BW Campgrounds

Surfing

Everyone knows Gissy has some of the sickest waves in NZ. With a multitude of beach, reef and point breaks around its no wonder so many people come here to sample our great beaches.

The coastline is affected by long ocean swells coming from both the east and south so you can usually catch a wave at one of the local beaches. You can see from both campgrounds Tuamotu Island which has been voted number 1 wave in the country, and holds Gisborne's longest barrel waves. There are two good left-hand reef breaks here, which fire up in a big southerly swell.

TOWN BEACHES

Right out in front of BW2 is the famous "pipe" break which is a wave that caters to all skill levels.

WAINUI BEACH

Wainui Beach (6 kms from Gisborne) is the popular spot for surfers of all levels as it consistently provides good waves throughout the year. The best waves are found off the southern reef systems, known as Stock Route, offering superb right and left-hand breaks.

MAKORORI

Makorori Point (8 kms from Gisborne) is a famous surf location, which has all the qualities of a perfect surfing hangout. A right-hander breaks over a shallow reef system setting up a long sweeping ride that is a surfer's dream. Watch for a south or south-east swell and waves around 2 metres from mid to high tide for the epic wave that will replay over and over in your mind.

Makarori Centre is slightly north of the Point and produces good right and left breaks that build up over reefs and sandbars. The best conditions are swells from the south or east at mid to high tide. North Makarori also has the potential for good surf in easterly swells. Pouawa Beach (19 kms north of Gisborne) is another place to try in an easterly swell.