It’s no secret New Zealand has incredible waves, and if you’re willing to drive, monitor the surf forecast and chase the best conditions; the country will reward you with amazing waves.
However, with thousands of kilometres of coastline and infinite potential for world-class surf, the issue remains not whether you’ll get waves – but where to surf.
But not worry, we’ve created this list of NZ’s best surf spots to help you along.
There’s a lot to get through, so let’s go!
BEST SURF SPOTS IN THE NORTH ISLAND, NZ
The North Island of New Zealand has thousands of kilometres of untapped coastline with plenty of quality waves.
If you’re looking for guaranteed waves and a great surf trip base, here are the best surf spots on the North Island to get you started.
PIHA
SUITABLE FOR: ADVANCED SURFERS
Just 45 minutes outside of Auckland is Piha.
Famous for its distinctive Lion Rock and striking black sand beach, the town draws beach-loving tourists and surfers year round. Piha can produce incredible waves and is one of the most consistent surf spots in NZ.
Seriously, it’s never flat here, and you’ll be hard-pushed to find anywhere more reliable.
Piha Bar is a fun left-hander breaking off the rocks at the south end of the beach offering up long powerful lefts ending in a hollow shore break section.
A super fun wave for the advanced surfers, but definitely challenging for beginners and intermediates.
North of the rock is a long stretch of beach with countless punchy peaks dotted along its length, the quality of which will depend on the sandbanks on the day.
RAGLAN
SUITABLE FOR: ALL LEVELS
Raglan is the New Zealand’s most famous surf spot, with world-class left-hand point breaks attracting surfers from around the globe.
Raglan consists of three defined point breaks:
INDICATORS
Indicators is a fast, powerful left with speedy sections for turns – and the occasional hollow barrel sections under the right conditions.
It can handle BIG swells and is the most exposed wave of the Raglan points.
WHALE BAY
Whale Bay is a short, fun left-hand point with fun sections breaking off a suck rock and along cobblestone boulders.
Because it’s shorter and less perfect than its world-class neighbours, it gets less recognition and is generally less crowded – a great bet to escape the crowds.
MANU BAY
Manu Bay is the jewel in the crown of surfing in Raglan.
On its day, Manu produces flawless left-hand tubes and perfectly paced walls – truly one of the most enjoyable waves you’ll ever surf.
Furthermore, it’s great for advanced and intermediate surfers alike.
As you’d expect, Manu Bay is often crowded, so watch out for the locals, be respectful, don’t drop in, and stick to the unwritten rules of surfing.
SHIPWRECK BAY
SUITABLE FOR: INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED
Shipwreck Bay is an unbelievably long left with multiple sections for barrels and turns.
But while the wave is incredible, don’t expect to score the place on any given day.
The point here only comes to life during large storm swells – so keep your eyes on the chart and head there when most of the west coast looks blown out and too big to surf elsewhere.
MT MAUNGANUI
SUITABLE FOR: ALL LEVELS
Mt Maunganui is one of the best beginner surf spots in New Zealand and consistently offers mellow 2-3ft waves breaking over sand.
With the Kaimai Mountain range blocking weather fronts from the West, Mount Maunganui is one of the sunniest areas in New Zealand.
Despite the small waves and inconsistency, occasionally the Mount can serve up a real treat.
THE COROMANDEL
SUITABLE FOR: ALL LEVELS
Stretching North from the Bay of Plenty is the Coromandel Peninsular, a long finger of land with stunning white sand beaches, beautiful greenery, winding roads, excellent camping and the fun waves too.
The best spots are:
WHANGAMATA
Whangamta is best known for its rivermouth left: a stupidly long left-hander, running over a shallow sand bank.
WRAPPING IT UP
If you’re willing to get on the road and live among the great outdoors, New Zealand is an awesome place to surf.
Whatever your surfing ability, there’s something for everyone; from beginner-friendly beach breaks, to long peeling points and hollow shore breaks.
Oh, and to top it off, many of NZs best surf spots are some of the most picturesque places you’ll ever surf.
All that’s left now, is for you to get out there and go exploring!
DAN HARMON
Dan is a content writer and full-time surf travel enthusiast. He travels the world full-time while creating surf content, traveling to the world’s best surf destinations, and hunting out some lesser-known corners. You can follow Dan’s travels on YouTube, Instagram or his Blog.
