Manu Bay is one of the well-known surf spots located near Raglan, New Zealand. It's the innermost of the three points, and it’s favored for its accessibility and views. You can check the surf easily from the Manu Bay Reserve, which is right by the beach. The area tends to get pretty crowded, thanks to its easy parking and access, so be prepared to share the waves with a lot of other surfers.
The surfing at Manu Bay can be engaging, especially when the swell comes from the southwest or northwest. It handles swell sizes around 2 feet (about 0.6 meters) quite well and works with left-breaking waves over boulders. You'll find the best conditions during low, mid, and even high tides, but keep in mind that the surf is more suited for intermediate surfers. If you’re trying to get the most out of your session, the preferrable wind direction is from the southeast. On bigger days, you should be cautious of strong rips running north towards the harbor.
Since this spot is quite popular, the locals can be a bit territorial, so be ready to navigate some crowded line-ups. When jumping in from the rocks near the take-off spot, good timing is essential to avoid getting caught in the chaos. And remember, if you plan to park at the reserve, don’t free camp in the car park unless you’re okay with possibly getting a ticket.