Hickory Bay - surf spot statistics

Hickory Bay in New Zealand offers consistent swell year-round, with no months recording zero swell, making it a reliable surf spot. The best conditions generally occur from April to July when the mean swell size peaks between 2.1m and 2.3m. During these months, ground swell dominates (60-62% in April-May), providing cleaner and more organized waves compared to wind swell. Wind conditions improve slightly in these months, with good wind days increasing to 25-29%, though onshore winds still prevail (71-75% bad conditions). The worst wind conditions are in summer (January-February and December), where bad winds exceed 80%. From August onwards, swell size gradually decreases, though September-October still offers decent waves around 2.0m. Summer months (December-February) see smaller swells (1.8-1.9m) and the highest wind swell influence (54-66%), resulting in choppier conditions. Overall, mid-autumn to mid-winter (April-July) is the prime window for surfers seeking larger, cleaner waves at Hickory Bay, with May standing out as the peak month thanks to strong ground swell (62%) and slightly improved wind odds (27% good).

Hickory Bay in January offers surfers a mix of conditions with an average swell height of 1.8m and a solid period of 9.7s, indicating well-organized waves. The most consistent swells come from the northeast and east-northeast, particularly in the 1-2.5m range, providing good power and shape. Southwest swells are also notable, with larger waves (1.5-2.5m) appearing frequently, suggesting decent energy for intermediate to advanced surfers. Wind conditions are somewhat limiting, with only 18% of the time being ideal—typically when winds are light or offshore from the east or northeast. Stronger onshore winds from the north and west can disrupt conditions, especially at higher speeds (20-50kph). Overall, January delivers rideable waves, but surfers should watch wind forecasts closely and aim for early mornings or days with favorable offshore breezes for the best sessions.