New Zealand Surf Guide
Thinking of heading over to New Zealand for your next surf trip? It is a surfer’s paradise, brimming with spectacular surf spots along its heavenly 15,000km of coastline.
Not only are you spoilt for choice, but you’ll be carving it up against stunning snowy backdrops, towering mountains and brilliant blue waters. There are many breaks skirting the North and South Islands, with waves to suit everyone from the new grommet on the block to the surfing veteran.
If you’re planning on heading over to this slice of paradise, we’ve put together the ultimate New Zealand surf guide to help you discover the best New Zealand surfing spots.
To help outline the best surfing spots in New Zealand, we’ve broken it down between the North Island and the South Island. Check it out, below...
NORTH ISLAND
Raglan
Located on the West Coast, the town of Raglan is one of New Zealand’s most renowned surf spots. Manu Bay is the most popular Raglan point break and is said one of the most insane left-handers in the world. On a good day, these cracking waves can peel for up to two kilometers. With an epic small-town vibe and some of the best waves in the country, this coastal town is a must-see on your New Zealand surf trip.
Taranaki
Taranaki is known for its main road, Surf Highway 45, that meanders along the dreamy Taranaki coastline – and they don’t call it “Surf Highway 45” for nothing. This coastal road is teeming with classic surf breaks to suit every level of surfing. All you need to do is hop in the car, cruise along the coastline, and make some stops along the way. Ahu Ahu is a popular break serving up fast lefts and rights, while Graveyards is a more challenging left-hand point break that can dish up some barrels on a good day.
Ahipara
Tucked away far north of New Zealand, at the southern end of the renowned Ninety Mile Beach, lies the town of Ahipara. Ahipara is home to Shipwreck Bay, another famous break in New Zealand that offers big, long rides that are up there with some of the best in the country. Ahipara has two waves – “Shipwreck” and “Peaks” – and they’re both left-hand point breaks. “Peaks” is out the back of the point and is built for the more advanced surfer and when conditions are right, can be a world-class wave. “Shipwreck”, found on the inside of Peaks, is gentler and better for beginners. But hey, why choose!? Catch a wave from Peaks through to Shipwreck. One wave that can last up to three minutes.
What to wear: The North Island is the warmer of the two islands, so in the summer you’ll be OK with a pair of boardies and a rash vest. If you feel the cold, a spring suit is the right choice. However, if you’re heading to the North Island in winter, pack your 3/2 steamer or even a 4/3 if you feel the cold.
Flashbomb 3/2mm Chest Zip Wetsuit Steamer
SOUTH ISLAND
Kaikoura
The coastal town of Kaikoura delivers unbelievable surfing backdrops… rocky platforms, snow-capped mountains, amazing wildlife. It’s also replete with great surfing spots for advanced surfers – breaks that provide solid, powerful waves. One of the most popular spots is Mangamaunu, a busy right-hand point break that can peel for several hundred metres. If you know what you’re doing, waves are fast and can reach six feet, so you could be up for an incredible ride. Some other spots to check out include Kahutara, Meatworks and Oaro.
Dunedin
The city of Dunedin is one of the best surfing regions on the South Island, with several breaks dotting the coastline in proximity, and offer of waves for everyone. A popular beach break is St Clair, a busy surfing hub that offers right-hand waves suitable for all skill levels. If you’ve got time up your sleeve, check out the other handful of gems that Dunedin has to offer, including Aramoana, Murdering Bay and Karitane.
Punakaiki
If you’re sussing out the West Coast, the small town of Punakaiki is well worth a visit. Punakaiki Beach is a perfect little spot to head out and have some fun, and you can choose from several peaks… including the left-hander off the southern blowhole rocks. The beach is quite sheltered so it can deliver decent sized swell, but the waves are typically wide making it suitable for surfers of all abilities.
What to wear:
If you’re surfing on the South Island, it’s going to be cold. During winter, you’ll want to pack your 4/3 wetsuit and some booties and gloves. The further south you go the colder it gets, so even in summer, you’ll probably be surfing in a 3/2 around places like Dunedin.Flashbomb Heat Seeker 4/3mm Zip Free Wetsuit Steamer
