Foxton Beach / North Island / New Zealand

Foxton doesn't offer anything to set the heart racing, it doesn't really demand a lot of skill and is generally a fairly sloppy break. Having said that, if conditions are right it is worth surfing, especially if you like somewhere quiet.

The beach is long and sandy, and is pretty clean. There is plenty of room, and you can really pick any spot you like along it as very few people come out here to surf.

For the conditions to be right, the wind must be blowing from the south-east, east or north-east and pushing against the swell from the north-west, west or south-west. It needs a rising tide, with the water at either mid or high tide position, and if all comes together you'll find the swell starts at less than 1 m and holds up to just over 2 m. It is a beach break, only to the left, and the waves are fairly sloppy without a lot of power or speed but just enough to be interesting. On most days the length is short at around 50 m, but on the best days it can be up to 150 m.

Drive up here from Wellington, or across from Palmerston North, and then park in the lot right behind the beach – you will be able to see the break from there.  The town is a popular holiday destination, and most of the buildings round here are holiday homes.

There aren't any hazards here, you'd find it difficult to get into trouble even if you tried.