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hawke’s bay
Surfers searching for perfect
waves in out of the way places could find their nirvana in the
sun drenched curving beaches of Hawke’s Bay.
Like Gisborne, this region attracts Pacific swells from various
directions, so as soon as you acquire local knowledge you will be
able to find the perfect wave.
Napier, New Zealand’s art deco capital, is the main centre
of activity in the bay. Hardings Road 2 kms north of Napier next
to the shipping port at Ahuriri, is a good place to start chasing
waves. This right-hand point break needs a heavy swell to get it
working. The Reef at the south end of Westshore Beach (3 kms
north of Napier) surfs well in a 1.5 metre swell and access is
easy.
Further up the coast are three little gems worth seeking out.
Waipatiki has the most consistent beach break in heavy swells and
Stingray Bay, out from Tangoio, has an exciting right-hand point
break in easterly swells.
On the southern headland of Hawke’s Bay is the famous Cape
Kidnappers gannet colony and wave-seekers can really score some
unforgettable rides on this part of the coast. For example
Awatoto river mouth at the south end of Napier’s colourful
Marine Parade, has nice hollow waves, which break left and right
off the bar on a rising tide. Haumoana (6 kms south of Awatoto)
has a real sick right-hander that breaks over the shallow bar of
the Tukituki River mouth, but watch the rip on outgoing tides. Te
Awanga (16 kms east of Hastings) is the base for visits to the
gannet colony and sits at the mouth of the Maraetotara River,
where you can ride a good right-hand point and reef break in
easterly swells.
Waimarama (32 kms south-east of Hastings) is a standout surf
location with left and right-hand reef and beach breaks. This
beach picks up some big southerly swells at times, throwing up
heavy hollow waves that offer really sick tube rides. To the
north is Ocean Beach, which has a multitude of hollow waves over
its steep beach bars and changing sandbanks.
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