Otago and Southland
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Positives
- Plenty of swell action
- Loads of long pointbreaks
- Among NZ’s best beachbreaks
- Uncrowded, full-on nature
Negatives
- Cold water, windy & wild
- Farmland access, long hikes
- Rare classic conditions on points
- Long haul flights
Otago and Southland surf travel guide
Some of the most challenging and rewarding surf breaks to be found anywhere in New Zealand. Swells can get huge and it’s no wonder that the Rex Von Huben memorial Big Wave contest is held here in October. North Otago spots are world-class but rare because of a lack of good NE swells. The Southern Scenic Route through the Catlins provides ample opportunity for exploration and is home to Papatowai, NZ’s official tow-in break. A short hop west are the consistent Southland spots.
Surf spots in Otago and Southland
Research the 19 surf breaks in Otago and Southland and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 19 breaks in Otago and Southland.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Otago and Southland
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Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 3,686,000
- Population
- 4,822,233
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- NZD
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 1.43 NZD NZD
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +64
- Dialing out
- 00
- Emergencies
- 112
- Language
- English, Maori
Visas
No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days for members of the EU, USA, Canada, Japan, Brazilians and some others. UK nationals can stay up to 6 months and Australians can travel with no restrictions. South Africans need to get a visa before arrival.
Getting There
Dunedin airport (DUD) is serviced by Air New Zealand and Qantas for within NZ and has direct flights from Australia (Coolangatta) with Freedom Air and Origin Pacific. Auckland (AUK) flight is 2.5h (1451km, $150 USD). 5h drive from Christchurch, 2.5h to Invercargill. Departure tax is $20.
Getting Around
The Southern Scenic Route around the Catlins in South Otago provides access to most surf breaks. Farming is the largest industry in Otago and Southland, finding livestock wandering on roads is not rare. Portobello Rd is the main route to the world famous Royal Albatross Colony at the entrance to Otago Harbour. Escape Campervans (office in Christchurch) are perfect for surfers.
Accommodation
Plenty of accommodation to suit all budgets and tastes. Many backpackers from $40/n. Expect $20 for a meal. Great wines!
Activities
From June to Sept, 24 ski areas and 12 heli-ski operators offer some of the best alpine experiences in the world. Queenstown (Coronet Peak, Remarkable) or Wanaka (Treble Cone, Wardrona) or Mt Hutt in Canterbury are 4.5h from Dunedin. Go rock fishing or paua (abalone) diving.
Hazards & hassles
Shark nets have been used in summer at St-Clair beach since 1970. Otago surfers are being driven out of the water by a growing population of sea lions. Harsh weather can close in quickly. Respect must be given to landowners if crossing private properties.
Handy Hints
Take a gun if visiting after April. Surf supplies abound in Dunedin city, Hydro Surf, Torpedo 7 and Amazon shops and Quarry Beach custom boards. Esplanade Surf School operates at St Clair. South Coast Boardriders, established in 1966, is one of the country’s strongest surfing clubs.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.