New Zealand is a surfer’s paradise, with an abundance of excellent surf breaks scattered along its coastlines. Catering for all difficulty levels, there’s a spot in New Zealand for you. In this post, we’ll take a look at the ten best places to surf in New Zealand.
Raglan
Located on the west coast of the North Island, Raglan is one of New Zealand’s most famous surf towns. Raglan’s left-hand point break is legendary, and attracts surfers from all over the world. The town itself is also a great place to hang out, with a laid-back vibe and plenty of cafes and shops.
Piha
Located just outside of Auckland, Piha is a popular spot for both surfers and beachgoers. The beach is known for its powerful waves, which can reach up to 10 feet high. The beach is also surrounded by stunning natural scenery, including the famous Lion Rock.
Whangamata
Located on the Coromandel Peninsula, Whangamata is another popular surf spot. The beach offers a variety of waves, making it a great spot for surfers of all levels. When you’re not surfing, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in the area, including hiking, fishing, and kayaking.
Mount Maunganui
Located in the Bay of Plenty, Mount Maunganui is a popular surf spot with a stunning backdrop of Mount Maunganui itself. The beach offers a variety of waves, including a left-hand point break that can produce some excellent surf.
Gisborne
Located on the east coast of the North Island, Gisborne is known for its consistent surf breaks. The town has a laid-back vibe and plenty of accommodation options for surfers. The surf breaks in Gisborne are suitable for surfers of all levels, making it a great spot for beginners and experienced surfers alike.
Kaikoura
Located on the South Island, Kaikoura is known for its rugged coastline and stunning scenery. The surf breaks here can be powerful, with waves that can reach up to 15 feet high. The area is also famous for its marine wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and whales.
St Clair
Located in Dunedin on the South Island, St Clair is a popular surf spot with a left-hand point break. The beach is also a great place to relax and soak up the sun, with plenty of cafes and restaurants in the area.
Ahipara
Located on the west coast of the North Island, Ahipara is known for its consistent surf breaks. The beach is a great spot for experienced surfers, with waves that can reach up to 10 feet high. When you’re not surfing, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in the area, including fishing and hiking.
Taranaki
Located on the west coast of the North Island, Taranaki is known for its consistent surf breaks and stunning scenery. The area is home to some of New Zealand’s most famous surf spots, including Stent Road and Kumara Patch.
Waihi Beach
Located on the east coast of the North Island, Waihi Beach is a popular spot for both surfers and beachgoers. The beach offers a variety of waves, making it a great spot for surfers of all levels. When you’re not surfing, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in the area, including hiking, fishing, and kayaking.
What makes New Zealand surfing special is the country’s unique geography and varied coastline. New Zealand is an island nation surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, which means there is no shortage of coastline and surf breaks to explore. The country’s coastline ranges from long sandy beaches to rugged cliffs and rocky outcrops, providing a diverse range of surf breaks suitable for all levels of surfers.
Another factor that makes New Zealand surfing special is the country’s natural beauty. Many of the surf spots are located in areas of outstanding natural beauty, including national parks and nature reserves. Surfers in New Zealand often have the opportunity to surf in stunning locations with breathtaking scenery, such as Raglan and Piha.
Finally, New Zealand is a relatively uncrowded surf destination compared to other popular surf destinations such as Hawaii and Bali. Even the most famous surf spots in New Zealand rarely get crowded, which means surfers can enjoy the waves without the hassle of competing for them. This also means that there is a strong sense of community among surfers in New Zealand, with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere at many of the surf towns and breaks.