Hickory Bay is a surf spot located near Akaroa, known for being a frequently surfed beachbreak. It faces southeastern, which helps it pick up swells from a 180º window. The spot is accessible via a bit of a journey, but it can be rewarding when the conditions align. Just keep in mind that this spot is not the easiest to get to, and it lacks facilities, so you'll need to come prepared.

The waves here are primarily beach breaks that can deliver some solid rides. You're looking at handling swell sizes starting at around 2 ft (0.6 m) and going up. The lefts are particularly notable, often wedging up in the north corner near the cliffs and offering heavy, hollow walls. The right-handers are also fun, especially with northwest winds. The best times to catch waves here are during low to mid or even high tide, depending on the swell. Given the conditions, it's best suited for intermediate surfers, so keep that in mind if you're still learning.

To get to Hickory Bay, you’ll need to navigate a bumpy gravel road, followed by a 10-15 minute walk through farm gates to reach the beach. The surroundings are pretty rustic, and there are no facilities, so pack out what you bring in. If the conditions at Hickory Bay are a bit too much, Goughs Bay nearby often has smaller, more manageable surf.