Little Wanganui Surf Guide

Surf spot guide

Ideal Surf Conditions

Swell Direction

SW, W, WNW

Wind

E, SE

Surf Height

Waist-Head high

Tide

All tides

Little Wanganui Surf Guide

If you're heading north from Westport, it's close to 70 miles before you'll get to enjoy your first glimpse of Little Wanganui as the highway swings sharply towards the coast as you cross the Little Wanganui River. The river's got some great trout fishing, and you'll find plenty of whitebait in this, and all of the rivers of the Karamea region.

The rivermouth is a good place to start looking for a peak. It can get some good sandbars forming from the sediment build up. The beach stretches off to the north for quite some distance, with the road running parallel alongside it, meaning you can cruise slowly and spot the best peaks without too much difficulty. The town of Karamea is located at the northern end of this stretch of beach.

Ability Level

Beginner

BegIntAdv

Beginner

Local Vibe

Welcoming

WelcomingIntimidating

Mellow, quiet.

Crowd Factor

Mellow

MellowHeavy

Crowds are rare in these parts. Locals are scarce, and with most surfers prepared to travel to get the best waves around, you'll find a welcoming feel from fellow wave-riders.

Spot Rating

Fun

PoorPerfect

A good wave for those that are looking for a more relaxing surf venture.

Shoulder Burn

Light

LightExhausting

Not too bad.

Water Quality

Clean

CleanDirty

Good

Hazards

Turning your back on the ocean.

Bring Your

Shortboard

Access

Very easy

Bottom

Sand

Best Season

All year

Do you have local knowledge about Little Wanganui?

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