Last updated October 2026
Kaiaua Bay is an isolated bay on the Tairāwhiti East Coast, 60 km from Gisborne and 6 km in from the state highway turn-off. Gisborne District Council runs a seasonal permit camping area here, which it calls Kaiaua Beach, and describes it as an excellent beach for fishing and swimming.
Surfers know the bay for Three Points, which a council surf break study describes as an isolated but high quality wave with three distinct take-off points.
The same study notes that the main beach is an exposed beach break whose waves depend on how the sand banks form. Facilities are basic and there is no rubbish collection, so come prepared and take everything home with you.
Surf Facts
Surf today at Kaiaua Bay
Today at Kaiaua Bay
Sunday 15 NovemberSurf break at Kaiaua Bay
Practical Information
- Location
- East Coast of Tairāwhiti, north of Tolaga Bay, Gisborne District
- Distance
- 60 km from Gisborne; the beach is 6 km from the state highway turn-off
- Surf breaks
- Three Points (point break) and the Kaiaua Bay beach break
- Toilets
- Public toilet at the north end of the beach (not accessible); some rural toilets have minimal servicing
- Camping
- Restricted seasonal camping area from Labour Weekend; permit required before you set up
- Rubbish
- No rubbish collection; the nearest transfer station is at Tolaga Bay
About Kaiaua Bay
Kaiaua Bay is the official name of the bay in the New Zealand Gazetteer, while Gisborne District Council’s camping page calls it Kaiaua Beach, with the Māori title Te tōpuni ki te Tāhuna o Kaiaua. NZHistory translates the name Kaiaua as “eating mullets”, from kai (to eat) and aua (mullet or herrings).
The bay is isolated, 60 km from Gisborne and 6 km off the state highway. The council-commissioned surf break study describes the Three Points setting as highly scenic and within a protected bay, uncrowded, and suited to “surfers who want to go on a walking safari adventure”.
The council describes Kaiaua Beach as excellent for fishing and swimming, and it is one of the council’s summer camping beaches, with room for both tents and vehicles.
Kaiaua Bay is not one of Gisborne’s nationally significant surf breaks; Gisborne District Council lists those as Makorori, Wainui Beach and Tuamotu Island. In its study, local surfers rated the importance of Three Points at 7 out of 10.
The council published that study, prepared by a summer student in 2010/11, as background research without peer review, and notes it does not reflect council policy.
Surfing at Kaiaua Bay
The Gisborne District Council surf break study describes Three Points as “isolated, but high quality wave with three distinct take off points”, with “fickle consistency” but “long, surfable ‘walls’ in the right conditions”. The main Kaiaua Bay beach break is listed separately as an “exposed and isolated beach break of variable wave quality dependent on sand bank formation”.
No lifeguard patrol has been confirmed at Kaiaua Bay, so check the conditions before you paddle out. For surf lessons, the Tairāwhiti Gisborne regional tourism site lists providers around Gisborne.
Camping at Kaiaua Beach
Kaiaua Beach is a restricted seasonal camping area. Gisborne District Council opens it for the summer season at Labour Weekend, and you must apply online for a permit before you set up camp. Tents and vehicles are both allowed.
The council’s seasonal camping rules require campers to bring a chemical toilet (one for every 8 people) and to empty wastewater only at a dump station.
Open fires are not allowed, and every vehicle on your site needs a current registration and warrant of fitness. There is no rubbish collection at the site, so take all your rubbish and recycling with you; the nearest transfer station is at Tolaga Bay.
From locals
Who wrote the surf break study that describes Three Points at Kaiaua Bay?
Has anyone taken a dog to Kaiaua Bay? Wondering if it's okay on the beach and at the campsites.
No answers yet. If you know, a local would love to hear it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Kaiaua Bay?
On the Tairāwhiti East Coast north of Tolaga Bay. Gisborne District Council says the beach is 60 km from Gisborne and 6 km from the state highway turn-off.
Can you camp at Kaiaua Bay?
Yes, in the summer season. Kaiaua Beach is a restricted seasonal camping area that opens at Labour Weekend, and you need a council permit before you set up. You must bring a chemical toilet, and open fires are not allowed.
Can you swim at Kaiaua Bay?
Gisborne District Council describes it as an excellent beach for fishing and swimming, but no lifeguard patrol has been confirmed, so check conditions before you go in. It is an exposed surf beach, so watch for rips and stay out when the surf is up.
What surf breaks are at Kaiaua Bay?
Two are recorded in the council’s surf break study: Three Points, a high quality but fickle wave with three distinct take-off points, and the main beach break, whose quality depends on the sand banks.
Are there toilets at Kaiaua Bay?
Yes. Gisborne District Council lists a public toilet at the north end of Kaiaua Beach. It is not wheelchair accessible, and the council notes some rural toilets have minimal servicing.
Is Kaiaua Bay a nationally significant surf break?
No. Gisborne’s nationally significant breaks are Makorori, Wainui Beach and Tuamotu Island. The council’s surf break study rated Three Points 7 out of 10 for importance.
What does Kaiaua mean?
NZHistory translates Kaiaua as “eating mullets”, from kai (to eat) and aua (mullet or herrings).
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 3
- Gisborne District Council: Kaiaua Beach camping: season opening, permits, camp rules and a map of camping sites and dump stations.
- Gisborne District Council: Surf break identification and protection: the council’s surf break work, including the study that describes Three Points.
- NZHistory: 1000 Māori place names: the meaning of Kaiaua and many other Māori place names.
Sources and data notes 2
- Today at Kaiaua Bay: Tides: LINZ, CC BY 4.0, times for Tolaga Bay - Cooks Cove adjusted from Gisborne using LINZ offsets; the curve shows the shape of the tide, not local heights; predictions only.
- Surf Facts: Breaks: Gisborne District Council surf break report (Peryman 2011) (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 checked on LINZ aerial photos. Legal access: Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa, Outdoor Access Commission, from LINZ and DOC data (CC BY 4.0).