Raglan · Waikato · New Zealand
Manu Bay
You'll watch from the cliff-top carpark as sets wrap around the rocky headland, peeling with mechanical precision past kelp beds and into the bay. Below, surfers jostle for position at the takeoff point.
Reading live conditions…
Live from Open-Meteo · sea surface temperature and wave data modelled at 1-km grid resolution for Manu Bay. Numbers refresh at the hourly tick.
- Purity
- 0%
- Conditions
- 0%
- Crowd
- 0%
- Vibe
- 0%
The OnlyBeaches Index weighs four pillars against your chosen persona. Purity comes from water clarity and air-quality heuristics; Conditions from Open-Meteo waves, wind and temperatures; Crowd from historical patterns; Vibe from nearby events within 50 km. The score rebalances throughout the day.
You'll watch from the cliff-top carpark as sets wrap around the rocky headland, peeling with mechanical precision past kelp beds and into the bay. Below, surfers jostle for position at the takeoff point.
Photos
8 captures from Manu Bay
About this beach
Where it is
Manu Bay
Raglan, Waikato, New Zealand
-37.8009°, 174.8120°
Top things to do
At Manu Bay
World-class point break
Long left-handers over reef
Lineup photography
Clifftop vantage captures everything
Coastal track
Connects to Whale Bay
Sunset spectating
Watch sessions from carpark
Near this beach
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Manu Bay.
Questions people actually ask about Manu Bay.
Is Manu Bay safe for swimming?
Manu Bay is not recommended for casual swimming due to strong currents, powerful surf, and rocky outcrops. The beach is primarily a surf destination with challenging conditions that can be dangerous for inexperienced ocean-goers. There are no lifeguard patrols at this beach. If you're not surfing, it's safer to enjoy the bay from the shore. Families with children should consider Raglan's main beach or other sheltered spots in the harbor for swimming instead.
When is the best time to visit Manu Bay?
Manu Bay can be visited year-round, with different seasons offering distinct experiences. For surfing, autumn and winter (March-September) typically bring larger southwest swells that create the famous long left-hand waves. Summer offers milder conditions and pleasant weather for spectators. Early morning and late afternoon provide the best light for photography and fewer crowds. Check surf reports before visiting, as wave quality varies with swell direction, tide, and wind conditions.
