SURF CATLINS COAST SURFING

Taranaki The New Zealand Surf Capital

If you have a burning desire for exploration of new and exciting surfing hot spots there are loads of potential reef breaks along this coast. The relatively isolated south-east coast of the South Island is still largely undiscovered in surfing terms

Kaka Point, south-east of Balclutha is the place to kick off with several beach breaks along the coast to Nugget Point, where the distinctive rock stacks remind you of rough-hewn nuggets of gold. Cannibal Bay and Catlins River Mouth offer beach breaks with powerfull hollow waves produced by southerly swells.

Long Point about south of Owaka is a left-hand point break turned on by a southerly ground swell. Papatowai, reached via S.H. 92 has a great beach break at the river mouth. Porpoise Bay near Waikawa works on many conditions so you can camp at Waikawa and wait your turn

On the ruggard south coast, from Riverton, is Colac Bay. Foveaux Strait south swells work here, creating long vertical walls. The best surfing is when the swell reaches around 2 metres . The western point of the bay, called Nicks Point, has a good right-hand point break, which is best at half to low tide in a westerly swell. Camping is available at Colac Bay and also Tuatapere and Riverton.

Beatons is a left-hand point break accessed through a private land and is located south of Orepuki . In the same area is Porridge, a left-hand point break also accessed through private land. Several other point breaks can be found along this coast but require careful assessment remember you are isolated so dont do any thing foolhardy or you will pay.