Magnet Bay
Good, long, left-hand point break on a large boulder beach, producing a fat, but wally wave. Best at low to mid tide as the wave shape is better. When the swell is small, it needs to be low tide to work or you will end up on the rocks. Being a point break, it can get crowded in the water fairly quickly.
Even though it is a fatter wave with a fairly easy take-off, you really need to be an intermediate to advanced surfer as the boulders can make it dangerous.
Optimal Swell Direction:
S
Optimal Wind Direction:
N
Tide:
Low
Wave Type:
Left point
Wave Size Min:
1.5ft
Wave Size Max:
8.0ft
Wave Shape:
Fat
Wally
Beach Type:
Boulder
Skill Level:
Intermediate
Wildlife:
Seals
Danger:
Getting in and out off the boulders, booties advised.
Directions
From Christchurch, drive out through Halswell on Christchurch Akaroa Road/State Highway 75, through Tai Tapu, past Birdlings Flat to Little River. Just as you are entering Little River, take the right-hand turn off on Wairewa Pa Road, sign posted to Southern Bays, then take the first right on Kinloch Road. The road will wind up the hill. At the summit, the road will change to gravel, turn right here onto Bossu Road, then take the first left onto Te Oka Bay Road. When you reach the first farmer's house, turn right onto Magnet Bay Road, it should be sign posted. At the end of the road, park on the grass opposite the farmer's house. There is a 2min walk across the paddock to the beach.
Nearest Town:
Little River
Nearest City:
Christchurch
Travel Time from City:
60mins
Road in:
Gravel
Walk in:
Yes
Parking at beach:
Yes
