Overview
The Cliff is a left-hand point that comes to life on large south swells, tucked away at the end of the road past the Gisborne yacht club. Waves peel over a mix of uneven reef and sand. It's a fairly average point rather than a standout, but it delivers a rideable left when the setup lines up.
When It Works
The Cliff draws swell from east through south (E-S), with south (S) the best match, which suits its need for a large south swell. It works from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 3 m / 10 ft. Consistency is a little hit-and-miss, so it takes the right swell to switch on, but there are worthwhile windows when it does.
Wind and Tide
Look for northeast (NE) offshore wind. The point breaks on mid and high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
This is one for intermediates, mostly because there are plenty of rocks to contend with in and around the lineup. Expect a fairly quiet lineup when it's breaking.
Access
From Gisborne town centre, head east on Gladstone Road, onto Wainui Road and State Highway 35 towards Kaiti. After the bridge, turn right onto Hirini Street, continue onto Kaiti Beach Road, and follow it past the yacht club right to the end. There's a car park with free parking, plus roadside parking.
