Te Akau South is a beach break on a wild, exposed stretch of coast, where a rivermouth helps break up the close-outs and shapes up rideable lefts and rights over sand.
When It Works
It draws swell from southwest to northwest, with southwest (SW) the direction that brings out its best. The break is usable from 0.3 m / 1 ft to 1.8 m / 6 ft. It's really only worth a look when a bit of light swell and clean wind come together, but when they do it can be good.
Wind and Tide
Look for an offshore wind from the east (E). It favours high tide, and a rising tide is generally the better call, with the higher water bringing better shape to the shorebreak.
Local Tips
This one suits intermediate surfers. The lineup stays fairly quiet, and it's empty most days, usually only drawing anyone when Raglan is tiny and everyone is chasing the minimal swell.
Access
From State Highway 22, head west through Glen Massey, then turn left onto Te Akau Road, left onto Te Akau South Road, and right onto Neilson Road to the end. From there, ask permission and walk across the paddocks. There's free parking.
