Surf spot

Taylors mistake

Forecast conditions and map view for Taylors mistake in New Zealand, New Zealand SI, NE Coast. Open the interactive surf map to inspect wind, waves, and nearby spots.

Country: New Zealand, New Zealand SI, NE Coast
Coordinates: -43.5827, 172.7771

Metric
Metric	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00
Wave height (m)	0.3	0.3	0.2	0.1	0.2	0.2	0.1	0.2	0.1	0.2	0.2	0.2	0.2	0.1	0.1	0.2	0.2	0.2	0.2	0.1	0.2	0.2	0.2	0.3	0.3	0.3	0.3	0.2	0.2	0.2	0.2	0.3	0.3	0.3	0.3	0.3	0.3	0.2	0.2	0.1	0.1	0.1	0.1	0.2	0.2	0.2	0.2	0.2	0.2	0.3	0.3	0.4	0.3	0.2	0.2	0.2
Wave direction	NE	NE	NE	NE	SE	SE	SE	SE	SE	SE	NNE	NE	NE	SE	SE	NE	NE	NE	NE	NE	NE	NE	NE	NE	NE	NE	NE	NE	N	N	NNE	NNW	N	NE	NE	NE	NE	NE	NE	NE	NE	ESE	ESE	ESE	ESE	NNE	NNE	NNE	NNE	NNE	NE	NNE	NNE	NNE	NNE	NE
Wave period (s)	2.7	2.9	3	4.2	4.2	3.6	4.8	3.9	4.7	4.2	2.9	3	3	4.3	4.4	2.9	3	3	3.3	3.6	3.2	3.6	3.8	4	4.1	4.3	4.3	4.3	3.1	2.6	3	2.8	2.9	5	5.1	5.2	5.2	5.1	5.6	5.4	5.7	8.9	10.9	9.9	9.9	4.5	4.6	4.7	4.8	3.6	3.9	3	3	4	4	5
Wave energy (kJ)	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	0	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	2	3	4	3	2	2	1	1	1	1	2	5	4	4	4	3	2	1	1	2	5	6	6	2	2	2	3	2	3	3	2	2	1	2
Wind speed (km/h)	8.2	9.1	10.7	9.9	11.6	6.5	4.7	8.2	7.9	7	4.8	3.2	6.2	9.2	6.5	4.7	4.6	5.2	6	8.4	10.5	9.5	5.8	2.6	3.9	1.1	1.5	7.3	11.3	7.9	2.4	4.2	9.6	5.8	3.1	3.1	3.1	5.2	4.4	2.9	4.7	2.5	6.3	12	15.3	13	7.9	5.5	6.6	3.9	8.4	3.6	9.7	11.8	10.1	9.5
Wind direction	WSWOffshore	SWOffshore	SWOffshore	SWOffshore	SSWCross-off	SCross-off	NNWGlassy	NNECross-on	ENEOnshore	ENEOnshore	ENEGlassy	NNWGlassy	NCross	NEOnshore	EOnshore	EGlassy	ENEGlassy	NEOnshore	ENEOnshore	NEOnshore	NEOnshore	ENEOnshore	EOnshore	NWGlassy	NNWGlassy	NNEGlassy	WSWGlassy	WOffshore	WSWOffshore	SSWCross-off	SSWGlassy	SSWGlassy	SSWCross-off	SSWCross-off	SSWGlassy	SWGlassy	SEGlassy	SSWCross-off	SWGlassy	WGlassy	WGlassy	NWGlassy	NNECross-on	NECross-on	NEOnshore	NEOnshore	ENEOnshore	ENEOnshore	SWCross-off	WSWGlassy	SSWCross-off	WGlassy	NNECross-on	ENEOnshore	ENEOnshore	ENEOnshore

Taylors Mistake is a classic surf spot on the northeast coast of the South Island, New Zealand, just outside Christchurch. It’s a picturesque bay break known for its exposed beach and reef setup, with waves that can be fun and punchy when the right swell wraps in.

Quick description

Location: Taylors Mistake, Christchurch coastal area, South Island
Break type: Mostly a beach/reef break
Best conditions: Works best with a northeast to east swell and light to offshore southwest winds
Wave quality: Can offer clean, fairly hollow peaks on the right day
Crowds: Popular with local surfers, so it can get busy when conditions line up

What it’s like

Taylors Mistake tends to be a responsive, short-period wave spot that picks up swell efficiently. It’s often best suited to intermediate and experienced surfers, especially when the waves get a bit bigger and more powerful. The bay shape and surrounding headlands can help create workable peaks, but conditions can change quickly with tide and wind.

Notes

Tide sensitivity: Usually has a preferred tide window depending on swell size
Hazards: Reef and rocks are present, so awareness is important
Scenery: Very scenic spot with cliffs, a sheltered bay, and a strong local feel