Best Time to Ride · Maketū vs Papamoa
Maketū vs Papamoa: which is better for kitesurfing & surfing?
Maketū or Papamoa? Month by month: windy days, waves and water temperature side by side, from years of weather data.
Updated November 2026 · weather data 2022–2026
In short
- Maketū is windier in 8 of 12 months.
- Maketū and Papamoa have about the same water temperature.
- Best months at Maketū: January–March, October–December.
- Best months at Papamoa: January–March, October–December.
- Both have the same best months; over the year Maketū is windier.
- 16 km apart.
BestOct–Mar
Maketū
New Zealand
Intermediate and up · 20°C water in season, 3/2 wetsuit · ✈ TRG 25 km
Windy days per month (15+ knots)
JFMAMJJASOND644656548966
Water temperature per month (°C)
JFMAMJJASOND222221191715141415161820
Best time to go →
BestOct–Mar
Papamoa
New Zealand
Beginner-friendly · 19°C water in season, 3/2 wetsuit · ✈ TRG 9 km
Windy days per month (15+ knots)
JFMAMJJASOND533655537955
Water temperature per month (°C)
JFMAMJJASOND212121191816151415161719
Best time to go →Windy days: days with at least 2 hours of 15+ knots between 9:00 and 18:00, averaged over recent years. Water: average sea surface temperature.