Papatowai
Papatowai is a remote Catlins surf break that has become a South Island big-wave reference point, with barrels and a powerful hollow character when the southern swell lines up. It is more mission than town wave, set around the rocky point off the Rainbow Isles. Get the latest surfing conditions, forecast, and tide details for Papatowai in Catlins.
Live updates:
Lineup Insights
The Wave
Best on south-southeast swell with west offshore wind.
Check the live tide windows in the app to time your session perfectly.
Lineup Guide
Tide is secondary, so judge the sand, current, and cover around the rocky point before committing.
Respect the local peak and watch for submerged hazards during lower tidal stages.
Get the full picture in WaveWise.
Stop guessing and start surfing. WaveWise analyzes live data to find your best upcoming sessions so you spend less time planning and more time paddling out.
