Gisborne, well-known for its golden beaches, vast forest views, and amazing marine life, is also home to some of the best lakes for surfing and windsurfing in New Zealand. Boasting beautiful waters, excellent conditions for paddling, and many opportunities to view wildlife, Gisborne is the perfect destination for anyone looking to catch some waves. Here, we’ll explore the top lakes in Gisborne for surfing and windsurfing. So grab your board and let’s hit the waves!
Lake Waikaremoana
The first of Gisborne’s top surf spots is the iconic Lake Waikaremoana. Situated within the mystical Urewera National Park, Lake Waikaremoana is a popular spot both for locals and visitors alike. With crystal clear waters, beautiful beaches, and plenty of access points to the lake, it’s easy to see why. The lake is well-known for its excellent conditions, with waves of up to 5ft and some of the best windsurfing conditions in New Zealand. It is also home to a variety of wildlife, including fish, eels, and even the rare occasional whale!
For those looking to take the plunge and enjoy some wave-riding, the lake offers some of the best conditions in the area. From beginners to intermediate riders, there is something for everyone. Lake Waikaremoana is a great spot for any surfer looking to catch some waves, as it offers good wave breaks, as well as a variety of different levels of difficulty. The lake also offers windsurfing, with plenty of space for both flat-water cruising and wave-riding.
Lake Waikareiti
The second of Gisborne’s best lakes for surfing and windsurfing is Lake Waikareiti. Unlike its more popular sibling Lake Waikaremoana, Lake Waikareiti is a smaller, less-developed lake, situated around 45 minutes from Gisborne. With long sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, it is an ideal spot for both surfing and windsurfing. In addition to its excellent waves, the lake also offers a range of different difficulty levels, ensuring that even beginner surfers can enjoy the experience.
Lake Waikareiti is known for its long, wide, flat-water cruising, offering surfers plenty of space to practice their skills. The lake also offers some excellent windsurfing opportunities, again with plenty of prime conditions for both flat-water cruising and wave-riding. The lake is also home to some spectacular views and is perfect for wildlife spotting, with plenty of birds, fish, and waterfowl in the vicinity.
Raetihi Beach
The third and final lake on Gisborne’s list is Raetihi Beach. Also known as “the beach,” Raetihi Beach is a beautiful spot, located around 15 minutes from Gisborne and boasting some of the clearest waters in the area. The long, wide beach offers unbeatable conditions, with waves of up to 5ft and plenty of space to practice your skills. The beach is also ideal for beginners, with some easy-to-approach waves and plenty of room to practice your skills.
Raetihi Beach also offers some excellent windsurfing opportunities, with plenty of room for flat-water cruising and wave-riding. The beach is also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, fish, and even the occasional dolphin. With its prime location and excellent conditions, Raetihi Beach is one of Gisborne’s top lakes for surfing and windsurfing.
Gisborne is the perfect destination for anyone looking to catch some waves and enjoy some excellent surfing or windsurfing. With three of Gisborne’s best spots,there is plenty to explore. Here are some of the best features of each lake:
- Lake Waikaremoana: crystal clear waters, excellent wave breaks, and great windsurfing conditions.
- Lake Waikareiti: flat-water cruising, beautiful beaches, and good windsurfing.
- Raetihi Beach: plenty of room to practice, easy-to-approach waves, and dolphins!
So whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, Gisborne has something for everyone. With its beautiful waters, excellent conditions, and plenty of wildlife, a surfing or windsurfing trip to Gisborne is sure to be an unforgettable experience.