Little Wanganui

Little Wanganui is a classic golden-sand beach break, with the Wanganui River mouth shaping the southern end of the lineup. The wave breaks over a sandy bottom, producing a sprawling array of peaks that scatter along this exposed stretch of coast, offering both lefts and rights for those willing to pick their section. Expect a punchy, steep drop that leads into good wall-like rides, often capped by a hollow shorebreak that can pitch quickly in the right conditions. While not a world-class standout, this spot delivers consistent, fun waves that hold up well, earning it a solid reputation as a reliable, decent option on the west coast.

Best Surf Season (April - August)

As the Tasman Sea wakes up in autumn, Little Wanganui morphs into a consistent, powerful set-up. From April through August, average swell heights climb to 6-7ft (1.8-2.1m) with long periods of 12.2-12.5s, while ideal offshore wind windows peak between 45 and 58 percent. South-eastern winds, generated by slow-moving highs east of New Zealand, blow straight offshore across this north-west-facing beach, grooming the persistent W-WSW swell into clean, powerful lines. This is the heart of the season.