Paturau Beach
Paturau Beach is a remote beach on the West Coast near the top of the South Island. The beach consists of a left hand point break at the southern end of the beach, which has some boulders high on the beach and at the point. the rest of the beach is sand with a main peak on the river mouth and other peaks on the north side of the river. the point offers a nice fast wave that provides some long rides. the peaks offer nice fun, waves, both right and left handers. The peaks can change a bit depending on tide and river conditions. being so remote theres not usually any crowds, you can often have the beach to yourself. Like all river mouth breaks, watch out for rips and currents.
Optimal Swell Direction:
SW
Optimal Wind Direction:
E
Tide:
All
Wave Type:
Left point
Beach break
Wave Size Min:
1.0ft
Wave Shape:
Wally
Fast
Hollow
Beach Type:
Sand
Boulder
Skill Level:
Beginner
Directions
From Takaka head north on Takaka Valley Highway State Highway 60. Continue on State Highway 60 until you get to the Collingwood turn off and turn left (away from Collingwood) onto Collingwood-Bainham Main Road, then turn right onto Collingwood Puponga Main Road, over the bridge heading north. Continue north until you get to Pakawau (just past Pakawau Inlet) and turn left on Mclure Street, which will then turn left and turn into Pakawau Bush Road. Continue on, the road will turn to gravel and change its name to Dry Road. Continue past Whanganui Inlet and will eventually arrive at Paturau. Cross the Paturau River and turn right onto Richards Road and park up at the beach. There is free camping at the beach, but with no facilities, you must bring a shavel for digging your own toilet.
Nearest Town:
Pakawau
Nearest City:
Takaka
Travel Time from City:
90mins
Road in:
Gravel
Walk in:
No
Parking at beach:
Yes
