SURF CATLINS COAST SURFING
Taranaki The New Zealand Surf Capital
New Zealand Surf Introduction
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.