Sandfly Bay is an average beachbreak tucked among Dunedin's southern beaches, home to some of the best beachbreak sand in the country. Reaching it means a long hike over the sandhills, but the sand-bottom peaks reward the walk with both lefts and rights. Flat days are rare here, and strong rips and heavy storms come with the territory, so keep an eye on the conditions before you paddle out.
When It Works
The bay draws swell from southwest through southeast, with a south swell the best match. It works from 0.3 m / 1 ft to 1.8 m / 6 ft and is at its best on a small swell. Expect moderately consistent surf, so it comes together more often than not when the swell lines up.
Wind and Tide
Look for a north offshore wind to clean things up. The bank is best at low tide, and a rising tide is generally the better call.
Local Tips
This is a friendly spot for beginners finding their feet, and the lineup tends to stay fairly quiet.
Access
Getting in is a long walk over the sandhills down to the beach, with a car park and free parking waiting at the top. Sandfly Bay also sits within a Yellow-Eyed Penguin reserve, and neighbouring Boulder Beach is now closed to surfing because penguins are nesting there.
