentals available on-site.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Tourism and activities center on the DOC campground experience and the northern Coromandel coastline, with day trips spanning heritage towns, scenic rail, and coastal walking routes.
Narrow-gauge railway through replanted native forest with coastal views.
Historic gold-mining town with art galleries and heritage buildings.
Coastal walking trail connecting Stony Bay and Fletcher Bay.
Local hub for coffee, meals, and essential supplies in a rural setting.
Large family-friendly campground right on the coast.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Waikawau Bay (Waikawau)?
The best overall months at Waikawau Bay (Waikawau) are June, July, August. The best wind months are June.
Which wind directions work at Waikawau Bay (Waikawau)?
Waikawau Bay (Waikawau) works with W winds. Offshore directions are W.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Waikawau Bay (Waikawau)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Waikawau Bay (Waikawau): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 10–25 kts.
What skill level is Waikawau Bay (Waikawau) suitable for?
Waikawau Bay (Waikawau) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Intermediate.