Mason Bay.

Mason Bay is a west-facing beachbreak on Stewart Island, accessible only by a one-hour boat ride from the South Island mainland or a multi-day tramp through Rakiura National Park. The setting is as remote as New Zealand surfing gets: a wild, windswept stretch of sand backed by native bush where birdwatchers and trampers far outnumber surfers. The wave produces standard A-frame peaks over sand, working across all tidal stages on any S to W swell. The challenge is not finding waves but finding clean conditions, as the prevailing westerlies make the spot a blown-out mess on most days. Easterly winds are offshore but uncommon. Size ranges from 2 to 2.4m with the quality rated good. Crowds are non-existent - this is genuine solo surfing territory. Rips and sharks are the primary hazards, and the isolation means there is absolutely no safety net if something goes wrong. Self-sufficiency in every sense is required.

Westerlies blow it flat most days, but easterlies carve A-frames across empty sand.