Aramoana - surf spot statistics

Aramoana, New Zealand, is a surf spot with consistent swell year-round, offering primarily ground swells with a mix of wind swells and almost no days without waves. The best months for surfing here are from March to August, when ground swell dominance is highest (70-75%), swell sizes are larger (mean 2.0-2.3m), and conditions are most favorable for surfers seeking powerful, clean waves. However, wind conditions are generally challenging throughout the year, with only 15-18% of days having good offshore or cross-shore winds—most days (82-85%) experience onshore or unfavorable winds. The worst months are December and January, when ground swells drop below 60%, wind swells increase, and wave size decreases slightly (1.8-1.9m). While winter months (May-August) provide the biggest and most consistent ground swells, surfers should be prepared for strong onshore winds and colder water. Late summer and early autumn (February-April) can be a reasonable compromise, offering slightly better wind odds while still maintaining decent swell size and quality. Advanced surfers will find the most opportunities in this window, but patience is required to score the rare days with clean conditions.

November at Aramoana delivers solid surf conditions with an average swell height of 1.9m and a strong period of 10.9s, indicating powerful, clean waves. The dominant swell direction is from the southwest (SW), contributing the highest percentage of waves in the 1–2.5m+ range, ensuring consistent, rideable surf. Cross-shore winds (NE to SE) are less frequent but ideal 17% of the time, offering clean faces. However, stronger onshore winds (SW to W) are more common, which can create choppier conditions, especially when speeds exceed 20kph. Smaller swells (0.5–1.5m) from the east (ENE to SE) provide variety, though they’re less powerful. For advanced surfers, the bigger SW swells (1.5–2.5m+) are the main attraction, but wind quality is crucial—monitor for those lighter NE/SE days for the best sessions. Overall, expect decent waves with occasional pristine windows, but be prepared for variable wind influence.