Whale Bay

Whale Bay is the second of the well-known Raglan point breaks. It is a long left-hand point break on a boulder/rock beach. The wave is the softest of the three Raglan points. The wave starts with a easy drop in, into a fat section. Careful at this point, as there is a big rock to avoid in the middle of the break. The wave then boils and sucks up a bit more with a faster section. It is better on the lower tide. Jump off the rocks at the point, western end of the bay, to join the line-up. Be careful on the rocks. Good anywhere from 2-12 foot. On an epic day, you can surf right through from Indicators, to Whale Bay, to Manu Bay. All the Raglan breaks are very popular and can get crowded, so know the rules and respect the locals. Best for intermediate to expert surfers.

Quality Rating: 

9

Optimal Swell Direction: 

SW

Optimal Wind Direction: 

SE

Tide: 

Low

Wave Type: 

Left point

Wave Size Min: 

2.0ft

Wave Shape: 

Fat
Wally
Long

Beach Type: 

Boulder
Rock

Skill Level: 

Intermediate

Crowd Level: 

9

Danger: 

Careful on the rocks and watch the rock in the middle of the break.

Directions 

From Hamilton, head west on Whatawhata Road/State Highway 23, all the way to Raglan. You will enter Raglan on Main Road, which then turns into Bow Street. Continue to the first roundabout and turn left onto Bankart Street. Turn left at the next roundabout onto Wainui Road. Continue on Wainui Road past the Manu Bay Reserve, then turn right onto Calvert Road, then turn right onto Tohora Close. Find a park around here; it can be very busy in summer. There is a walkway at the end of Tohora Close that will take you past the houses and down to the beach.

Nearest Town: 

Raglan

Nearest City: 

Hamilton

Travel Time from City: 

50mins

Road in: 

Seal

Walk in: 

No

Parking at beach: 

Yes

Facilities: 

Toilets

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