Whale Bay: A Premier Surfing Destination
Whale Bay is situated approximately 1.5 km west of Manu Bay on the northern side of Mount Karioi. This narrow bay, just 200 metres wide, is a famous spot for experienced surfers, offering some of the best point breaks in the world. The bay's unique geography features a rocky east end with boulders and a sandy beach with a rocky point on the west.
Surfing at Whale Bay
The main draw of Whale Bay is its exceptional surf, which has gained an international reputation. The waves travel east along the north-facing coast towards Manu Bay and Ngarunui Beach. Surfers can access the waves from an exposed rock shelf near the bay. While the surfing is rated as intermediate, caution is advised due to the rocky access points.
Access and Facilities
Public access to Whale Bay is available from the east side via Calvert Road, off Wainui Road. Although the area is surrounded by private properties, there is a public access area through a park about 75 metres from the intersection with Wainui Road. Another access point is at the end of Tohora Close, a side street from Calvert Road. You can take a short walk west along a narrow reserve beside the rocks to reach the bay. Exploring the rocks is also possible as the tide retreats.
How to Get There
To reach Whale Bay from Raglan, take scenic Wainui Road southwest and follow this all the way to the bay, about a 20-minute drive. From there, take the turnoff onto Calvert Road and park near the coast access.
After visiting Whale Bay, you can continue along Wainui Road, which becomes the gravelled Whaanga Road, leading to Te Toto Gorge, the Karioi Track and the remote Ruapuke Beach.
