The power contained in waves varies
greatly. The annual average wave power around the
New Zealand coast varies from 8 kW/m (i.e. for length
of wave crest) at the East Cape to 99 kW/m near
Stewart Island. A typical value is probably around
30 kW/m, which is a good quality resource compared
with many coastlines of the world.
This map shows average significant
wave height for coastal areas of New Zealand for
the period 1979-93. Significant wave height is the
average height of the highest one third of the waves
in a given sea state. The areas with greatest significant
wave heights have the potential for wave power electricity
generation.
http://eeca.govt.nz/renewable-energy/maps-marine.html
