spot guide
Taranaki New Zealand

'The Land of the Long White Cloud' has a wild and varied coastline that's paradise for the inquisitive windsurfing traveller. The west coast region of Taranaki is one of North Island's treasured hunting grounds and probably the best place to kick-off an extended wind and surf escapade. To sample some of the local delicacies, here's a handy spot guide to help you get the most out of a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the South Pacific.
Info and images by Thomas Davies

Prime Time
September-November, April-May

Conditions Summary
Winter stormy seas with big cold swells requiring winter suits. Summer sea breezes can be boardshort-warm but bring a summer suit for occasional southerlies

Port tack for 90% of the year's sailing but there can be a bit of starboard tack around in summer when the cyclones make their way over NZ. You can almost always find cross-off sailing no matter what wind direction- most locals don't bother with cross on or onshore conditions.

The wind mainly comes from frontal systems, not regular thermals, so it's best to bring what gear you can because it ranges from waist-high waves with 40knts, to mast-high plus and just 10-knots - and anything else in between.