Mangamanu Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
S, SE
Wind
NW, W, SW
Surf Height
Waist high-slightly overhead
Tide
All tides - better on the incoming
Mangamanu Surf Guide
Many would say this is New Zealand's best right-hand point. If you get it when it's on, you'll find it hard to argue. A perfect, long right point only 15 minutes north of Kaikoura, when its working you'll spot the wave from some distance away. Take your eyes off the lineup for just long enough to swing into the unmarked gravel car park right next to the highway and jump into you wetsuit post haste.The wave bends beautifully around a perfectly sculpted sweeping point, reminiscent of Malibu, with an amazing ride to match. At is best, Manga's will serve up rides of well over 200 yards, with quality snap-able walls and several hollow sections thrown in for good measure.Even when it's not perfect, Manga's can be plenty of fun, with sometimes up to three different rideable sections to choose from. And if it's not big enough, there are other options in the area, like Meatworks, which can be a pretty classy wave on its day.
Ability Level
Intermediate
Intermediate
Local Vibe
Doable
Only hassling when crowded.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Weekdays pretty good, weekends can get busy
Spot Rating
Perfect
Considered one of if not the best right point in the country.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Not bad on average, but you can spend some energy getting back to the top of the point after a long ride.
Water Quality
Clean
Good
Hazards
Turning your back on the ocean.
Bring Your
Shortboard
Access
Easy. Simply park cross the train track and the road, and you're virtually in the lineup.
Bottom
Rocky, but not nasty.
Best Season
March-August
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