Wharariki Beach (Puponga) today
- Beach day Not today Not a beach day · 0/10
- Tide now 11.2 ft ↑ rising · high 12:56 pm (11.7 ft)
- Best time tomorrow 7:30–8:40 pm poor day · 1/10
- Waves · water 8.5 ft · 56 °F rough · 7.4 s from the west-northwest
- Wind · air 26 mph · 55 °F from the W, gusts 34 · drizzle
- Surf today 3.7–5.8 ft Poor day · 2/10 · 8:00–8:34 pm
- Sun 6:22 am–8:05 pm 13 h 43 min of daylight
- Moon 89% waning gibbous
Today in Wharariki Beach (Puponga) there are high tides at 12:33 am (11.9 ft) and 12:56 pm (11.7 ft) and low tides at 6:48 am and 7:10 pm. Tide coefficient 91. Right now the tide is rising toward the high tide at 12:56 pm. The sun rises at 6:22 am and sets at 8:05 pm: 13 h 43 min of daylight. The moon is 89% illuminated (waning gibbous). Major solunar periods run from 2:24 am to 4:24 am and from 2:56 pm to 4:56 pm. The next spring tides arrive from October 27 to 29. The sea is rough, with 8.5 ft waves. There's a strong breeze from the west (26 mph). Drizzle, 55 °F.
Beach day in Wharariki Beach (Puponga)
Is it a beach day?
- Sun and clouds
- UV 6 (high): SPF 50 sunscreen
- Low tide at 6:48 am: more sand
- Low tide at 7:10 pm: more sand
- Feels like 47 °F: chilly for the beach
- Rain (0.11 in)
Dangerous surf during beach hours. Stay out if the red flag is up, and never swim where there is no lifeguard.
Today, hour by hour
- Swimming Dangerous · 7.5 ft
7.5 ft waves every 7 s: dangerous for swimming. Stay out if the red flag is up. High rip current risk. If you're caught in a rip current, don't swim against it: swim parallel to shore and wave for help. Always follow the lifeguard's flags.
- Water 56 °F
Very cold: ease in and keep swims short.
- Sun & sunscreen UV 6 · SPF 50
Max UV 6 (high): SPF 50 sunscreen, reapplied every 2 hours.
- Wind 30 mph
Strong cross-shore wind (30 mph): blowing sand.
- Tide & sand 7:10 pm
Low tide at 6:48 am and 7:10 pm: that's when there's the most sand. High tide at 12:33 am and 12:56 pm.
We don't have data on jellyfish, sargassum or beach closures: ask the lifeguard or check with the local beach authority. How it works · The next 7 days
About Wharariki Beach (Puponga)The beach
2.2 mi from Puponga. Tides, weather and sun in Puponga →
Amenities from OpenStreetMap: some may be missing or out of date. See on OpenStreetMap · Fix on OpenStreetMap
Beaches near Wharariki Beach (Puponga)
We don't know of any named beaches within 6.2 mi of Wharariki Beach (Puponga).
Missing one? Beaches come from OpenStreetMap: you can add it there. Add or fix on OpenStreetMap
Beaches and amenities: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Webcams near Wharariki Beach (Puponga)
Webcams provided by windy.com — add a webcam
Fishing in Wharariki Beach (Puponga) today
Best time to fish
Solunar activity today: high- Low tide at 6:48 am
- Minor period 7:21–8:21 am (moonset)
- Sunrise at 6:22 am
- Falling pressure (−0.26 inHg in 24 h), strong onshore wind (25 mph) and 7.5 ft waves
- Waning gibbous: a bit more activity than at the quarters
- Highest tide coefficient today: 91 (spring tides)
Your day at a glance
The best window, 5:50 am to 7:50 am, combines the 6:48 am low tide, moonset, sunrise and falling pressure, though with strong wind.
Species with the most records nearby: tope shark, John Dory, Australasian snapper and yellowtail amberjack. October is one of the months when these are seen most: tope shark and yellowtail amberjack. What you can catch
Tides in Wharariki Beach (Puponga)
Today's high and low tides
- ▲ High tide 12:33 am 11.9 ft · coef. 91
- ▼ Low tide 6:48 am 2.0 ft
- ▲ Next high tide 12:56 pm 11.7 ft · coef. 88
- ▼ Low tide 7:10 pm 2.1 ft
↑ Rising The tide is rising. 57 min to high tide at 12:56 pm.
Tide coefficient 91 for the 12:33 am high tide and 88 for the 12:56 pm high tide. Spring tides. The water rises and falls 9.9 ft between the highest high and the lowest low: a large range for this place. 70 is an average tide here; 90 and above means spring tides; below 45, neap tides. What is the tide coefficient?
2026 extremes: the highest tide of the year is on August 13 (12.5 ft) and the lowest, on March 20 (1.3 ft).
Semidiurnal: two high and two low tides a day, of similar height.
Heights above chart datum (CD), the zero of that port's nautical charts. Astronomical prediction: wind and air pressure can raise or lower the water by a few inches, and more in a storm. Not for navigation. chart datum (CD)
Tide coefficient and range in October
The biggest tides of the month came from October 26 to 28 (coefficient 94, 10.4 ft range). The smallest, on October 19 (coefficient 36, 4.1 ft).
Tide and solunar table · this week
| Day | Sun | Tide 1 | Tide 2 | Tide 3 | Tide 4 | Coef. | Moon | Major periods | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Today, Thu 29 | 6:22 am · 8:05 pm | High tide 12:33 am · 11.9 ft | Low tide 6:48 am · 2.0 ft | High tide 12:56 pm · 11.7 ft | Low tide 7:10 pm · 2.1 ft | Coef. 91 | 89% | Major periods 2:24 am · 2:56 pm | High |
| Fri 30 | 6:21 am · 8:06 pm | High tide 1:24 am · 11.5 ft | Low tide 7:37 am · 2.5 ft | High tide 1:47 pm · 11.3 ft | Low tide 8:04 pm · 2.6 ft | Coef. 84 | 81% | Major periods 3:28 am · 4:01 pm | Medium |
| Sat 31 | 6:19 am · 8:07 pm | High tide 2:21 am · 11.0 ft | Low tide 8:33 am · 3.0 ft | High tide 2:46 pm · 10.8 ft | Low tide 9:08 pm · 3.1 ft | Coef. 76 | 71% | Major periods 4:32 am · 5:03 pm | Medium |
| Sun 1 | 6:18 am · 8:08 pm | High tide 3:28 am · 10.4 ft | Low tide 9:37 am · 3.5 ft | High tide 3:57 pm · 10.4 ft | Low tide 10:21 pm · 3.4 ft | Coef. 66 | 60% | Major periods 5:33 am · 6:02 pm | Medium |
| Mon 2 | 6:17 am · 8:10 pm | High tide 4:42 am · 10.1 ft | Low tide 10:51 am · 3.8 ft | High tide 5:15 pm · 10.2 ft | Low tide 11:36 pm · 3.6 ft | Coef. 60 | Last quarter | Major periods 6:30 am · 6:56 pm | Medium |
| Tue 3 | 6:16 am · 8:11 pm | High tide 5:55 am · 10.0 ft | Low tide 12:05 pm · 3.9 ft | High tide 6:27 pm · 10.3 ft | — | Coef. 59 | 38% | Major periods 7:21 am · 7:45 pm | Medium |
| Wed 4 | 6:14 am · 8:12 pm | Low tide 12:45 am · 3.4 ft | High tide 7:02 am · 10.1 ft | Low tide 1:12 pm · 3.7 ft | High tide 7:30 pm · 10.6 ft | Coef. 63 | 28% | Major periods 8:09 am · 8:32 pm | Medium |
▲ high tide · ▼ low tide · heights above chart datum (CD). Major periods: start time; they last 2 hours. Activity: based on the moon phase and the solunar periods.
Where this tide comes from
Tides from the Cape Farewell station (LINZ), 0.6 mi from Wharariki Beach (Puponga). Times and heights are its predictions. It is a NOAA subordinate station: its times and heights come from the Westport reference station with the official corrections.
Station data attribution: This work is based on Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand data which are licensed by Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand for re-use under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Modified: secondary port of the LINZ Secondary Ports table 2026-27 (https://www.linz.govt.nz/products-services/tides-and-tidal-streams/tide-predictions), computed by TidePlanet with the LINZ method from the harmonic constants of Westport in the Slackwater database (https://github.com/openwatersio/slackwater-database).
The sea at Wharariki Beach (Puponga)
Sea stateSea state: rough
The waves you may find
- Most commonMost common4.3 ft
- Significant8.5 ft
- Highest expectedHighest17 ft
One wave in seven is higher than the significant height, and about 3 times a day one reaches 17 ft. Before heading out, expect waves of up to 17 ft.
Wind on the coast and offshore
The model doesn't separate offshore wind here: it's the same as on the coast.
Cross-shore wind. The coast faces north and the wind blows along the shore: drift and current run parallel to the beach.
Wave height, next 7 daysWaves, next 7 days
Waves build over the next few days. The biggest waves arrive on Friday 30: 12 ft with a period of 9 s, from the west (rough).
Water temperature
Water temperature →Water temperature changes how fish behave: in very cold or very warm water they feed less. The water warms over the next few days: about 58.6 °F by Wednesday 4.
Water colder than normal for late October (−1.0 °F).
Satellite: NASA MUR (JPL MUR MEaSUREs, PO.DAAC), doi:10.5067/GHGMR-4FJ04. Sources and licenses
Water temperature →Forecast from Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0) with models from ECMWF, NOAA, Météo-France, DWD, Copernicus Marine and CAMS. Updated at 11:59 am (local time).
Surf in Wharariki Beach (Puponga) today
Surf today
Poor- 3.7–5.8 ft surf at the shore, a good size with some punch
- 4.1 ft swell at 9 s from the west-northwest, a bit short
- 6.8 ft wind swell at 5 s: messy waves
- Strong cross-shore wind (26 mph): choppy, blown-out waves
- First or last light of the day
- Rising tide (high tide at 1:24 am)
- Light: First light 5:53 am · sunrise 6:22 am · sunset 8:05 pm · last light 8:34 pm
- Tide: high 12:33 am (11.9 ft), low 6:48 am (2.0 ft), high 12:56 pm (11.7 ft) and low 7:10 pm (2.1 ft). Every break has its own tide: some work at low tide and others at high tide. The tide doesn’t change the score here.
- Water at 56.1 °F: a 5/4 fullsuit with booties (and a hood if it’s windy).
- Energy: 495 kJ · Medium power
Today’s surf at a glance
The best window, 8:00 pm to 8:34 pm, has a good size, though with wind swell and cross-shore wind. 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm can also work, with a good size, though with a short-period swell, wind swell and cross-shore wind.
An estimate for this stretch of coast, not for a specific break: every beach or reef works its own way (its tide, bottom and angle). Check it when you get there.
Follow the flags and the lifeguards, and don’t paddle out if the surf is above your level: this score is a guide, not a substitute for what you see when you get there.
Diving in Wharariki Beach (Puponga) today
Diving and snorkeling today
Likely visibility: poor- Slack water around high tide (12:56 pm): little current from 12:30 pm to 1:20 pm
- 6.0 ft swell at 7 s from the west-northwest: strong surge on the bottom
- Strong cross-shore wind (25 mph)
- 0.9 mph current toward the east (model)
- Sun high: more light underwater
Not a day for shore diving: swell, wind, current or storms during the best window. If you go, go with a dive shop and only if they give the OK.
- Slack water today: high tide 12:33 am (12:10–1:00 am), low tide 6:48 am (6:20–7:10 am), high tide 12:56 pm (12:30–1:20 pm) and low tide 7:10 pm (6:50–7:40 pm)
- Likely visibility: poor. Swell (up to 6.2 ft at 8 s) and wind over the last few days have stirred up the water. Based on the last 24 hours of data.
- Water at 56.1 °F: a 7 mm semi-dry suit, with hood, gloves and booties.
- Snorkeling: better not, with these waves, wind or current.
- Night dive: dark from 8:34 pm. Waning gibbous (89%): a bright night.
Your diving day at a glance
The best window, 11:50 am to 2:10 pm, combines slack water at high tide and the sun high, though with some swell, strong wind and current. Also worth a look from 5:50 am to 8:50 am, with slack water at low tide, though with waves, strong wind and current.
Slack water comes from the tide: in inlets, channels and between islands the water can keep running for an hour or two after. Ask the local dive shop.
Never dive alone and check with the local dive shop: this rating is a guide, not a substitute for a professional.
Dive sites, wrecks and dive shops nearby
Map: OpenFreeMap · © OpenMapTiles · © OpenStreetMap contributors
- Westhaven (Whanganui Inlet) Wildlife Management Reserve 7.6 mi
- Westhaven (Te Tai Tapu) Marine Reserve 12 mi
- Farewell Spit Nature Reserve 12 mi
Within 12 mi. Some may be missing or closed; marine reserves usually need a permit. Open the map on OpenStreetMap · Missing one? Add it to OpenStreetMap
Sites: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Weather in Wharariki Beach (Puponga)
Now in Wharariki Beach (Puponga)
- Low / high
- 52 / 57 °F
- Rain
- 0.14 in · 100%
- Clouds
- 100%
- Humidity
- 87%
- Dew pointDew point
- 52 °F
- Visibility
- 9.8 mi
- UV indexUV
- 2 · low
- Air qualityAir
- Fair · 24
- Saharan dust
- No
Pressure and fishing
- ↗ RisingRising Anglers say fish bite less for a while
- → SteadySteady · now Anglers expect normal activity
- ↘ FallingFalling Anglers say fish feed more before the change
Steady now (−0.02 inHg in 3 hours). Over the next 48 hours: +0.66 inHg. Steady pressure: anglers expect normal activity. Fast changes, either way, tend to affect fishing.
Today, hour by hourHour by hour
Bars: mean wind. Dashed line: gusts. Arrows point where the wind blows to.
| Time | 12:00 am | 3:00 am | 6:00 am | 9:00 am | 12:00 pm | 3:00 pm | 6:00 pm | 9:00 pm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sky | Mainly clear | Clear | Light drizzle | Light drizzle | Drizzle | Mainly clear | Clear sky | Light drizzle |
| Temperature | 56° | 57° | 57° | 57° | 55° | 55° | 55° | 53° |
| Wind (mph) | 26 W | 27 WNW | 26 WNW | 29 WNW | 26 W | 28 W | 29 WSW | 24 WSW |
| Gusts | 38 | 39 | 34 | 37 | 34 | 36 | 40 | 34 |
| Waves | 7.2 ft | 7.2 ft | 7.4 ft | 8.3 ft | 8.5 ft | 8.7 ft | 9.0 ft | 8.7 ft |
| Rain | 0.00 in | 0.00 in | 0.00 in | 0.01 in | 0.03 in | 0.00 in | 0.00 in | 0.00 in |
- 12:00 pm 55° 26 W 8.5 ft
- 3:00 pm 55° 28 W 8.7 ft
- 6:00 pm 55° 29 WSW 9.0 ft
- 9:00 pm 53° 24 WSW 8.7 ft
- 12:00 am 51° 20 WSW 8.6 ft
- 3:00 am 50° 19 WSW 8.7 ft
- 6:00 am 52° 19 WSW 8.7 ft
- 9:00 am 53° 26 W 9.9 ft
Next 14 daysComing days
| Day | Sky | Low / high | Max wind | Max wave | High tides |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Today · 29 | 52 / 57 °F | 30 mph W | 9.0 ft | 12:33 am · 12:56 pm | |
| Fri 30 | 50 / 57 °F | 34 mph WSW | 12 ft | 1:24 am · 1:47 pm | |
| Sat 31 | 51 / 57 °F | 22 mph WSW | 10 ft | 2:21 am · 2:46 pm | |
| Sun 1 | 53 / 58 °F | 21 mph WNW | 5.9 ft | 3:28 am · 3:57 pm | |
| Mon 2 | 57 / 59 °F | 20 mph NW | 6.1 ft | 4:42 am · 5:15 pm | |
| Tue 3 | 57 / 60 °F | 13 mph NW | 6.2 ft | 5:55 am · 6:27 pm | |
| Wed 4 | 58 / 61 °F | 12 mph NNW | 4.9 ft | 7:02 am · 7:30 pm | |
| Thu 5 | 59 / 61 °F | 23 mph NNW | 5.5 ft | 8:02 am · 8:24 pm | |
| Fri 6 | 60 / 61 °F | 23 mph WNW | 4.8 ft | 8:52 am · 9:11 pm | |
| Sat 7 | 60 / 62 °F | 25 mph N | 5.8 ft | 9:37 am · 9:53 pm | |
| Sun 8 | 58 / 61 °F | 25 mph WNW | 5.6 ft | 10:16 am · 10:31 pm | |
| Mon 9 | 55 / 58 °F | 22 mph ESE | 5.6 ft | 10:52 am · 11:07 pm | |
| Tue 10 | 53 / 58 °F | 20 mph WSW | 4.3 ft | 11:26 am · 11:42 pm | |
| Wed 11 | 54 / 62 °F | 22 mph WSW | 3.8 ft | 12:00 pm |
- Fri 30 Light rain 50° / 57° 12 ft
- Sat 31 Mainly clear 51° / 57° 10 ft
- Sun 1 Overcast 53° / 58° 5.9 ft
- Mon 2 Light drizzle 57° / 59° 6.1 ft
- Tue 3 Overcast 57° / 60° 6.2 ft
- Wed 4 Overcast 58° / 61° 4.9 ft
- Thu 5 Light rain 59° / 61° 5.5 ft
Each day comes from the best model covering this spot: regional ones first (HRRR and NBM in the U.S., AROME, ICON-EU), then ECMWF; day 16, NOAA GFS. Waves: Météo-France up to day 10, then ECMWF WAM, coarser and further offshore. High tides: our own tide calculation.
- The models Partly agree · medium confidence: unsure about wind today. See the models →
- Normal Today, cooler than normal for late October (−4.0 °F; normal high: 61 °F). Climate by month →
Forecast from Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0) with models from ECMWF, NOAA, Météo-France, DWD, Copernicus Marine and CAMS. Updated at 11:59 am (local time).
The sun in Wharariki Beach (Puponga)
Sunrise and sunset
- First light 5:18 am
- Full dark 9:09 pm
- Civil dawn 5:53 am
- Civil dusk 8:34 pm
- Solar noon 1:13 pm (63° high)
- Daylight 13 h 43 min (+2 min)
- Evening golden hour 7:28 pm
- Full dark 9:09 pm
Golden hour and the day-night map
Today the sun is 92,347,175 mi away and looks 32′ 11″ across.
The moon in Wharariki Beach (Puponga)
Moon phase and position
Today the moon is 226,442 mi away and looks 32′ 47″ across.
Solunar periods
Today's activity: high- 2:24–4:24 am Major · the moon passes overhead · high activity
- 2:56–4:56 pm Major · the moon passes underfoot · high activity
- 7:21–8:21 am Minor · moonset · medium activity
- 11:35 pm–12:35 am Minor · moonrise · medium activity
According to solunar theory, fish feed more when the moon passes overhead or underfoot (major periods, about 2 h) and when it rises or sets (minor periods, 1 h). It works best around new and full moon.
Upcoming moon phases
2026 moon calendar →- Last quarter Mon, Nov 2 · 9:29 amNov 2 in 4 days
- New moon Mon, Nov 9 · 8:03 pmNov 9 in 11 days
- First quarter Wed, Nov 18 · 12:48 amNov 18 in 20 days
- Full moon Wed, Nov 25 · 3:54 amNov 25 in 27 days
Perigee on October 29, 226,426 mi away, coinciding with the spring tides from October 27 to 29: they will be stronger than usual.
Where to fish in Wharariki Beach (Puponga)
Piers, ramps and tackle shops nearby
We have no piers, boat ramps or tackle shops on record within 9.3 mi of Wharariki Beach (Puponga).
If you know one, you can add it to OpenStreetMap and it will show up here after the next update. Missing one? Add it to OpenStreetMap
Spots: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) and Overture Maps.
Water depth
Gentle slopeThe bottom slopes gently: 16 ft deep 0.4 mi from shore and 33 ft at 0.5 mi. It reaches 164 ft at 1.3 mi.
From the shoreline out to sea, heading north.
How far from shore
- 16 ft deep0.4 mi
- 33 ft deep0.5 mi
- 66 ft deep0.85 mi
- 164 ft deep1.3 mi
For fishing, swimming and diving
- Shore fishing. Shallow, gradual bottom (16 ft at 0.4 mi): cast far from the beach and fish the high tide, when there is more water close in.
- Swimming. A very gentle way in with plenty of shallow water, good for kids. At low tide the water can be far out.
- Diving. Shore diving works here: 33 ft at 0.5 mi and 66 ft at 0.85 mi from shore.
Rough estimate: here the data comes in cells of about 0.3 mi and misses details near shore (rocks, sandbars, small coves).
Source: NOAA ETOPO 2022 (CC0), cells of about 0.3 mi; depth below mean sea level. For reference only: not for navigation or anchoring.
Nearest lighthouse
Pillar Point Lighthouse 1.9 mi east
Data from Wikidata. For reference only: not for navigation. Wikidata · Sources and licenses
Tides near Wharariki Beach (Puponga)Tides nearby
- Wharariki Beach1.0 mi
- Puponga2.2 mi
- Pakawau6.7 mi
- Whanganui Inlet8.4 mi
- Collingwood12 mi
- Parapara15 mi
- Paturau River16 mi
- Onekaka17 mi
- Tarakohe25 mi
- Takaka25 mi
Wharariki Beach (Puponga) at a glance
- Beach. Coordinates: 40.503° S, 172.678° E.
- It is 62 mi northwest of Nelson, the main place in Nelson. The sun rises 4 min later and sets 1 min later than in Nelson.
- 2.2 mi from Puponga.
- The nearest tide station, Cape Farewell, is 0.6 mi to the west.
- Its coast faces north.
- Beaches and harbors nearby: Wharariki Beach (1.0 mi).
Questions about Wharariki Beach (Puponga)Questions
Where is Wharariki Beach (Puponga)?
2.2 mi from Puponga, in Nelson (New Zealand). The shore faces north.
What amenities does Wharariki Beach (Puponga) have?
OpenStreetMap doesn't list its amenities. Check the town's website or ask at the beach.
What time is high tide today in Wharariki Beach (Puponga)?
Today in Wharariki Beach (Puponga) there are high tides at 12:33 am (11.9 ft) and 12:56 pm (11.7 ft) and low tides at 6:48 am and 7:10 pm. Tide coefficient 91.
What time is sunset today in Wharariki Beach (Puponga)?
At 8:05 pm. There is light until the end of civil twilight, at 8:34 pm.
What time is sunrise tomorrow in Wharariki Beach (Puponga)?
At 6:21 am. First light comes at 5:16 am.
What phase is the moon today?
Waning gibbous, 89% illuminated. New moon on Mon, Nov 9 · 8:03 pm.
When are the next spring tides?
From October 27 to 29, together with the lunar perigee: they will be stronger than usual.
What are today's solunar periods?
Major 2:24–4:24 am, Minor 7:21–8:21 am, Major 2:56–4:56 pm, Minor 11:35 pm–12:35 am. Today's activity is high.
What's the weather like today in Wharariki Beach (Puponga)?
Drizzle, from 52 °F to 57 °F, with a strong breeze from the west (26 mph) and a 100% chance of rain.
How is the sea today in Wharariki Beach (Puponga)?
Rough (Douglas 5): 8.5 ft waves with a period of 7.4 s from the west-northwest. The water is 56.3 °F.
When is the best time to visit Wharariki Beach (Puponga)?
The best time to visit Wharariki Beach (Puponga) is from January to February: highs of 70 °F, about 8 rainy days a month and 8 hours of sunshine a day.
Can I use this data for navigation?
No. These are predictions for fishing and leisure; for navigation, use the official publications.
Where this data comes from
Tide: Cape Farewell secondary port, computed by TidePlanet with the time and height differences of the LINZ secondary ports table on Westport. This work is based on Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand data which are licensed by Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand for re-use under the CC BY 4.0 licence; via Slackwater database. Sun and moon: our own calculation with astronomy-engine. Places: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Coastline: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).