Manu Bay

Manu Bay is the first, and most popular, of the well-known Raglan point breaks. It is a long left-hand point break on a boulder beach. The wave reels across the whole bay, round past the boat ramp. The wave starts with a hollow drop in, into a barrel section, then works into a long wally section. It is hollower and faster on the lower tide. Jump off the rocks at the point, western end of the bay, to join the line-up. Be careful on the rocks. Good anywhere from 2-10 foot. There is also an outside section, further west round the point, called Boneyards. This is a shorter wave, but a good one to get away from the crowds. On an epic day, you can surf right through from Indicators, to Whale Bay, to Manu Bay. All the Raglan breaks are very popular and can get crowded, so know the rules and respect the locals. Best for advanced to expert surfers.

Quality Rating: 

9

Optimal Swell Direction: 

SW

Optimal Wind Direction: 

SE

Tide: 

All

Wave Type: 

Left point

Wave Size Min: 

2.0ft

Wave Shape: 

Wally
Fast
Powerful
Barrels
Long

Beach Type: 

Boulder

Skill Level: 

Advanced

Crowd Level: 

9

Danger: 

Crowds. Careful on the rocks.

Directions 

From Hamilton, head west on Whatawhata Road/State Highway 23, all the way to Raglan. You will enter Raglan on Main Road, which then turns into Bow Street. Continue to the first roundabout and turn left onto Bankart Street. Turn left at the next roundabout onto Wainui Road. Wainui Road will take you all the way to Manu Bay. Turn right into the Manu Bay Reserve and find a park. You can see the surf from up in the reserve.

Nearest Town: 

Raglan

Nearest City: 

Hamilton

Travel Time from City: 

45mins

Road in: 

Seal

Walk in: 

Yes

Parking at beach: 

Yes

Facilities: 

Toilets
Shower

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