The Waves

New Zealand is a small landmass in the middle of the ocean. Weather and wind directions can and do change quickly. With Eastland and Taranaki both being Capes there is the advantage of being able to find a wave that will suit the conditions by simply heading north or south. An hour or less in either direction and you are bound to find something that has an off shore appeal.

In general the waves on the East Coast are more mellow than the waves on the West Coast. Eastland is predominately beach and point breaks where Taranaki is mainly rocky reef breaks.

Both destinations are loaded with waves to ride. Suitable for all abilities. Following are descriptions of but a few…

Gisborne/Eastcape

Robert’s Road-a sand bottom beach break. A great arena for beginners and a fun wave for longboarders. Pipe - just south of Robert’s Rd., sand bottom beach break. The Pipe is usually a notch or two more challenging than Robert’s Rd. Stock Route- a very consistent sand bottom beach break. Best suited for the intermediate to advanced short board surfer.

The Chalet - beach break for the advanced to intermediate. Makorori Point- a fun right hand point break. Suitable for all surfers. Northerns - beach break. Good option for beginners. Tolaga Bay- you’ve got the pier and the river mouth. Waipiro Bay- a wave for the experienced surfer looking for an adventure. Head south to Mahia and you are greeted by Blacks - a reef break and the most consistent spot in Mahia. Mahunga- a left hand point break with beach break waves further down into the bay. Mahia Reefs- when conditions are out of control in Gisborne we head to the Mahia Reefs.

TARANAKI

Frank lived in Taranki for 20 years before moving to Gisborne. Even though he loves Gisborne and the east coast… Taranki is still his favourite surf spot.

A one hour drive, between the city of New Plymouth and Opunake there would be at least 23 different surf breaks … here are just four of them. Ahu Ahu Road - two reef breaks and a river mouth. Good for beginners when small. Kumara Patch - the 15 minute walk in keeps many surfers away but this left hander is worth the effort. Rocky Point - a left with a critical take off. Suited for the advanced surfer. Stent Road - is considered Taranaki’s best wave. A right hand point break that is surfable from 2- 10 ft.