Hawke's Bay isn't the first place most people think of for surfing, but there are solid waves here if you know where to look and when to go. The coastline faces east, so you need an easterly or north-easterly swell to get things working. When it lines up though, it can be really good. Here are the spots worth knowing about.
Probably the most consistent surf beach in Hawke's Bay. Waimarama is a long, open sandy beach about 30 minutes south of Napier that picks up swell well and offers multiple peaks along the shore. It works on a range of swell sizes, making it suitable for beginners on smaller days and more experienced surfers when it gets bigger. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards during summer. There's parking right by the sand and a small shop nearby. A great all-rounder.
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A powerful, exposed beach break south of Waimarama, near Te Motu-o-Kura (Bare Island). When the swell and wind line up, Ocean Beach produces punchy lefts and rights with real power. It's not for beginners though. The currents can be strong, there are no lifeguards, and it's a remote spot with limited phone reception. Confident, experienced surfers only. The drive in is unsealed but scenic, and the Hawke's Bay Surf School operates out of this area if you want a guided intro.
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A right-hand reef break that peels along a rocky shelf when a solid NE swell pushes in. Te Awanga is one of Hawke's Bay's best waves when it's on, but it's not consistent and the rocks make it unsuitable for beginners. You'll want booties, and you need to know your way around a reef break. The village itself is small and relaxed, with a couple of wineries and a campground nearby. About 25 minutes south of Napier.
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A beach break between Hastings and Te Awanga that can produce decent waves on a NE swell. Haumoana is a quiet, low-key spot with a gravel and sand beach. The waves aren't as consistent as Waimarama, but when it's working it's worth the paddle out. Easier to get to than Ocean Beach and usually less crowded. There's been significant coastal erosion here, so the landscape has changed over the years.
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The closest thing to a surf break in central Napier. Hardinge Road runs down to the beach near the port, and when a decent swell wraps into the bay, you can get rideable waves here. It's popular with bodyboarders and shortboarders, and Boardzone Surf Co. (Napier's local surf shop on Emerson Street) is just a short drive away if you need gear or advice. Not the most consistent spot, but convenient if you're in town and the swell is up.
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A sheltered bay about 40 minutes north of Napier, tucked in between bush-covered hills. Waipatiki is more of a holiday spot than a surf destination, but it can have a fun little wave on the right day, especially for learners and longboarders. The bush setting is beautiful, the water is usually calmer than the open coast beaches, and it's a lovely spot even if the waves are flat. There's a campground and basic facilities.
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A remote beach about an hour south of Napier, past Te Awanga and down the coast. Kairakau is a pebble and sand beach that gets good waves when the swell is running, and it's almost always uncrowded. The drive in is winding and partly unsealed, but the isolation is part of the appeal. There's a small settlement with a campground. Bring everything you need, as there are no shops.
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Swell direction: Hawke's Bay faces east, so you need an easterly or north-easterly swell. Southerly swells can also wrap in at some spots. The region isn't as consistent as the west coast, so keep an eye on the forecast and be ready to go when it's on.
Wind: Offshore winds here are westerly or north-westerly. Early mornings are usually your best bet before the sea breeze kicks in.
Board hire and surf shop: Boardzone Surf Co. on Emerson Street in Napier is the local surf shop. Good for gear, advice, and local knowledge.
Surf school: The Hawke's Bay Surf School operates in the Ocean Beach area and is a great option for beginners or anyone new to the region.
Safety: Many of the beaches listed here are unpatrolled. Always check conditions, tell someone where you're going, and don't surf alone at remote spots. Rips can be strong, especially at Ocean Beach and Haumoana.
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