Pegasus Bay is a 50km stretch of sandy beach located in New Zealand, popular for surfers looking for a variety of waves. The area starts with a 4WD access left point at Fossils and continues southward with multiple beach breaks found at Amberley, Leithfield, Waikuku, and Pines. As you get closer to the Waimakariri Rivermouth, you'll find peaks attracting both surfers and fishermen, especially at low tide when the lefts and rights are more consistent.
The surf around Pegasus Bay works best with swells coming from the east, but it's also worth checking in on conditions from the northeast and south. This spot can handle swells as small as 2ft (around 0.6 meters), making it suitable for beginners. The waves generally break over sand, with both left and right options available. When it comes to wind, a westerly breeze is preferred. The area is quite flexible with tide heights and can be surfed at low, mid, and high tides, although the wave quality will vary with the size of the swell.
Aside from the beach breaks, remember that the cold, muddy water from the river can sometimes affect the clarity near the rivermouth peaks. For those looking to ride here, it’s best to access it from the north side town of Kaiapoi, which makes navigation to the various surf spots easier.