Coastal and Beach

Colac Bay / Ōraka: Surfing and Beach Activities Near Invercargill

Last updated October 2026

Colac Bay / Ōraka is a small coastal township on the Southern Scenic Route in Southland, New Zealand, popular for surfing and beach activities. It lies about 10 minutes west of Riverton/Aparima and roughly 43–45 minutes by car from Invercargill.

The bay faces Foveaux Strait and features a sandy beach break with waves suitable for surfers of varying experience levels. Local amenities include a cafe, pub, craft shop, caravan park, community hall and marae. The area also offers access to nearby coastal and heritage sites for day trips.

Swimming Facts

1Water testing spot12 surf breaksTToilets

Testing spots: LAWA and Environment Southland. Surf breaks: Southland NZ. Facilities: OpenStreetMap.

Before you swim: Tested weekly Dec–Mar by Environment Southland. Stay out for 48 hours after heavy rain. Latest result on LAWA

Today at Colac Bay / Ōraka

Monday 19 October

Tide rising

Sea

12.4°C

Cool, a wetsuit helps

6 high

Cover up 10:30am to 4:40pm

Sunset

8:22pm

Light till about 8:55pm

Tides: LINZ, CC BY 4.0, times for Kawakaputa Bay adjusted from Bluff using LINZ offsets; the curve shows the shape of the tide, not local heights; predictions only. Sea temperature: NASA JPL MUR satellite data for 16 Oct, via Tideteller. UV: worked out for a clear day from the height of the sun and typical ozone; cloud lowers it, but you can still burn.

Water quality track record

1Colac Bay opposite the maraeExcellent

100% of 103 tests suitable for swimming, 2019 to 2025

19/20

20/21

21/22

22/23

23/24

24/25

SuitableCautionUnsuitableEach bar is one summer of tests

What the grades mean

Excellent and Good: rarely unsafe for swimming. Fair: usually fine, but avoid swimming after rain. Poor: often unsuitable, especially after rain, so check the latest result first.

Grades use LAWA’s method: the 95th percentile of routine enterococci results over the five summers from 2020/21 to 2024/25, with at least 50 tests (19 per 100 mL from 87 tests).

Water quality: © LAWA and partner organisations (Environment Southland), licensed under CC BY 4.0, results to March 2025. Facilities: © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Surf Facts

Surf breaks at Colac Bay / Ōraka

2 breaks: a beach break and a pointShowHide

The 2 surf breaks at Colac Bay / Ōraka are shown in blue on the map above. The compass shows which way each one faces, the swell that can reach it and the wind that blows offshore there, which is when the waves are cleanest.

1Colac Bay PointPoint break

FacesEast-southeastSwell reaches it fromThe southeast round to south-southeast, and the southwest, and the west-southwest round to westOffshore windFrom the west-northwestBest tideNot recorded

Position approximate: not yet confirmed on aerial photos or by a local surfer

2Colac BayBeach break

FacesSoutheastSwell reaches it fromThe southeast round to south-southeast, and the southwest round to westOffshore windFrom the northwestBest tideNot recorded

Position checked on LINZ aerial photos

Swell can reach itFacesOffshore wind from

Before you paddle out

These facts say what suits each break, not whether it’s safe today. Surf breaks have rips, rocks and changing conditions. If you’re learning, surf where and when lifeguards patrol, and check the conditions yourself before going in.

Breaks: Southland NZ surfing page (break names). The way each break faces, the swell that can reach it and its offshore wind are worked out from the LINZ coastline (CC BY 4.0); positions are checked on LINZ aerial photos unless marked approximate.

Practical Information

Location: Colac Bay / Ōraka, Southland District, on Southern Scenic Route (SH99)
Distance from Invercargill: Approximately 44 km, 43–45 minute drive
Distance from Riverton/Aparima: 10–12 km west, 10 minute drive
Surf Characteristics: Beach break, left and right-hand waves, suitable for all levels; best with south swell and northwest winds
Facilities: Cafe, pub/tavern, craft shop, caravan park/holiday park, toilets, community hall, marae
Access: Public road access via SH99; parking available near beach
Best Time: Year-round; summer (Dec–Feb) for warmer conditions
Safety Notes: No lifeguard service; check surf forecasts and coastal conditions

About Colac Bay / Ōraka

Colac Bay / Ōraka sits on an 8 km wide bay facing Foveaux Strait. The dual name was officially recognised in 1998 under the Ngāi Tahu Claims Settlement Act.

The Māori name Ōraka refers to a place associated with a chief. European settlement began in the 1850s with timber milling, followed by growth linked to the railway that reached the town in 1881.

The township retains a small community atmosphere with a local marae, Takutai o te Tītī Marae of the Ōraka-Aparima rūnanga of Ngāi Tahu. Visitors can learn about the area’s Māori heritage and later European history, including gold mining activity in the nearby Longwood Range and at Round Hill.

Today the bay serves as a relaxed seaside destination. A statue of a surfer stands in the town. The beach provides easy access for walking, beachcombing and water activities, with basic facilities supporting day visitors and those staying at the holiday park.

Surfing at Colac Bay / Ōraka

Colac Bay / Ōraka is a recognised surf spot in Southland with a beach break that produces left and right-hand waves. Conditions suit beginners through to more experienced surfers, with softer, forgiving waves often starting small. Optimal conditions occur with a south swell combined with northwest offshore winds, and the spot works at most tides.

The atmosphere is generally uncrowded and relaxed. Surfers are encouraged to follow standard etiquette to maintain the friendly local vibe. A full wetsuit is recommended due to the cooler Southland waters. Live surf forecasts are available from MetService and other marine services for planning.

No dedicated surf schools or equipment rentals operate directly at the bay. Visitors seeking lessons or hire should check options in Invercargill or other larger centres.

Access and Facilities

Colac Bay / Ōraka is reached easily by car along State Highway 99. The drive from Invercargill takes approximately 43–45 minutes. Limited services exist beyond the cafe, pub, craft shop and holiday park, so visitors are advised to bring any additional supplies needed.

Camping and caravan sites are available at the Colac Bay Tavern & Holiday Park. Toilets and basic parking support beach users. The community hall and marae reflect ongoing local cultural life.

Nearby Attractions

Short drives along the Southern Scenic Route lead to Te Waewae Bay, Gemstone Beach and the Longwood Forest Conservation Area. Historical sites include the former Chinese gold mining settlement at Round Hill near Orepuki. Further afield, options include jet boating on Lake Hauroko and sections of the Hump Ridge Track.

The Te Hikoi Museum in Riverton provides context on regional history, including Māori settlement and later industries. Stewart Island / Rakiura and Raratoka Island are visible on clear days from parts of the route.

Safety and Hazards

Colac Bay / Ōraka has no lifeguard service. Visitors should monitor surf and weather conditions, be aware of possible rips, and avoid entering the water during hazardous periods. Coastal erosion can occur during storms or high tides.

As with any exposed Southland coastline, general awareness of tsunami risk is advisable. Official warnings and local advice should be followed. Pets are generally permitted on the beach provided they remain under control in line with local regulations.

Where to Learn More

Southlandnz.com: Official regional tourism information on Colac Bay / Ōraka and surrounding attractions.

Wikipedia – Colac Bay: Overview of history, geography and dual naming of the township.

MetService Surf Forecast: Current marine and surf conditions for Colac Bay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there surf schools or rentals at Colac Bay / Ōraka?
No dedicated surf schools or equipment rentals operate directly at the bay. Options are available in Invercargill or other larger centres.

What is the best season to surf at Colac Bay?
Conditions can be surfable year-round. Summer months (December to February) offer warmer weather, though south swells and suitable winds occur at other times.

Are there accommodations near Colac Bay for overnight stays?
Yes, the Colac Bay Tavern & Holiday Park provides caravan, camping and room options. Holiday homes are also available in the area.

Are pets allowed on the beach at Colac Bay?
Pets are generally permitted provided they remain under control in accordance with local regulations.

Is there a lifeguard service at Colac Bay?
No lifeguard service operates at the bay. Visitors should assess conditions themselves and exercise caution.

What cultural sites are at Colac Bay / Ōraka?
Takutai o te Tītī Marae serves the Ōraka-Aparima rūnanga of Ngāi Tahu and is available for community and cultural gatherings.

How far is Colac Bay from Invercargill?
The drive is approximately 44 km and takes 43–45 minutes via State Highway 99.

Are there walking opportunities near Colac Bay?
Short beach walks and nearby sections of the Southern Scenic Route provide easy coastal exploration. Longer tracks exist in the Longwood Range area.

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