Taylors Mistake

This beach is well suited for families, make sure your family is prepared for the beach conditions, the beach is patrolled by Surf Lifeguards during the summer months.

Swimming is very popular at Taylors Mistake and generally safe in surf conditions under 1 metre. It is a favourite spot for Christchurch locals and visitors to the area in the summer months. The beach slopes gently into the ocean. Taylors Mistake usually has two bars but in large seas more can develop and dangerous holes and rip currents are important hazards. Particularly on an outgoing tide a large hole and associated rip current in the middle of the bay, and a rip current off the northern rocky outcrop and headland are important features to be aware of. At high tide the beach may dip more sharply into the ocean. Taylors Mistake Surf Life Saving Club is located mid way along the beach and the beach is patrolled by volunteer and professional guards during the summer period.

Taylors Mistake is one of the more popular surfing spots in and around the Christchurch area. The beach is offshore in southwest to north west winds and gets most of its swell from the north to northeast direction. The surf is a fast moving beach break and is good on all tides.

Fishing is good off the headlands of Taylors Mistake, and easiest at low tide. Surfcasting is possible from the beach, however, the ocean floor of Pegasus Bay is quite shallow so offshore fishing is generally more successful.