Early week: small windows of fair weather
Monday and Tuesday bring moments of relief after the weekend storm. Southwest swells ease on the west coast from three metres down to two, and seas in northern regions remain slight to moderate. Brett, Colville, and Plenty coasts all see 15–20 knots southwest to westerly winds, manageable inshore if you stick to mornings and sheltered bays.
Eastern harbours like Tauranga and Hawke Bay enjoy lighter conditions on Tuesday with improving seas. Christchurch and Canterbury waters are also relatively calm for a spell. These are the days to take advantage of—short runs, harbour fishing, or a sheltered cruise are all possible.
Midweek change: northwesterly gales arrive
From Wednesday the weather deteriorates rapidly. Northwesterly winds sweep across both islands, with gales forecast for Castlepoint, Stephens, Abel, and Cook coastal zones. Seas become rough to very rough, with swells building again in exposed waters.
In Cook Strait, gusts of 40 knots are expected Wednesday, making crossings dangerous for small craft. Castlepoint faces similar conditions with 30 knots rising to 40 in the north. By Thursday, gale-force northwesterlies extend down the South Island’s west and southern coasts, dragging in heavy swells.
Boaties should avoid exposed passages altogether midweek. Even sheltered harbours will be lumpy under these winds.
Friday: clearing skies but tricky seas
By Friday, high pressure edges back and winds ease in many areas. Northerlies and southerlies alternate across regions, and swells gradually ease. East coast harbours, such as Coromandel and Hawke Bay, may again be boatable, with lighter seas returning by the afternoon.
But don’t be fooled: the west coast remains unsettled, with heavy southwest swells still running off Raglan, Grey, and Foveaux. Fiordland waters also stay volatile, with shifting winds and residual heavy seas.
Where to boat, where not to
- Where to boat: Early in the week, sheltered eastern waters (Bay of Plenty, Hawke Bay, Christchurch) and some northern harbours (Brett, Hauraki Gulf, Colville) offer fair conditions. Friday may also suit cautious outings in the east.
- Where not to boat: Avoid the west coast from Raglan south through Grey and Fiordland, plus Cook Strait and Castlepoint, from Wednesday onwards. Gale warnings are widespread and swells will remain high through to Friday.
Plan with care
This week’s New Zealand boating weather leaves little room for complacency. Monday and Tuesday are the pick of the days, Friday offers a cautious return to calmer seas, but midweek belongs firmly to the gales. Boaties should plan trips with care, while keeping an eye on weather updates.
