Best Time to Ride · Christchurch – Sumner vs Taylors Mistake
Christchurch – Sumner vs Taylors Mistake: which is better for surfing?
Christchurch – Sumner or Taylors Mistake? 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
- Christchurch – Sumner has bigger waves in 9 of 12 months.
- Christchurch – Sumner and Taylors Mistake have about the same water temperature.
- Best months at Christchurch – Sumner: March, June–July.
- Best months at Taylors Mistake: July–September.
- 2 km apart.
BestMar, Jun–Jul
Sumner
Christchurch · New Zealand
Beginner-friendly · 13°C water in season, 5/4 wetsuit and boots · ✈ CHC 20 km
Wave height per month (m, average daily max)
JFMAMJJASOND1.31.31.51.41.41.61.61.41.31.41.31.3
Water temperature per month (°C)
JFMAMJJASOND19191816131110911131618
Best time to go →
BestJul–Sep
Taylors Mistake
New Zealand
Intermediate and up · 10°C water in season, 5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves · ✈ CHC 22 km
Wave height per month (m, average daily max)
JFMAMJJASOND0.60.60.90.81.21.31.61.71.61.20.90.7
Water temperature per month (°C)
JFMAMJJASOND191918161311101011131618
Best time to go →Wave height: average daily maximum. Water: average sea surface temperature.