Surf spot guide · Otago & Southland, New Zealand
Hub of Dunedin surfing — quality beachbreak peaks plus a long right point near the hot pools on big S swells.
St Clair is the epicentre of Dunedin's surfing scene, a long stretch of sand where quality beachbreak peaks produce rideable surf on virtually any S swell. The main draw is the consistent A-frame peaks that work across all tides, but when a genuinely big S swell arrives the game changes: by the saltwater hot pools, a long right point comes to life, breaking in sections over a mix of rock, sand and kelp and offering a completely different ride from the standard beachbreak. Any northerly wind variation works offshore, and the spot picks up all swell from the south. Size ranges from 2 to 3m with rides of 100 to 200 metres on the better days. Plenty of alternative beaches in the area - Tomahawk, Lawyers Head, and St Kilda - help spread the crowd, but St Clair remains the default check for every surfer in Dunedin. Localism is flagged, rips are active, sharks are present, and submerged rocks and kelp add consequence near the point section. Full facilities available.
A-frames across all tides, a long right point when the big swells arrive.
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Often crowded. Dunedin's default surf check. Localism present. Tomahawk, St Kilda spread overflow.
Dunedin surf hub
Otago & Southland
Dunedin beachbreak for small swells, with a left that sets up reliably in the east corner; plenty of rips and a crowd when it's working.
Otago & Southland
Average beachie requiring a long sandhills hike — best on small swell at low tide. Yellow Eye Penguin reserve.
Otago & Southland
S swell bends around a rock island into workable walls with a hollow takeoff — beachbreak gets epic with anchored sandbanks.
+4 MORE →Right point near hot pools on big S swells. Tomahawk and St Kilda for overflow. Any N wind works offshore. All facilities available.
HAZARDS · KNOW BEFORE YOU PADDLE
Excellent facilities including free car park, roadside parking, lifeguard patrol, restrooms, and showers. Multiple nearby beaches like Tomahawk and St Kilda help spread crowds.
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