Papatowai
Papatowai is a favourite for New Zealands big wave riders as this place can get huge. Papatowai Breaks out on the reef at the point with a huge right hand reef break and also a gnarly left hander. The point needs over 5m swells before it can be riden and be riden when over 10ft. The wave has a steep drop in, into a massive barrel. Its out on the point, so you really want a jet ski or boat. Experts only. Watch out for sea weed and rocks. It gets colder down this area, so wear plenty of rubber.
Optimal Swell Direction:
S
Optimal Wind Direction:
W
Tide:
All
Wave Type:
Reef
Wave Size Min:
10.0ft
Wave Shape:
Powerful
Hollow
Barrels
Beach Type:
Rock
Skill Level:
Expert
Wildlife:
Seals
Danger:
Extreme wave, Experts only. Watch out for the rocks and sea weed. Cold.
Directions
From Dunedin head South on State Highway 1. When you get to Balclutha turn left onto High Street (Signs to Owaka), then turn right onto Owaka Highway. When you get to Owaka turn left onto Papatowai Highway and continue on to Papatowai. At Papatowai either turn left onto Alexandra Street then Cross Street down to the beach, or it maybe easier to get to from Tautuku Beach by continuing through Papatowai onto Chaslands Highway and turning left on to Tautuku Road down to the beach. The Papatowai surf break is out on the point off the Rainbow Isles rocks.
Nearest Town:
Papatowai
Nearest City:
Dunedin
Road in:
Seal
Walk in:
Yes
Parking at beach:
Yes
