Taylor’s Mistake is a surf spot located near Christchurch, New Zealand. It’s a bit more exposed to the East-Northeast swell, making it a popular choice for surfers looking for some action. The beach is surrounded by headlands, providing some unique spots to catch waves. Be prepared for crowds, especially when the surf is firing, as it tends to attract a lot of surfers looking for their share of the action.

The waves here can get chunky with both left and right breaks, especially at lower tide, which can make for some fun rides. Taylor’s Mistake can handle swell sizes starting from around 2ft (0.6 meters) and works best with a NorthEast swell direction. It tends to close out on smaller swells, so it’s worth waiting for better conditions. The beach breaks over sand, which generally makes it beginner-friendly, but always be mindful of the currents. The ideal wind direction is from the SouthWest, which helps create better surfing conditions.

If you’re heading out when the surf gets bigger, it’s a good idea to use the rips by the rocks to paddle out. This will save some energy and help you get past the break a bit easier. Remember to keep an eye on the tide, as both low and mid tides are preferable for the best waves here.