Surf spot

Lake Pukaki Point

Forecast conditions and map view for Lake Pukaki Point in New Zealand, New Zealand SI, SE Coast. Open the interactive surf map to inspect wind, waves, and nearby spots.

Country: New Zealand, New Zealand SI, SE Coast
Coordinates: -44.1884, 170.1369

Metric
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Wind speed (km/h)	5.4	4	3.5	0.8	2	1.8	1.8	7.7	4.1	2.2	2.8	2	2.8	5.1	8.7	2.9	1.1	2.2	1.5	1.3	0.5	3.7	8.7	5.4	3.3	3.5	1.5	1.1	4.7	15.7	11.3	4.1	5.1	5	4.7	2.6	11.8	5.4	2.1	2.4	3.7	7.6	1.9	4.5	3.3	17.8	8.9	26.3	7.4	6.3	4.1	5.7	6	18.1	11.4	7.6
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Lake Pukaki Point, New Zealand (South Island, SE Coast) is an unusual and scenic surf location near the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki on the South Island. It’s not a classic high-volume surf destination, but rather a remote, exposed coastal/landmark point where conditions depend heavily on swell, wind, and local geography.

Spot characteristics

Type: Point / exposed coastline area
Best for: Experienced surfers who enjoy exploring less-crowded, rugged locations
Wave quality: Highly variable; can offer clean, powerful waves when the right swell lines up
Crowds: Usually very low
Access: Remote, with access conditions depending on exact break location and road/track status

Conditions

Swell exposure: Receives southern ocean swell when there is enough wrap and open exposure
Wind: Offshore or light winds are ideal; strong onshore winds can quickly make it messy
Tide: Can be tide-sensitive depending on the exact section of reef/sand/point
Water temperature: Cold, especially outside peak summer; a thick wetsuit is typically needed

Hazards

Cold water and weather
Remote location
Strong currents / heavy surf
Rocky or uneven bottom in some areas
Rapidly changing conditions

Overall vibe

Lake Pukaki Point is more about adventure surfing than a dependable daily session. It’s the kind of place that can feel epic when the swell, wind, and timing align, but it’s not typically a beginner-friendly or everyday surf spot.