Surf spot guide · Waikato Coast, New Zealand
Wild rivermouth beachbreak north of Raglan — only worth the drive when light swell and clean winds align at high tide.
High Waves
Large waves up to 2.0m expected at Te Akau South. Peak conditions around 10:00 AM.
Exercise extreme caution when entering the water. Strong currents and large waves present. Warning valid until 9:00 PM.
Te Akau South is a remote rivermouth beachbreak on the wild stretch of Waikato coast north of Raglan, where the river outflow helps break up the close-outs that plague this exposed shore. The spot produces A-frame peaks over sand, working best at higher tides when the shorebreak gains shape and the wave becomes more defined. On most days the beach closes out, and the spot only earns its check when a light SW to NW swell combines with easterly offshore winds - a combination that delivers manageable, fun peaks for intermediate surfers. Rides are short at 0 to 50 metres, and the wave handles 1 to 1.8m and it is a good wave when everything comes together. The setting is genuinely wild and undeveloped, with the beach empty on most days. Crowds only appear when Raglan is tiny and surfers drive north hoping to maximise a minimal swell. Rip currents are present, particularly near the rivermouth, and submerged objects can appear without warning. This is a backup option rather than a destination - useful for those who know the coast and want to escape the Raglan crowd when conditions don't warrant the points.
River outflow sculpts A-frames where the Waikato coast otherwise closes out.
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 — empty most days. Only draws surfers when Raglan is flat and everyone is chasing minimal swell.
Wild empty rivermouth
Waikato Coast
Isolated beachbreak north of Raglan that works at high tide among scattered rocks, with powerful peaks on small-swell days, reached by gravel road.
Waikato Coast
Isolated harbour-mouth sandbar across from Raglan — variable peaks from slopey shoulders to fast tubes. Usually empty.
Waikato Coast
Changeable sandbanks at Raglan Harbour's southern side delivering fast, hollow peaks on SW-NW swells.
+7 MORE →High tide only — lower water produces close-outs. Only worth checking when Raglan is tiny. Light swell and clean E wind needed. Rivermouth rips active.
HAZARDS · KNOW BEFORE YOU PADDLE
Free parking available but no other facilities. Remote location north of Raglan.
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