Last updated October 2026
Pourērere Beach is a long Central Hawke’s Bay beach with a sheltered lagoon, rock pools and two small settlements. Central Hawke’s Bay District Council lists swimming, surfing, snorkelling, kayaking, fishing and diving here, and calls the lagoon ideal for swimming with little ones.
The water holds a Good long-term grade on LAWA. There is no surf lifesaving patrol. The council puts it 35 minutes’ drive from Waipawa, so it is a summer day trip or camping stop from Hastings.
Swimming Facts
Before you swim: Tested weekly Nov–Mar by Hawke's Bay Regional Council. Stay out for 48 hours after heavy rain. Latest result on LAWA
Today at Pourērere Beach
Monday 19 OctoberWater quality track record
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 (122 per 100 mL from 67 tests).
Surf Facts
Surf today at Pourērere Beach
Surf break at Pourērere Beach
Practical Information
- Location
- Pourerere Road, Central Hawke’s Bay
- Getting there
- 35 minutes from Waipawa: east on Tamumu Road, which becomes Pourerere Road; the far settlement is at the end of a gravel road
- Water
- Open east coast beach with a tidal lagoon (nearest tide station: Pourērere)
- Water quality
- Good (LAWA long-term grade, summers 2020/21 to 2024/25)
- Testing
- Weekly from November to March by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council
- Lifeguards
- None
- Facilities
- Toilets, changing facilities, picnic area, car parking, boat launching from the beach
- Camping
- Pourerere Beach Camp; council freedom camping by summer ballot permit
- Cost
- Free to visit
About Pourērere Beach
Hawke’s Bay Tourism describes two settlements: the first at the entrance, where you reach the lagoon, and the second, with original baches, a boat launch and the camping ground, at the far end of the gravel road. The council notes extensive rock pools, a busy beach launching site for recreational fishing boats, and that it is a popular diving beach.
Volunteers protect nesting dotterels on the beach, so keep out of fenced areas.
Swimming and Water Quality at Pourērere
Hawke’s Bay Regional Council tests the water every week from November to March and shares the results on LAWA. Pourērere has a Good LAWA long-term grade, based on 67 routine tests over the summers of 2020/21 to 2024/25.
Of 77 tests between November 2019 and March 2025, 97% were suitable for swimming. A Good grade means the water is rarely unsuitable for swimming, but it is a long-term record, not a promise for any particular day.
Check the latest result on LAWA before you swim, and stay out of the water for at least 48 hours after heavy rain. The regional council advises waiting two to three days after heavy rain, and if you cannot see your toes when standing knee-deep, the water is not at its best.
Hawke’s Bay Tourism says the lagoon, which moves with the tides and river flow, is a great way for young children to enjoy the beach without the big waves. None of the Central Hawke’s Bay beaches has a surf lifesaving patrol, so swim with someone, stay within your depth and keep children within arm’s reach.
Surfing at Pourērere
Hawke’s Bay Tourism’s surfing guide says Central Hawke’s Bay beaches are mostly quiet with empty line-ups, and that heading south from Kairakau through Pourērere and Aramoana, you will find potential around each corner. No official source describes the break in more detail, so treat it as an exposed beach for surfers who can read the conditions themselves.
Camping and Rules
Pourerere Beach Camp is a private campground at the southern end of Pourerere Beach Road. The council also allows freedom camping on the Pourerere Beach Road Reserve, which needs a ballot permit over the peak summer from mid-December to the end of February; applications close at the end of October. Self-contained vehicles can stay at the Tommy Ireland Point lookout.
From December to February, dogs must be on a leash within 50 m north and south of the changing sheds between 8am and 6pm. Vehicles are only allowed on formed roads, and fires only in fireplaces or cooking appliances, subject to fire season restrictions.
Where to Learn More
LAWA and Hawke’s Bay Regional Council: the latest “Can I Swim Here?” result and long-term grade for Pourērere Beach.
Central Hawke’s Bay District Council: Pourerere Beach: activities, facilities, camping and dog rules.
Hawke’s Bay Tourism: Pourerere Beach: the official visitor guide to the beach and its two settlements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim at Pourērere Beach?
Yes. The council lists swimming, and the lagoon suits young children. There is no patrol, so check LAWA first and stay out for at least 48 hours after heavy rain.
What is the water quality like?
Pourērere has a Good LAWA long-term grade. Of 77 tests between November 2019 and March 2025, 97% were suitable for swimming.
Is the beach patrolled?
No. There is no surf lifesaving patrol at Pourērere.
Can you surf at Pourērere?
Yes. Hawke’s Bay Tourism says the Central Hawke’s Bay coast has quiet line-ups with potential around each corner.
How far is Pourērere from Waipawa?
About 35 minutes’ drive, east on Tamumu Road and Pourerere Road.
Can you camp at Pourērere?
Yes, at Pourerere Beach Camp, or freedom camping on the beach road reserve with a summer ballot permit.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.