Patiti Point is a surf spot located in Canterbury, New Zealand, near the town of Timaru. The spot features a rocky bottom and works best at medium to high tide. The wave length ranges from 50 to 150 meters and the spot is known for being very consistent throughout the year. The surf spot provides left waves. The takeoff can be challenging at mid tide as the wave draws back off the edge of a flat reef, sometimes creating a hollow section or holding wall. When the swell is strong, the wave can offer up to three sections, carrying you right to the shingle beach. There is a channel to the right of the break that makes paddling out easier and helps you avoid the main impact zone. In winter, the water is cold, so a 5.2 mm wetsuit, gloves, hood, and booties are recommended. In summer, the best time to surf is early in the morning, between 5 am and 9 am, before the onshore wind picks up. The spot is right in town and has a spacious car park. To get there, drive south on SH 1 through Timaru, turn left at the Patiti Point sign, go under the rail bridge, turn right, and follow the road for about half a kilometer. The spot is usually uncrowded, but when it does get busy, respect the locals and always follow surf etiquette. Check your skills before paddling out, be sure that the spot and conditions match your level. Other nearby surf spots include Jack’s Point, Golf Links, Kakanui, and Wainakarua Bay. For the latest surf forecast, report, map, and webcam updates, check local resources before heading out. Check out the good surf at Patiti Point in the next 7 days, the webcams, the full forecast report, or see the spot on the surf map.
Tides have a significant impact on wave quality at certain surf spots like Patiti Point, causing conditions to vary throughout the tidal cycle. As the tide moves between high and low, the water depth over the seabed changes, affecting how the waves break. At these spots, high tide usually produce softer, slower waves, while low tide can generate faster, steeper waves. Some spots have specific tide stages when they work best, offering optimal conditions only at certain times of the day.
Near spots
There are 5 surf spots within a range of 100 km from Patiti Point. Use this section to find alternative spots that may be less crowded, better suited for your surfing skills, or offer a better forecast report for the next 7 days. Each spot includes detailed surf reports, forecast updates, and webcam views to help you plan. Whether you're seeking less crowded alternatives or simply exploring a region, the list of nearby surf spots is an essential tool.
See all 5 surf spots