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gisborne
Fancy a visit to a genuine,
laid-back Kiwi surf town, which boasts some of the best summer
weather, warm water and a bucketful of different surf breaks to
suit board riders?
Gisborne’s marvellous surf beaches have attracted surfers
since the early 1960’s. The coastline is affected by long
ocean swells coming from both the east and south so you can
usually catch a wave at one of the local beaches. Dawn surfing is
a buzz because Gisborne is the first place in the world to see
the sunrise each day.
Waikanae Beach is the main town beach and is ideal for beginners
to hone their board skills. Wainui Beach (6 kms from Gisborne) is
the popular spot for surfers of all levels as it consistently
provides good waves throughout the year. The best waves are found
off the southern reef systems, known as the Stock Route, offering
superb right and left-hand breaks. Have a close look at The
Island, 1 km before Wainui, which many locals say holds
Gisborne’s longest barrel waves. There are two good
left-hand reef breaks here, which fire up in a big southerly
swell, but you need to walk and paddle some way to reach the line
up.
Makorori Point (8 kms from Gisborne) is a famous surf location,
which has all the qualities of a perfect surfing hangout. A
right-hander breaks over a shallow reef system setting up a long
sweeping ride that is a surfer’s dream. Watch for a south or
south-east swell and waves around 2 metres from mid to high tide
for the epic wave that will replay over and over in your mind.
Makarori Centre is slightly north of the Point and produces good
right and left breaks that build up over reefs and sandbars. The
best conditions are swells from the south or east at mid to high
tide. North Makarori also has the potential for good surf in
easterly swells. Pouawa Beach (19 kms north of Gisborne) is
another place to try in an easterly swell.
The East Cape area north of Gisborne, is worth a visit as it
offers some good beach breaks at Tolaga Bay, Tokomaru Bay,
Waipiro Bay and Hicks Bay.
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