Gizzy Pipe is a sand-bottomed beach break at Midway Beach in Gisborne. Closer to the river, Waikanae and Midway offer easy, beginner-friendly waves, but the real draw is out where the town's sewer pipe runs 3 km offshore. The outfall has shaped top-quality sandbars that throw fast, thumping tubes, which is what puts this peak on the map.
When It Works
The break draws swell from east through south, with southeast (SE) swell the best match. Peaks throw both lefts and rights over sand, and it works from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 1.8 m / 6 ft. It is moderately consistent, so you will get good windows without every day delivering, and when it does line up the waves are genuinely worth chasing.
Wind and Tide
Look for a north (N) offshore wind to clean up the peaks. It can work through low, mid, and high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
This is an expert-level wave. When it turns on, the sandbars produce powerful, tubing walls that ask for confident surfing and comfort in barrels. Expect a busy lineup whenever it works, with adept locals threading the peaks and dodging the close-outs, so pick your waves and know your limits before paddling out.
Access
From Gisborne city centre, near the clock tower on Gladstone Road, head west, turn south onto Stanley Road, and follow it to the end at the Midway Surf Life Saving Club beside Watson Park. Turn right onto Centennial Marine Drive and find a park a little further along. The main peak sits a few hundred metres west down the beach from the surf club. There is a car park with free parking plus roadside parking, and the spot is well set up with restrooms, showers, camping, a lifeguard, a surf school, and a surf shop.
