Clarence Point.

Clarence Point sits just north of the Clarence River on the Kaikoura coast, where 1500 metres of coastline angles directly into SE swell, setting up numerous right-hand point options over a boulder bottom. The setup rewards patience and exploration: depending on swell size and direction, different sections of the coast light up with walling rights that can stretch 200 to 500 metres on the better days. The wave prefers SE swell with westerly offshore winds, and works across all tidal stages. Size ranges from 3 to 3m, though the specific swell angle required means it sits dormant more often than not. Access requires crossing train tracks and several fields, adding time and effort to the check. The reward is a rarely crowded lineup in a dramatic coastal setting backed by the Seaward Kaikoura Range. Rip currents, sharks, and submerged boulders are the primary hazards along this stretch. Further north, Kekerengu offers easier rides with a shorter walk-in, serving as a lower-commitment alternative when Clarence Point isn't delivering. Quality is rated good when conditions align, making it a worthwhile detour for surfers exploring the coast between Kaikoura and Blenheim.

Fifteen hundred metres of right-hand walls over boulders, rarely crowded.