Whale Bay, located about 1.5 km west of Manu Bay on the northern side of Mount Karioi, is a top spot for experienced surfers. The bay is relatively narrow at just 200 metres wide. The east end is rocky and strewn with boulders, whereas the west has a sandy beach and a rocky point. Much of the bay is surrounded by private properties, but you can get access from the east end along the coast.
Whale Bay's main attraction is the surf. It has an international reputation and is linked with Manu Bay. The waves flow east along the north-facing coast towards Manu Bay and Ngarunui Beach, which has some of the best point breaks in the world. Surfers can access the waves from an exposed rock shelf near the bay. The surfing is rated as intermediate, but care is required due to the rocky access points.
Public access and car parking are from the bay's east side on Calvert Road, off Wainui Road. Houses surround the east side, but there is a public access area through a park about 75 metres from the intersection with Wainui Road and a second access at the end of Tohora Close, a side street from Calvert Road. It is a short walk west along a narrow reserve beside the rocks towards the bay. You can also explore the rocks as the tide retreats.
After Whale Bay, sealed Wainui Road becomes gravelled Waanga Coast Road, which leads to more remote Ruapuke Beach.
