Middle Beach

Middle Beach is a south-facing beach break located on New Zealand's North Island near Gisborne. The spot features a sandy beach with consistent wave exposure to the Tasman Sea and Pacific swells. The beach fronts a developed residential area with a sports field and cricket oval visible inland, indicating this is an urban beach environment with limited surrounding land. Conditions are modest, with average wave heights around 1.24m and low wind reliability at 10.7%. The spot works best with easterly winds (90°) approaching side-shore across the south-facing break. Average temperatures of 11.8°C suggest neoprene is necessary year-round. The beach break configuration is suitable for beginners learning fundamentals, though the limited fetch distance and inconsistent wind may frustrate progression. This is primarily a local spot for nearby residents rather than a destination venue. Best sessions occur during autumn/winter when Southern Ocean swells reach the coast. The urban setting means crowds are likely during good conditions, and facilities are accessible through the nearby town.