Punakaiki Area: Surfing and Swimming

Buller’s powerful surf beaches have attracted international recognition, with around 18 good surf breaks along the coast here now all well patronized by both local and out-of-town surfies. Although big waves rolling in off the Tasman Sea preclude getting into water along many stretches of the Buller coastline, there are also many sandy bays which are popular with locals because they offer perfectly safe swimming.