Tauranga Bay

General info:

Description: beach and point

About:

Spot guide: Tauranga Bay is a big West Facing Bay with Wall Island curving around to the North and a huge range of angles to make lots of different wind/ tide and swell directions all breaking on a different part of the Beach. Low Tide can be a big Sunset type right hander or a left point in north swells. High tide the wave comes into the bay and is usually a rip bowl right hander with a long fast left that is often too fast.
Generally a strong rip at the south end of the bay with a few submerged rocks to make rides interesting. Many a surfer has been famously lost at sea at The bay searching for a wave to ride.
What sort of board do most people ride here?
Such a big variety of conditions from Hawaiian power to small soft mush burgers. Bring a quiver for sure
Other surf spots worth checking in the area:
Nine Mile beach over the headland is our best wave but high tide dependent except on the north swell. North Beach in Westport is a great option when the Bay gets too big. About a thousand other spots within an hours drive to the north and south. Go Search
What to do if its flat?
Great fishing in the rivers and ocean. Westport skatepark for a heat warmup. Some great Mountain biking and hiking on the many trails, Underworld adventures at Charlston.
Quick Facts
Best Swell Height: 2m
Swell Direction: west/NW
Swell Period: 15-20
Wind Direction: E-NE
Tide: High
Bottom: Sand
Water Temp:18
Hazards: rocks, seals, bogans, rips

Surf spot type:

BRS rating: