New Brighton South

New Brighton South is a beach break located on the eastern coast of New Zealand's South Island, facing the Tasman Sea to the northeast. The spot sits at the mouth of an estuary with river systems visible to the left, creating a sheltered beach environment backed by residential development. The sandy beach break offers consistent but modest wave conditions with an average swell of 0.6m, making it suitable for beginners and intermediate kiters. Best conditions occur with northwesterly winds that provide side-shore conditions across the beach. Wind reliability is notably low at 3.2%, so sessions are seasonal and weather-dependent. The spot features relatively protected waters compared to open ocean breaks, with shallow areas near shore requiring caution during approach and exit. The presence of river mouth dynamics and tidal influences means conditions vary throughout the day. This location suits beginner to intermediate kiters seeking a sheltered beach environment with manageable water conditions, though low wind frequency means visits require careful weather planning.