Waiapu is a beach break at the mouth of the Waiapu River, where punchy peaks shift around over ever-changing sand and shingle bars. The banks throw up both lefts and rights, and it holds up as a decent option when the sand lines up.
When It Works
The peaks pull in swell from northeast through east-southeast to south (NE-ESE-S), and an east swell is the one to look for. It works from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 1.8 m / 6 ft, so there is a solid range of size to play with before it gets too small or too big. Expect moderately consistent surf rather than something you can count on every day.
Wind and Tide
Look for a northwest offshore wind to clean up the peaks. The bars work on low and mid tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
This one suits intermediate surfers comfortable reading shifting beach-break peaks. The lineup stays fairly quiet, so you can usually find a peak to yourself when it is on.
Access
Getting here means a long drive north from Gisborne: head east out of town on Gladstone Road onto Wainui Road and State Highway 35 towards Wainui, then continue on Moana Road and Whangara Road, pushing north past Tokomaru Bay and Waipiro Bay. Turn left onto Te Araroa Road (State Highway 35), and at Tikitiki turn left to stay on Te Araroa Road before turning right onto Rangitukia Road. Finally turn right onto Beach Road, which drops you at the beach on the north side of the Waiapu River mouth. There is a car park with free parking plus roadside parking, and a 4WD helps with access on this quiet stretch.
