Surf spot guide · Otago & Southland, New Zealand
Left reefbreak on large S swells near Monkey Island — gateway to the virgin breaks of Fiordland.
High Waves
Large waves up to 2.6m expected at Frenches Reef. Peak conditions around 9:00 PM.
Exercise extreme caution when entering the water. Strong currents and large waves present. Warning valid until 9:00 PM.
Frenches Reef is a left-hand reef break positioned near Monkey Island on the Southland coast, where the edge of the settled coastline meets the vast wilderness of Fiordland. The wave breaks over uneven reef on large S swells, producing rides of 50 to 100 metres when conditions align. Mid tide on an incoming push is the window - too low and the reef is dangerously exposed, too high and the wave loses form. S swell is optimal with the wider S to W window also producing surf, and easterly winds hold the face clean. Wave size ranges from 3 to 1.8m and the wave is good. The spot sits in a genuinely beautiful stretch of Southland coast - Te Waewae Bay stretches out with beachbreak options, and the massive area of virgin breaks in Fiordland lies just to the west for those with the equipment and experience to explore further. Rips, sharks, and submerged reef are the primary hazards.
Fifty-metre lefts over uneven reef where Fiordland's wilderness begins.
You’re seeing the next 3 days. A free account opens all 14, which is the difference between checking tomorrow and planning a trip.
Rarely crowded. Remote Southland coast near Monkey Island.
Fiordland gateway reef
Otago & Southland
Grinding left pointbreak throwing heavy barrels over rocky reef on S swells — farmer permission required.
Otago & Southland
Grinding left pointbreak over rocky reef in remote Southland — barrels and walls on S swells. Farmland access only.
Otago & Southland
Beginner-friendly beachbreak with a walling right point at Nicks Point — remote Southland solo surfing territory.
+1 MORE →Park near Monkey Island. Check beachbreaks down Te Waewae Bay. Mid incoming tide. Gateway to virgin Fiordland breaks.
HAZARDS · KNOW BEFORE YOU PADDLE
Sharp reef bottom requires booties
Park near Monkey Island. Remote location with no formal parking or facilities. Check the beachbreaks down Te Waewae Bay on the way.
Open in Maps