Taylor's Mistake

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Taylors Mistake is undoubtly the best beach break in Christchurch, and the local surfers know it, with large crowds when it turns on. It works best on a northeast swell and northwesterly winds are offshore. Just a short drive over the hill from Sumner, and only 30 minutes from the city centre. In the summer the crowds are crazy with swimmers and every type of surf craft invading the line up. Learners are strongly advised to stay over the hill at the mellow breaks Sumner offers. When it is firing good luck getting a park!

Sumner Beach

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Beach breaks from Cave Rock to the breakwater in the south. Ideal wave for beginners and longboarders due to its mellow nature, can get crowded in the summer. On big days paddle out from the breakwater, but watch for rips which can be severe. Offshore in a westerly and good on a northeast swell.

Southshore

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If you head down Marine Pde to the south you will find Rockinghorse Rd, which is where Southshore begins. Variable left and right peaks up and down the beach, and on its day the river bar to the south cranks on the lowtide. Good for surfers of all levels and seldom crowded.

New Brighton

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Variable beach breaks to the north and south of the New Brighton Pier. Picks up swell from the northeast right through to the southeast. Lefts and right peel into the pier on either side, and the rip helps with the paddle out. On big days jump off the end of the pier to save the paddle, but watch out for the Pier Wardens who try to stop this practice.

North Beach

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Further south from Waimari beach is North beach which is 1.4 km north of the Pier. Picks up swell from the northeast right through to the southeast. Can be a little less crowded than some of the other breaks along this stretch. Offshore in southwesterly through to westerly. There is a great skate park across the rd at Thomsons Park.

Waimari Beach

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The carpark for the Waimari beach surf club is at the far north end of Marine Pde. Picks up northeast and south swells, but is exposed to the northeasterly onshore wind. Can break through all tides and has variable left and right peaks up and down the beach. Great for all levels of surfers.

Waimak Bar

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River bar break for advanced surfers only. Breaks best on an incoming lowtide.

Waikuku Beach

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Head north from Christchurch on HWY1, then turn right on to Waikuku Beach Rd just before the Ashley bridge. Park at either the surf club or by the river mouth. Picks up swell from the south and southeast and is often bigger than the town beaches on these swells. Variable right and left peaks up and down the beach. Offshore in a northwesterly.