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waikato
Don’t miss the hottest
surfing mecca in this part of the planet, which is based on the
laid-back town of Raglan (48 kms west of Hamilton).
If you want to share some great camaraderie and have awesome fun
on the water, head for the surf breaks south of Raglan, which
virtually guarantee nice lines and perfect peelers.
Enter surfer heaven at Manu Bay (8 kms from Raglan) where you can
indulge yourself in a dance of joy atop a world-renowned
left-hand break. The word on the street is that Manu Bay has the
longest, most accessible and consistent left-hand break in the
world. Catch a perfect wave and you can cruise like master
shapers and cool dudes for up to 2 kms or ten minutes - what a
buzz. Manu Bay (also known as The Point) was featured in the 1966
cult surfing movie ‘Endless Summer’.
For more tasty waves head to Whale Bay, 2 kms further west. This
bay has a Maori tradition as a healing place where fatigued
warriors came to heal the body and soul. Today Whale Bay is a
sanctuary for surfers seeking both relaxation and excitement, a
special haven for lovers of the hollow wave.
Whale Bay is distinguished by an excellent left point break,
which performs well on all tides. Entry can be off an exposed
rock shelf or out The Valley further west. Either way it involves
some serious paddling over to the line up.
Just 1 km off Whale Bay is a superlative razor-edged left-hand
point break called Indicators, which includes The Valley as its
inside section. This area is very exposed and produces the
largest waves, which barrel down the long boulder point for some
300 metres before entering The Valley, providing dream-length
rides.
While all the Raglan surf is consistent in turning up long,
smooth joyrides, the rocky ledges and reefs command respect and
make duck-diving ability essential - this is not grommet
territory.
Ruapuke (60 kms from Hamilton) can be surfed on any tide off the
north headland. This place is worth checking out if Raglan is too
low for a sweet ride. Also Sunset Beach at Port Waikato (32 km
south of Tuakau) can be enjoyable in big, clean swell conditions.
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