Waimarama Beach

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.

Bathing is very popular at Waimarama with locals swimming nearly all year round. Many Hawke's Bay families have baches at the beach and there is a motor camp, so the summer population of Waimarama is quite large. The beach slopes gently into the ocean. Waimarama usually has two bars (more in large seas). Waimarama is very exposed to swell and it is very uncommon for it to have no waves. Rips and holes form very quickly so bathers should be keeping an eye out for changes in the weather and also the tide.

Surfing is a popular activity at Waimarama. The beach is offshore in a westerly wind and will take swells anywhere from north to south. In addition to the beach break there is a reef break towards the southern end of the beach that has good left hand waves. The best tide for Waimarama is mid tide although it can be surfed on all tides. Bars change regularly so waves can be good one day and bad the next.

Surfcasting from the beach is possible but due to the low swash gradient of the beach, lines cast will only reach very shallow water. Offshore boat fishing is good with some offshore reefs. The beach also has good shellfish. Waimarama has a boat ramp but it is sand, so a 4WD or tractor are required.