The Wave
Best with north swell and southeast offshore wind.
The bay is exposed, works at all tides, and rips and undertow are part of the open-bay read.
Check the sand and bank shape rather than expecting a sheltered corner.
Surf GuideEast Cape
Papatea Bay
Papatea Bay is a wide East Cape bay with a straightforward beachbreak character and very little crowd pressure. The setting is notable as much for the open bay and the nearby Raukokore landmark as for the waves themselves. Get the latest surfing conditions, forecast, and tide details for Papatea Bay in East Cape.
Break TypeBeach Break
Skill LevelIntermediate
LocationEast Cape, NZ
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