Pouawa Beach is a beach break set inside a marine reserve and a popular summer camping spot near Gisborne. Waves here are transient, shifting over the sandbars and scruffy reef outcrops, so the setup moves around with the banks. It is a decent spot, and out of the water it is a good place to snorkel and see the protected sea-life.
When It Works
The beach draws swell from northeast through east-southeast to south (NE-ESE-S), with east (E) swell the best match. It breaks over sand and throws both lefts and rights, and it stays fairly consistent. It works from 0.3 m / 1 ft to 1.8 m / 6 ft.
Wind and Tide
Look for northwest (NW) offshore wind, with a bit of shelter from northeast wind up by the rivermouth. The beach works on low and mid tide, and both rising and falling tides can deliver.
Local Tips
This is an approachable, beginner-friendly beach break. Expect a moderately busy lineup when it works.
Access
From Gisborne town centre, drive east on Gladstone Road, onto Wainui Road and State Highway 35 towards Wainui. Continue past Wainui on Moana Road and onto Whangara Road, then at Pouawa cross the Tarewarewa Stream and turn right onto the gravel road down to the beach. There is a car park with free parking plus roadside parking, along with restrooms and camping.
