This is a VERY fickle spot and only breas after a tropical cyclone has drifted down the East Coast of New Zealand. These photos (1 Mar 04) show a swell the same of which was last seen 35 years ago! Maybe breaks 2-3 times a year at 2-3 ft... 2-3 times a decade 4-6 ft !!!! When it's on it's like a pebble-bottomed kirra!
Overview
Atmosphere
The swell on the NE coast needs to be in the 4-6 metre range to even bother considering this break.
General
Pity this set-up isn't in a more swell catching position!
What???????
I shoulda read these comments about Orere point yesterday as we waited for the cyclone to pass over onto the east coast swell for the day was 4mtrs but rapidly dying, but the morning at the point would of been worth it. I'm gonna check this spot out more often. Cheers
comment by There's always Tea in Taranaki, 2007-04-24 05:41:39
The bottom at Orere isn't pebble
Rather its sharp volcanic rock covered in oysters. The first time I went to Orere I cut a flap of skin on my foot really badly (17 stitches), and when I paddled back out and commented about the sharp rocks, everyone else lifted up their feet to show their booties.
comment by Anonymous, 2007-03-14 01:28:37
did you know
That this also catches swell after a gale force NW has been up- wraps around the side of Waiheke and allows the left hander to break a little better- there is 100km+ nnw winds now- and am going to go soon- !!!!!! only breaks 3-4 times a year and i'm just about to surf it one of those 4 times !!!!! YYYEEEEAAAAHHHHH !!!!!! and did i mention in 2 hours the wind is swinging sw off shore !!!!!!!!! Suckers ~
comment by Anonymous, 2008-07-27 04:18:00