Cook's Point is a grunty right-hand point break near Tolaga Bay, peeling over a mix of boulders and sand. It's a good-quality wave that really comes alive when the swell is big, so save it for the days when the bigger sets are showing. This is a serious spot best left to experts.
When It Works
Cook's Point draws swell from northeast through east-southeast to south (NE-ESE-S), with east (E) the best match. It's usable from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft, and it's the bigger end of that range where the point shows its grunt. Consistency is on the lower side, so it takes the right swell to switch on, but when it does line up the right-hander is worth the effort.
Wind and Tide
The point has great protection from south (S) offshore wind. It favours the lower half of the tide, with low tide the best call and a rising tide generally the better of the two.
Local Tips
This is an expert-only wave, so come prepared for a heavy, powerful point. The lineup tends to stay quiet. If you're exploring the area, there are other reefs around Mitre Rocks and off Pourewa Island.
Access
From Gisborne, head east on Wainui Road (State Highway 35) and continue north. Just before Tolaga Bay, turn right onto Wharf Road, which bends left and ends at the southern end of Tolaga Bay near the wharf. Park in the car park at the end of the road. From there it's about a 25-minute walk to Cook's Cove along the Cook's Cove track.
