Boneyards
Also known as: -
A short, uncrowded outside section off the Manu Bay point - the local move for a quieter left when the main points are packed; thinly documented.
Best time to surf
NZ autumn-winter-spring; consistent much of the year
Shoulder season: Good - year-round consistency; a crowd-escape when Manu is busy
The wave
Break type: Point / reef break
Bottom: Boulder / rock reef point (outside section off the Manu Bay point)
Wave direction: Left
Typical wave length: Short - a shorter wave than the main points; an outside section west round the Manu point
Ideal swell: SW Tasman groundswell; works the Manu Bay size range (~2-10ft)
Ideal wind: Offshore SE / E
Working tide: Likely all tides as the Manu Bay point, hollower on low (unconfirmed for this section)
Difficulty & skill
Difficulty (1-5): 4
Skill level: Advanced (rock-bottom point; less crowd pressure than Manu or Indicators, not a beginner wave)
Options for a mixed group: Ngarunui Beach for beginners; Manu Bay / Whale Bay for the group; Boneyards as an uncrowded overflow for advanced surfers
Safety & hazards
Boulder/rock reef, cold water, rips, rock entry/exit
Raglan township medical centre; Surf Life Saving patrol at Ngarunui (summer); Waikato Hospital, Hamilton ~45 min; dial 111
Crowd, access & conditions
Crowd & localism: Notably less crowded - the local move to get away from the crowds; Raglan localism/etiquette still applies
Access & parking: Via Manu Bay - park at Manu Bay Reserve (off Wainui Rd), then the outside section west round the point
Surf schools & rental: No school on this break; town/Ngarunui operators for lessons/rental - Raglan Surf School, Solscape, Raglan Surf Emporium
Water temp & wetsuit: Cold - ~14 C (Jul-Aug) to ~19 C (Jan-Feb); 4/3 or 5/4 steamer + boots/hood in winter, 3/2 in summer; booties for the rocks
Crowds, access and local conditions change - confirm locally before you paddle out.
Around the break
Facilities: Nearest toilets/parking at Manu Bay Reserve; full facilities in Raglan town (~8 km)
For non-surfers: Manu Bay Reserve viewpoint, Mount Karioi walk, Bridal Veil Falls, Whaingaroa Harbour, Raglan town
Location
Nearest hub: Raglan
-37.8210, 174.8090 (approximate) (just W of Manu Bay point, between Manu Bay and Whale Bay)
Live conditions
Today's swell, wind and tide are a runtime layer - check the live sources: Surf Seeker (Manu Bay guide, names Boneyards); Surfertoday Raglan guide
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand surf report. Coordinates are approximate.