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).

June brings consistent surf to Hickory Bay with an average swell height of 2.3m and a solid 11.1s period, indicating powerful, well-formed waves ideal for experienced surfers. The dominant swell directions are from the SSW, S, and SE, producing the most frequent and sizable waves—particularly in the 1.5–2.5m+ range. SSW swells stand out, accounting for over 8% of waves above 2.5m, while S and SE swells deliver consistent energy in the 1.5–4m range. Winds are the main variable, with only 25% of conditions being ideal (typically light offshore or sideshore from the NE-ENE). However, strong onshore winds from the SSW-SW sector (20–50+ kph) are common, creating choppy or unruly conditions. Wind speeds over 30kph occur frequently, especially from the S-SSW, which can degrade wave quality. For surfers, June offers powerful swells but requires patience for cleaner wind windows—early mornings or NE wind days provide the best opportunities. Winter wetsuits are a must, and larger swells demand advanced skills due to the punchy, energy-packed waves.