From: srgxnbs@grv (Bruce Spedding)
Subject: NewZealand windsurf guide updated
Reply-To: srgxnbs@grv
Organization: DSIR, Lower Hutt, New Zealand.
Date: Mon, 12 Oct 92 23:43:04 GMT



NZ WINDSURFING GUIDE 2/10/92

This is a first draft guide to windsurfing locations in NZ, based on the
experience of the contributors. For those not familiar with New Zealand it is
just below and to the left of Australia and is always ahead of the rest of the
world. We have the best sailors, canoeists etc. (because we can't afford to fly
anywhere) and the second best liars (Oz wins that one).

There are are two major islands called North Island and South Island (wow!)
plus Stewart Island which hangs off the bottom. Auckland is the largest city at
the top of the Nth Island, Wellington (capital) is at the other end. Just
across the gap (Cook Strait) is Nelson, then down to Christchurch (mid way down
the Sth Island. Dunedin is near the bottom and Invercargill looks across at
Stewart Island. The main features windsurfing wise about NZ is the extensive
coastline, lots of lakes and few people. Theres also a lot of other uncrowded
pursuits available.

With the exception of the above all descriptions will follow the natural order
(ie South to North).


The first (well written) section on Canterbury (mid South Island) is from Dean
while I (Bruce) am presently responsible for the rest. Thanks to Simon 
for contributions on Dunedin and northern North Island locations.

For feedback, comments, corrections etc. contact:

Bruce: srgxnbs@grv.grace.cri.nz
Dean : dean@cosc.canterbury.ac.nz
Simon: pappss@fri.cri.nz


Contributions from other kiwis welcome :)

======================================================================
INVERCARGILL
------------- The second windiest place in NZ! (but not when I was there :))
There is a large tidal estuary behind the aluminium smelter which I 
gather is ok for speed and is also used for racing etc. The southern 
beaches look ok too. There was one local windsurf shop when I was 
there.

DUNEDIN
-------

Nor-easterly sea breezes are common in summer and funnel down the harbour
clean and strong.  Most of the sailing is done at the Vauxhaul Yacht Club.

Westerly winds are often strong but gusty.  South or SW winds can bring good
wave-sailing to the St Kilda and St Clair beaches, but a warning, these are
cold, even in summer.



QUEENSTOWN
----------- Glenorchy at the head of lake Wakatipu is THE speed sailing site,
but it didn't blow when I was there either!

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Dean's section follows
--------------------------------------------------------------------


Well I can cover the Canterbury region.  Starting inland, the two main
lake locations are Coleridge and Clearwater.  Closer to the coast is lake
Ellesmere and the Christchurch estuary.  Just around from the estuary we
have Sumner, and the other beaches along the coast north of Christchurch.
Over the hill from Christchurch is Lyttelton Harbour, and slightly
further away is Akaroa.  I sailed at all these spots except the northern
beaches, as I haven't really done a lot of wave sailing.

Lake Colleridge

This is an inland lake about 1.5 hours drive from Christchurch, not
far from Mount Hutt.  It's about 10km long, 2-3km wide, and located in
what was once a glacial valley.  When the norwest's blow this is one
of the best places to be (provided you can water-start).  The wind gets
up to about 30kts and isn't quit as gusty as down on the plains.
In these conditions a very sharp 1m swell builds up, excellent for
jumping.

I've only sailed at one place on the lake, Ryton bay, half way up the
northern shore, all of which is by the way of an un-sealed road.  You turn
off this road about 100m before the Ryton river bridge - the maps show
the turn off nearly 1km earlier.  The stretch of road/track from the bridge
is across farm land so normal courtesy should be observed i.e. leave all gates
as you found them.  If you intend staying the night it's probably best if
you check at the farmhouse, back where the maps say the turn-off should
be. There isn't much there, a dozen caravans owned mainly by fishermen.

Two other spots can be used, the very top (western) end of the lake, probably
very flat speed sailing.  The bottom end of the lake apparently gets bigger
swells than Ryton bay.  The lake also gets the easterlies, but no where near
as strong as the norwest, and it's a long way to go when locations closer
to Christchurch offer better conditions in an easterly.

Lake Clearwater

The name says it all!  Your sails come sparkling like they did the day you
walked out the shop.  This lake is about 2.5 hours drive south-west of
Christchurch, the last 20km are on un-sealed road.  Considerably smaller
and shallower than lake Coleridge, the water is warmer even though both
these lakes are snow feed.  The lake is only about a kilometer across at most,
and about 2-3km long.  There are some restrictions on sailing sites, as the
lake is also the breeding/nesting ground of the rare crested grebe (a nearly
extinct native of Australia).  No motorised craft or craft over 1000
(something like that) kg are allowed on the lake, they are restricted to
nearby lake Howard.  Relative to Ryton bay there is quit a bit more here,
a lot of batches, and fishermen's huts, it's very popular with trout
fishermen.  There is a small camping ground right on the lake shore, and
public toilets also.

Similar to Coleridge, being located in another valley, it works best in a
westerly.  I've heard it said that if you park side on to the wind you can't
open your door on the windward side.  Short sharp swells develop when it
blows hard, resulting in good chop jumping.  It also gets the easterly but
usually not till about mid afternoon, and only at about 10kts.  All in all
it's a really nice spot, usually a few local from Ashburton or Methen can
be found there, but it's a long way to go from Christchurch.

Lake Ellesmere

50km south of Christchurch is Lakeside domain.  This lake is on the coast,
is huge, we're talking a large triangle shape, 25km at the base, about 10km
high.  The strange thing is that it is very shallow, at lakeside, there aren't
many areas deeper than 1.5m.  In a westerly, it gets even shallower as the
water is pushed to the far side of the lake, in fact sometimes it is not
possible to sail at all.  The water is very muddy but warm.  Easterlies
don't often make it to the lake as they have to move around the peninsula,
and unless the air is very dry, and it has been from the east for a couple of
days it just doesn't make it.  Southerlies would be good, if you caught the
front, but very cold.

Lakeside is, basically speaking, out in the country-side.  The nearest shops
(service stations, dairies) are about 5km away at Leeston.  Ellesmere is
definitely the place to go in westerlies if Coleridge and Clearwater are
too far away and you're not into wave-sailing.

Christchurch Estuary

The place where every Christchurch wind-surfer learn't.  Making one of the
eastern borders of the city, it's close no matter where you live/stay.
Being an estuary it's tidal, good for sailing about 1.5hrs before high, 2.5
after.  At high tide only the channels are over most people's head.
This is the safest location to sail at, you can't come to any serious harm
(as long as you keep out of other people's way).  The biggest problem is
congestion.  On a good day in summer, numbers easily get to 500+, and you
have to share the place with three other yacht clubs.

The estuary can be sailed in all winds, but the easterly sea breeze is by
far the best.  It comes up about lunchtime, depending on the amount of
cloud cover, and how long it takes the plains to warm up.  It often gets
to 15-20kts, and is usually very steady.  Good chop jumping can be enjoyed,
and the estuary is serviced by three wind-surfing shops, so if anything breaks,
you can be back on the water within minutes.

I was probably wrong when I said congestion was the biggest problem, getting
the tide and the wind synchronised is probably worse.  However if the tide
is out, and you can water start, then there is always Lyttelton Harbour.

Sumner and Northern Beaches

All these beaches are sailed in northerlies and westerlies, cross-offshore
conditions.  The more northern beaches are cross shore in notherlies.
Following the coast south, back to Christchurch, it curves east, meaning
these beaches are cross shore in nor-westers, and westerlies.  Most of these
beaches are popular summer swimming locations and are patrolled over the
weekends and school holidays.  Most of them are notorious for their pot-holes
and rips, so sailing alone is not a good idea.

Sumner is the most popular wave location in Christchurch, and is usually
quite busy in a nor-west.  It's five minutes drive from the estuary, so
is also close to the shops if repairs are needed.  I'm no expert when it
comes to these locations as I've only sailed here once or twice, but on
a good day I would guess at 2m breaks.  It's certainly possible to
pull off loops here (I've got the photos to prove it).

Lyttelton Harbour

If harbour blasting is for you, then so is Lyttelton.  Good harbour swells
develop after a day or two of good easterlies, and it general blows about
5kts more here than at the estuary.  There are several places in the harbour
to launch from, the two main one's being the yacht club at Lyttelton, and
a small car park at Chartris bay on the other side of the harbour.  Chartris
bay is near the head of the harbour, so is tidal, but has a slightly longer
range than the estuary.

Launching at Lyttelton is a big problem.  You can't sail right from
the yacht club ramp as it is quite sheltered, instead you have to clamber
over 44gal drum size boulders, throw your gear in the water, and then
water start.  To make life even more difficult it is quite gusty for the first
100-200 meters from the shore, right where most of the yacht traffic is.
Once you're out though it's worth it.  Good clean breeze, large swells,
and relatively few obstacles to avoid.

Akaroa Harbour

Akaroa is a quaint little township about an hour and a halfs drive from
Christchurch.  It's worth going there even you don't intend to go sailing.
It was originally settled by the French, but the Brits soon stepped in and
took over.  The harbour itself is quite a bit bigger than Lyttelton, about
5 nautical miles across.  The best sailing is had in southerlies.  In
winter these are cold and wet and not nice to sail in, but over summer
they can be very dry, and of moderate strength, about 15kts.  If you
are very lucky, the local dolphins may swim around you as you
sail along.  Scared the s#%t out of me the first time it happened :-)  They
get tired very quickly if you sail much faster than about 12 kts, and
will drop away after a minute or two, but it's more fun if you
slow down and let them tag along.

==================================================================
NELSON
======= Nelson (Tasman Bay) is at the top of the South Island and has lots of
fine weather (reputedly the sunniest place in NZ). Nelson is relatively calm
wind wise, but its also a maritine area so when it blows (prevailing winds from
the north) there's plenty of places to try, and plenty of other things to do
when its not. My experience is that on lighter days its a nice cruisy place and
when the wind gets up (north/northwest) then theres lots of fun to be had with
1-2m waves on most beaches. The main thing is there are lots of beaches! Local
shop is Preston Windsurfing near Tahunanui beach.



.                                                               .
.           ___/---           N                                 .
.        __/  /               ^                                 .
.     __/    /                |                                 .
.    /      /               __|__                               .
.          /                  |                                 .
.         /                   |                                 .
.        /                                                      .
.        | GOLDEN                               THE SOUNDS      .
.        |  BAY             TASMAN      |                       .
.        |                   BAY        |  Picton/Blenheim-->   .
.        |     ___                      /                       .
.         \___/   \                    /                        .
.                  |Able Tasman       |                         .
.         Takaka   |Nat'l Park        |                         .
.                  |                  |                         .
.                  |                _ \ Cable Bay               .
.                  |               / \/                         .
.                  /Marahau        |                            .
.          Motueka|                /                            .
.                 |                |                            .
.           Tasman|               /                             .
.                 |Ruby           |                             .
.                 | Bay          /|                             .
.                 \             / |                             .
.                  \   Rabbit  /  /                             .
.                   \  Island    /                              .
.                    \\\     Port Nelson                        .
.                     \\\    __/                                .
.                      \____/ Tahunanui                         .
.                                                               .
.                                                               .
.                                                               .
.                                                               .
.                                                               .
.                                                               .
.                                                               .
.                                                               .
  
THE SOUNDS
---------- I've only tried to sail a board here a couple of times but I've also
sailed yachts through here and its a waste of time, winds gusty and come from
every direction.

CABLE BAY
---------- I'm told this is the place to go by the locals, last time I was in
Nelson and it blew I went over but couldn't find anyone! See local shop.

ATAWHAI
-------- This is the large estuary defined by the Boulder Bank, ok at high
tide.

PORT NELSON
------------ The inner harbour can be sailed from the local yacht club, looks
fairly congested. Don't expect sympathy if you sail outside the Boulder Bank
and get into trouble.

TAHUNANUI
---------- I've had a lot of fun here in strong northwesterlies, launch from
the car park at the eastern (main road) end of the beach. Good waves out over
the sand spit at the other end, but may be shallow in the troughs.

RABBIT ISLAND
-------------- Large sand dune held together with pine trees about 30 mins from
Nelson on the way to Motueka. Has long north facing beach with medium waves on
strong day. Picnic grounds, no camping (I think). Sand yachts.

RUBY BAY
--------- On the coastal route to Motueka/Takaka. I've not sailed here but
looks like an interesting place to camp/sail.

TASMAN
------- Large estuary just before Motueka, looks like it could be fun at HIGH
tide and a long walk at low (if caught).

MARAHAU
-------- Last beach before Able Tasman National Park, large tidal bay good for
just pottering around, beginners. Some sailors have gone up into the park
(suitably equipped/supported). Canoe hire, camp ground etc.

TAKAKA
------- Small waves on good days, big beach, campground.

NELSON LAKES
------------- Nice clean water, camping but winds gusty. Big slalom boards and
up recommended.

==================================================================
WELLINGTON
=========== (Windy) Wellington, (supposedly the windiest place in NZ) comprises
a large natural harbour opening out south into Cook Straight, which acts as a
large wind tunnel for the southerly winds straight off the Antarctic. The
prevailing wind is northwesterly and there are a number of locations around the
inner harbour to sail from, as well as Lyall Bay on the south coast and
Plimmerton on the West. Local shops include Southcoast at Lyall Bay, Stunned
Mullet in the city and Wild Winds in Petone. Winds in the +30knots are not
uncommon and southerlies are BIG days. Quivers in Wellington genrally range
from 6.5m down to 3.0m, long boards are not too common.



.                                                              .
.                                                              .
.                       Paekakariki                            .
.                                                              .
.                                                              .
.                           /                           _      .
.                     Plimmerton                        /|     .
.                         /                            /       .
.                        /      Pauhatanui            /        .
.      N                /                     Lake Wairarapa   .
.                      /                      Lake Ferry       .
.      ^              /                                        .
.      |             /                                         .
.      |            /                                          .
.   ___|___        /                                      /    .
.      |          /                                      /     .
.      |         /                                      /      .
.      |        /                                      /       .
.              /                                      /        .
.             /                                      /         .
.            /         Petone                       /          .
.           /        ________                      /           .
.          /        /        \Seaview             /            .
.         /        /          \                  /             .
.         |       /           |                 /              .
.         |      /   Harbour  |                /               .
.         |      |            |               /                .
.         |      \__    _     |              /                 .
.         |      City  / \    |             /                  .
.         |         |  | |    |Eastbourne  /                   .
.         |         |EB| |S   |           /                    .
.         \         \__/ |    |          /                     .
.          \         __  |     \        /                      .
.           \_______/  \/       \______/                       
.                   Lyall                                      .
.                   Bay                                        .
.                                  EB=Evans Bay                .
.                                  S=Seatoun                   .
.          COOK STRAIT                                         .
.                                                              .


PETONE
------ Travel out from Wellington towards the Hutt Valley, turn off at Petone
and go along the foreshore to the far end. Parking just before the road leaves
the shore and rigging in the adjacent picnic area, or better still veer away
from the beach past the Mobil Service Station then take the first right, go
across the park and rig just behind the sand dunes. Sandy beach drops away
slowly, watch out for sand bars at low tide. Petone is best during a southerly
(onshore), in light winds is good for beginners and slalom, as wind gets
stronger then wave boards for chop hopping etc are the order of the day. Waves
up to 1-2 metres but strong winds make aerial manouveres interesting. Good for
Wellingtons extreme wind days as there is plenty of sheltered rigging on grass.
Playgrounds, funparks and shops make it good for family forays too.

SEAVIEW MARINA
-------------- This is a new development but has potential. Continue past
Petone towards Eastbourne across the Hutt River, turn right at the roundabout
and follow road around to the Marine. A small sheltered beach has been formed
at the mouth of the river facing west, and if the development plans are put in
place then grassed areas and parking will be plentiful. Beach provides shelterd
launching into southerly and northerly (I have only sailed in a southerly so
far), and southerly swell meeting river (often in flood) creates an interesting
wave effect. Potentially an ideal race/event location because of the
north/south sailing. WATCH THIS SPACE!

EASTBOURNE (my home turf!)
-------------------------- Keep going around to Eastbourne, DON'T stop at Days
Bay unless you want to show off/ look stupid/ get frustrated. After Days Bay
there are innumerable locations to sail, starting at Windy Point and heading
south past the yacht club, wharf and down to the rugby club. Heaps of grassed
areas, usually sheltered. Best sailed in a northwesterly (prevailing wind) but
usable in anything from northerly to southerly that doesn't have an easterly
component. In light winds is slalom territory, chop hopping etc as it gets
stronger, bigger waves in 40+ Knots. Lots of local facilities for other
recreation, playgrounds, walks, shops, tennis courts, coastal walk/bike ride.
Eastbourne is a good launch spot for harbour blast/cruise to Ward Island,
Seatoun, Oriental Bay/ Evans Bay or up the harbour towards Petone. You may have
to swim in/out of some places (ie Days Bay). Watch out for ferries if crossing
the shipping lanes! I sail here most of the time because its convenient but
also reliable - if there,s wind then Eastbourne is probably ok.

EVANS BAY (THE DITCH)
--------------------- Evans Bay acts as a north/south wind tunnel and is
sailable in either direction, appears to be THE place to go near the city if
there's any wind to be had and Lyall Bay or Plimmerton are not worth the
effort. Not recommended for beginners as beaches are small and rocky, and wind
turbulent near the shore. Good chop when wind gets up. Launching all round bay,
although Kio Bay on city side preferred. Rigging and parking limited, but that
doesn't stop multitudes from sailing at some locations (see & be seen?).

SEATOUN
------- From the city drive round past Evans Bay and the airport and keep going
to the far side of the Miramar Peninsula. You can sail from most of the beaches
although it may be difficult to get out into the wind, the normal place to
launch is near the Seatoun Wharf which faces NE. The area is usually sailed in
a northerly and may be (I've not gone there) the best place in a north
easterly. The usual harbour chop, sailing is across the shipping lanes so watch
out for the guys in the big boards (ferries)!

LYALL BAY
--------- South of Evans Bay next to the airport, this is the "the" wavesailing
spot in Wellington, but only in southerlies. Launch at the western end near the
Southcoast shop. Lyall Bay has a reputation for wrecking gear, also has surfers
to contend with so I recommend it only for experienced wavesailers.

Pauahatanui
------------ (hope the spellings right!) This is a large tidal inlet, ideal for
learning in just about any conditions/ directions as its just about touch-the-
bottom all the way across and is essentially landlocked so drifters can be
rescued by car. Launching site is half way round north side. Wear sandshoes as
there are some sharp stones near the shore. Bit shallow at low tide in places.
Good place for beginners and learning gybes, waterstarting etc.

Plimmerton
----------- The other wavesailing spot near Wellington, Plimmerton is best in a
northwesterly. Waves form over bar about 200m out. Launching from South Beach,
just over the railway lines, further round near the fire station or
alternatively on the other side of the bay below the radio masts (turn off at
Porirua and head for Titahi Bay). Plimmerton has variety and space for the type
of sailing you want, but can get busy on a good day.

Paekakariki
------------ (spelling again?) Some sailors go to Paekak but I've never tried
it.

Lake Wairarapa
--------------- Head north from Wellington via Upper Hutt over the Rimutuka
Hill to Featherston. Lake Wairarapa is a large tidal lake nearby, camping by
the yacht club (turn right at the lake) or just a bit further round (turn
left). Shallow brackish water but probably a good beginner location. A bit
gusty in a northerly but reputedly good in a southerly.

Lake Ferry
----------- Head out to the coast past L. Wairarapa to Lake Ferry, essentially
a lagoon with a sand bar separating the lake from the sea. Suggested as a speed
sailing location in a southerly, I've never sailed there when theres been wind.
Camping on the lake shore.


===============================================================
WANGANUI
========= I have sailed on the river, interesting but polluted. Nearby coastal
spots good for waves I believe. There is a local shop whos name escapes me.

Tangimoana
----------- Speed sailing site. This is a river mouth/estuary, at high tide the
lagoon is fun, as the tide drops its possible to sail with 1m of the bank of
the channel. Some sort of wave sailing possible on the coast I think. Room to
camp. Turn off at Bulls (yes, thats the name of the town).

================================================================
TARANAKI
--------
Best thing to do is contact the local Sirocco windsurfing manufacturers/shop
for best place to go on the day.

Excellent wave-sailing location located on the West Coast of the North Island.
The three main locations are: Weld Rd, Pungarehu, and Kina Rd.  Weld Rd works
best in a SW and waves are usually not too big.  Pungarehu (Northerly or
Southerly)has supposedly the best waves, but is rocky.  I haven't sailed there
so can't comment.  Kina Rd works in a NW or SE.  Sou-Easteries are funnelled by
Mt Taranaki and are usually very strong.  It is Taranaki's BIG surf location
and it scares the shit out of me and I have yet to see it on a big day.


          /
        /  Weld Rd
      /                **
    /                **
   |                *
   | Pungarehu Rd   * Mt Taranaki (Egmont)
   |                 **
    \                  **
      \
        \   Kina Rd
          \


ROTORUA
-------

I've added Rotorua as it's my home patch.  Sou-west winds predominate and are
consistant and often strong.  Other wind directions are gusty and usually
bring rain.

LAKE TAUPO
----------- Good general lake sailing. There was a local shop, don't know if
its still there.

TAURANGA
--------

Most sailing is done in the harbour although cross-onshore wave sailing is
sometimes possible (surf is eithier too small or too large).  Not generally
a high wind location but there's usually a breeze somewhere.


RAGLAN
------

Popular surfing location which often permits good sailing in the estuary.
Watch the outgoing tide though, it's very strong.  If you get sucked out
chances are that you will have to be rescued.


AUCKLAND
--------


Not a high wind area but there is almost always a 8-20 knot breeze blowing
somewhere.  Scores of beaches to choose from.  A popular place is the Tamaki
Estuary in the pre-dominant SW, it is funnelled down the river and is frequently
strong enough for a short board.  Very little surf gets through to the Auckland
area so most sailing is flat water blasting.  The main advantage of sailing in
Auckland is that the air and water temperatures are higher than the rest of the
country.  This holds true also for Northland, where there are many beaches
which offer sailing in the right conditions.

Auckland, self styled City of Sails would probably claim to be the windsurfing
centre of NZ, mainly because of population. This is where most of NZ's 
longboard sailors come from (says something about the wind :)) including
the Kendalls.

WAIHIKI ISLAND
--------------- I spent a week there once and sailed 2 days on my slalom board
and one day on my wave board (chop hopping), worth taking your gear if you're
going over. Ferry trip required.
Bruce Spedding
Materials Science and Performance
Industrial Research Ltd,     Fax: +64-4-569-0132
P.O.Box 31310,              Work: +64-4-569-0485
Lower Hutt,  ( NZST : +12 ) Home: +64-4-562-8522
New Zealand.  Internet: srgxnbs@grv.grace.cri.nz  
Newsgroups: rec.windsurfing