Overview
Tracks is the first of three quality right-hand points where the railway line meets the coast. It's the most sheltered of the trio, peeling over boulders with nicely tapered walls and long shoulders that run down the rocks. That protection comes at a price: it breaks smaller and slower than the outer points.
When It Works
Tracks needs a big swell to wake up. It draws swell from southwest through southeast (SW-SE), but the best match by far is a solid south (S) swell, ideally with a little west in it. The break is usable from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft. Consistency is moderate, so you'll want to time your sessions around the right pulses, but when the setup lines up it delivers decent, rippable walls.
Wind and Tide
Look for a north (N) offshore wind to clean up the faces. The point works through low and mid tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
The tapered walls and long shoulders suit intermediate surfers well. Expect a moderately busy lineup when it's on.
Access
From Napier, head north on State Highway 2 through Wairoa. At Nuhaka, go straight through the roundabout onto Nuhaka Opoutama Road and follow it to the coast. Park near Opoutama beach, or pull in at Point Annihilation and walk round to the break. You can paddle out from the beach or drift down from Point Annihilation. There's a car park with free parking plus roadside parking, and restrooms on hand.
