Surfing
Surfing
Best Surf Spots in New Zealand: Ultimate Guide for Surfers
Ride epic waves in Aotearoa! From Raglan’s legendary lefts to Piha’s black sands, discover the best surf spots in New Zealand and plan your ultimate adventure.
New Zealand is a surfer’s paradise — think epic waves, jaw-dropping coastlines, and a surf culture as laid-back as a Sunday afternoon. With two islands serving up diverse breaks, from peeling point waves to thundering reef slabs, there’s a perfect spot for every level of surfer. The North Island brings legendary breaks like Raglan and Piha, while the South Island delivers raw, untouched waves set against stunning, rugged backdrops.
These popular surfing locations in New Zealand draw in every level of surfer to this part of the Southern Hemisphere, from beginners to world champion hopefuls. Take Red Bull surfer and New Zealand native Kehu Butler, for example, who had his first win in Piha.
“My ultimate goal is to be world champion one day,” he says. “I just want to go hard and give it my best every time I get on the water.”
Whether you’re also aiming to break records or just want to explore a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, New Zealand’s consistent swells and uncrowded lineups make it a dream destination. Wax your board, because your next unforgettable ride is waiting.
Kehu Butler performs in Piha, New Zealand
© Red Bull
01
6 best surf spots in New Zealand
1. Raglan (North Island): World’s longest left-hand break
Raglan's Manu Bay is legendary, offering what many claim to be the world's longest left-hand break. This iconic wave gained fame after being featured in the 1966 surf film Endless Summer, and it's been drawing wave riders ever since. Located just a stone’s throw from the artsy town of Raglan, Manu Bay serves up consistent, peeling waves that can run for up to two kilometers on the best days.
- Best for: Beginners to advanced surfers
- When to go: March to June
- Best for: Beginners to advanced surfers
- When to go: March to June
- Wave type: Long, peeling left-hand point break over a rocky seabed
2. Taranaki: Surf Highway 45’s endless breaks
Dubbed “Surf Highway 45,” the coastal road around Mount Taranaki is a treasure trove of surf spots, each offering its own unique charm. With the majestic Mount Taranaki as a constant companion, surfers can explore a variety of New Zealand surf breaks, from beach to reef and point breaks. The region's diverse coastline ensures that there's usually a wave to be found, no matter the swell or wind direction. Taranaki was also home to the TSB Bank NZ Surf Festival, where surfers took part in the 2012 ASP World Championship Tour.
- Best for: Surfers of all levels
- When to go: Year-round. December to March has the warmest conditions and September through April has Southern Ocean low-pressure systems with Coral Sea cyclones producing incredible swells
- Wave type: A mix of beach, reef, and point breaks
3. Piha Beach: Black sands and consistent waves
Just west of Auckland lies Piha Beach, renowned for its striking black sand and powerful surf. This top New Zealand surfing beach is framed by the iconic and dramatic Lion Rock. Piha offers consistent beach breaks that are particularly popular among intermediate surfers. However, it's essential to be cautious, as the area is known for strong rips and currents.
- Best for: Surfers of all levels
- When to go: Year-round, but summer (December to March) is better for beginners, while winter (June to August) is suitable for intermediate surfers
- Wave type: Powerful beach breaks with both left and right-handers
4. Shipwreck Bay: Long left-hand point break
Situated near the town of Ahipara at the southern end of the famed Ninety Mile Beach, Shipwreck Bay boasts a long, peeling left-hand point break that can offer rides of up to three minutes on epic days. The wave wraps around the point, providing multiple sections suitable for surfers of varying skill levels.
- Best for: Intermediate to advanced surfers
- When to go: May to August
- Wave type: Long left-hand point break over sand and rock
5. Kaikōura: Stunning reef breaks on the South Island
Kaikōura, on the South Island's east coast, offers surfers the unique experience of riding waves with snow-capped mountains as a backdrop. The area is known for its quality reef breaks that produce powerful, hollow waves. Additionally, it's not uncommon to share the lineup with curious seals and, occasionally, dolphins.
- Best for: Mostly intermediate to advanced surfers, but there are a few good spots for beginners at Kaikoura
- When to go: Winter months, especially June
- Wave type: Reef breaks offering powerful, hollow waves
6. Dunedin and Otago Peninsula: Consistent waves and scenic vibes
The Dunedin area and the Otago Peninsula are home to a variety of surf spots, offering consistent waves set against rugged, natural beauty. St. Clair Beach is a local favorite, providing reliable beach breaks and a vibrant surf community. Surfers needing board rentals or lessons can go to Esplanade Surf School, but if you’re headed there during winter, make sure to make an appointment.
- Best for: Surfers of all levels
- When to go: Year-round
- Wave type: Predominantly beach breaks with some reef and point options
02
The Ultimate Waterman: New Zealand’s elite surf challenge
If you think you're a well-rounded surfer, The Ultimate Waterman tests that theory. This multi-disciplinary surf event is not your average competition. This New Zealand-based event pushes elite athletes to their limits across shortboarding, longboarding, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and even outrigger canoe surfing. The country’s wildly diverse coastlines make it the perfect natural arena. It throws every kind of wave at the competitors, from Raglan’s legendary lefts to the raw power of South Island reef breaks.
This isn’t just about scoring perfect 10s. It’s about adaptability, endurance, and mental grit. The event has played host to some of the world’s best watermen (and women), cementing New Zealand’s rep as a top-tier surf destination.
03
Choosing the best time to surf in New Zealand
Technically, New Zealand is suitable for surfing year-round, but that depends on the coast you choose and your experience level.
If you travel to the east coast, make sure to go during November and March to experience cyclone season. Surfers will get solid groundswells to the coast during these summer months. This time of year, you won’t need a wetsuit, but the weather can be rainy and unpredictable.
On the opposite side, west coast surfers will enjoy consistent waves, thanks to the roaring forties winds between March and August. During the winter season, storms crash onto the South Island, and you’ll see almost every surfer in a wetsuit. Remember, though, winter means
04
Where to stay near the best surf spots in New Zealand
After a long session, you need a solid place to crash — preferably somewhere that won’t mind you dragging in half the beach with you. Here are some top stays near the best waves:
- Raglan area: For a budget-friendly option, head to Raglan Backpackers, where you can get surfboard rentals, relax in a hot tub, and receive a prime location. For affordable to mid-range pricing and an eco-friendly lodge, stay at Solscape Raglan for some epic ocean views. If the wallet allows, head to The Silos for luxury, with boutique accommodations right by the Raglan harbor.
- Taranaki area: Belt Road Seaside Holiday Park offers surfers affordable cabins and motels that have ocean views, with an option for seasonal discounts. For some mid- to high-range options, relax at the Nice Hotel — an exquisite boutique spot in New Plymouth. For a luxurious experience, vacationing at Ahu Ahu Beach Villas is perfect for post-surf relaxation.
- Piha area: Save your money on lodging by staying at Piha Campground. Located on the western side of Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, you can find amazing deals and discounts here.
And for the true surf nomads? Rent a campervan. New Zealand is built for road-tripping, and there’s nothing better than waking up steps from the surf.
05
Travel tips for surfers heading to New Zealand
New Zealand might look compact on a map, but don’t let that fool you. This country is packed with remote surf spots, winding coastal roads, and plenty of hidden gems that require a little effort to reach.
If you want the ultimate surf trip, a bit of planning goes a long way. Whether you’re chasing swells up and down the country or setting up base in one of the major surf towns, having the right gear and knowing how to get around will make all the difference. Here’s what you need to know before you go:
- Surfboards: Find an airline that allows you to transport your surfboard, or look up rental places in your desired New Zealand surf spot.
- Other gear: Wetsuits (hooded wetsuit in the south), gloves, booties, a surfboard leash, fins, board bag, surf watch, towels, surf wax, and sunscreen are all a part of the surf experience.
- Transportation: Choose from the seven main New Zealand airports. Typically, travelers fly into Auckland Airport or, for the South, it’s Christchurch Airport. From there, you can hop on New Zealand's accessible public transport to get to your region of choice.
- Rough waves: All surfers experience challenging swells that can change instantly, and that’s especially true in New Zealand. Try out local surf lessons to gain familiarity with the local waves before going out on your own.
With the right setup, a flexible mindset, and a thirst for adventure, you’ll be scoring waves in some of the most breathtaking lineups on Earth. Just don’t forget to drive on the left side of the road!
06
Plan your surf adventure in New Zealand
So what’s next? Time to start planning. Book that flight, grab your board, and get ready for an adventure in one of the most epic surf destinations. With the best surf spots in New Zealand, it’s the kind of place that keeps calling you back.
See you in the lineup.
