Stoney Beach Surf Guide

Surf spot guide

Ideal Surf Conditions

Swell Direction

E, ESE

Wind

SW, S, W

Surf Height

Waist-head high

Tide

All tides

Stoney Beach Surf Guide

Similar to its closest neighboring breaks at Raupo Bay (which is just 4 km west from here), and the more popular Hickory Bay (a 13 kilometer drive to the east), Stoney Beach is a beautiful beach backed by a healthy array of stones and rounded rocks. Choosing between the three breaks often comes down to local knowledge of swell and wind.

Check the swell and wind conditions through your binoculars from the road that follows the crest of the summit of the ancient volcanic rim. It could save you hours of valuable surfing time.

One of the benefits of Stoney Beach is that it picks up a slightly different swell direction to both Raupo, Hickory and the Christchurch breaks, and as such is often worth checking for a slightly cleaner and/or bigger wave.

Ability Level

Intermediate

BegIntAdv

Intermediate

Local Vibe

Welcoming

WelcomingIntimidating

Mellow.

Crowd Factor

Moderate

MellowHeavy

Empty midweek - can get busier on weekends.

Spot Rating

Fun

PoorPerfect

Gets good on a proper swell and offers up some variety to other nearby breaks as it works on a slightly different swell direction.

Shoulder Burn

Light

LightExhausting

Not bad.

Water Quality

Clean

CleanDirty

Good

Hazards

Rip currents.

Bring Your

Shortboard

Access

An easy minute walk.

Bottom

Sand

Best Season

All year, smaller in summer

Do you have local knowledge about Stoney Beach?

If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]