Overview
Magnet Bay is a small scenic cove with a left reef breaking over boulders. It has been surfed since the early 60s by the Midshore Boardriders club. The lefts don’t really wrap, but the walls can be pretty juicy and the ride length can be good.
When It Works
Magnet Bay is consistent and works on southwest to southeast swell, with south as the optimal direction. It is usable from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft.
Wind and Tide
A north wind is offshore, and the spot can handle any north wind. It works on low and mid tide, with a rising tide better. When it’s bigger, it handles more tide.
Local Tips
This is more of an intermediate spot. It can get a moderate crowd at times. Beginners and mal riders are better off at the more sheltered beaches to the east, Tumbledown Bay and Te Oka Bay, rather than taking on Magnet Bay’s boulders and bull kelp.
Access
From Christchurch, drive through Halswell on Christchurch Akaroa Road Highway 75, through Tai Tapu, past Birdlings Flat, and on to Little River. As you enter Little River, turn right onto Wairewa Pa Road toward the southern bays, then take the first right onto Kinloch Road. At the summit, where the road turns to gravel, turn right onto Bossu Road, then take the first left onto Te Oka Bay Road. At the first farmhouse, turn right onto Magnet Bay Road.
At the end of the road, park on the grass opposite the farmers. From there it’s about a 2-minute walk across the paddock to the beach. Free roadside parking is available.
