dunedin Archives - MyWaveFinder Where to surf Sat, 11 Jul 2026 15:48:49 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.2 https://www.mywavefinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/cropped-mywavefinder-high-resolution-logo-black-on-transparent-background-1-32x32.png dunedin Archives - MyWaveFinder 32 32 Dunedin, New Zealand https://www.mywavefinder.com/destination/dunedin-new-zealand-surf-guide/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dunedin-new-zealand-surf-guide Sat, 06 Apr 2019 15:53:57 +0000 https://www.mywavefinder.com/?p=175 Surfing Guide to Dunedin, New Zealand     Summary Dunedin is one of the best cold-water surf destinations in New Zealand, located on the rugged southeast coast of the South Island. As the second-largest city on the island (after Christchurch), Dunedin offers powerful Southern Ocean swells, uncrowded breaks, and a thriving local surf culture. While ... Read more

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]]> Surfing Guide to Dunedin, New Zealand

 

Dunedin Surf New Zealand

 

Summary

Dunedin is one of the best cold-water surf destinations in New Zealand, located on the rugged southeast coast of the South Island. As the second-largest city on the island (after Christchurch), Dunedin offers powerful Southern Ocean swells, uncrowded breaks, and a thriving local surf culture.

While conditions here can be chilly year-round, the reward is crowd-free surf and consistent waves, perfect for both beginners and experienced surfers willing to suit up and paddle out.

 

Why Surf in Dunedin?

Dunedin might not have the tropical feel of North Island surf towns like Raglan, but it makes up for it with:

  • Consistent swell from the Southern Ocean

  • Empty lineups even on good days

  • Beach breaks suitable for all skill levels

The city’s location means surf is accessible right near town, making it easy to score waves without driving far.

 

Dunedin Surf New Zealand
Photo by Nareeta Martin

 

Best time to Surf Dunedin

The best time to surf Dunedin, New Zealand is from April to June for more consistent waves and favorable wind.

 

January-FebruaryMarch-AprilMay-JuneJuly-AugustSeptember-OctoberNovember-December
Suitable for:All surfersAll surfersIntermediate
Advanced		Intermediate
Advanced		Intermediate
Advanced		All surfers
Air temperature15°C
59°F		13°C
55°F		9°C
48°F		8°C
46°F		10°C
50°F		13°C
55°F
Water temperature12°C
54°F		11°C
52°F		9°C
48°F		8°C
48°F		9°C
48°F		10°C
50°F
CrowdFew peopleFew peopleFew peopleFew peopleFew peopleFew people
Swell consistency65%75%80%80%70%65%
Swell height5ft6ft7ft7ft7ft6ft

 

 

Where to stay in Dunedin

 

 

You may also be interested in: our Surf Guide to Raglan, North Island.

 

 

Surf spots in Dunedin

St. Kilda Beach

One of Dunedin’s most popular surf beaches, St. Kilda is a sandy beach break offering both lefts and rights. It’s ideal for all levels, from first-timers to experienced surfers.

  • Wave direction : Left and right
  • Bottom : Sand
  • Best tide : Any
  • Skill level : Any
  • Optimal swell direction : S
  • Optimal wind direction : NNW

 

Dunedin surf New Zeland


Smails Beach

Just a short drive from the city center, Smails Beach is a reliable beach break that catches plenty of swell. It’s known for fun peaks and a bit more power than St. Kilda.

  • Wave direction : Left and right
  • Bottom : Sand
  • Best tide : Any
  • Skill level : Any
  • Optimal swell direction : S
  • Optimal wind direction : N

 


Dunedin

The coastline surrounding Dunedin offers several accessible and versatile surf breaks right in town. These spots work across all tides and cater to every skill level.

  • Wave direction : Left and right
  • Bottom : Sand
  • Best tide : Any
  • Skill level : Any
  • Optimal swell direction : S
  • Optimal wind direction : NW

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