6 Best Waves to Surf in New Zealand
New Zealand has over 9,000 miles of coast, and not surprisingly, 1 in 27 Kiwis surf. This small island country has a rich wave riding history, as surfing, called whakaheheke ngaru, was a popular activity in the Māori culture way before the arrival of Europeans in the 19th century. With thousands of surf breaks, there is a wave for everyone and every level. Here are the six best waves to surf in New Zealand.
Raglan, Waikato
Made famous by the 1966 cult classic, Endless Summer, Raglan is New Zealand's most famous surf destination. The wave is best for intermediate and advanced surfers, and on good days the rides last almost two kilometers. It has three separate breaks, Indicators, Whale, and Manu, and works best with a Southwest swell, Southeast wind, and low tide.
Piha, Auckland
Twenty minutes driving from Aukland, Piha is a popular surf break that caters to all surfing levels. It has two black sand beaches separated by a massive rock called Lion Rock. Rising to fame in the 1950s as a surfing hotspot, it maintains its reputation for gorgeous scenery and consistent waves. It works best with a Southwest swell, East wind, and all tides.
Castlepoint, Wellington
Castlepoint Gap is a sheltered, consistent beach break, and despite it being a bit out of the way, it's one of the most beloved beaches in the country. When the stars align, the beach break can create a barreling A-Frame for the more experienced surfers, and on smaller days, gentle waves are perfect for beginners. It works best on an East to Southeast swell, West to Northwest wind, and all tides.
Taranaki, Waikato
Located on the western side of North Island, Surf Highway 45, the nickname of the highway that runs along the Taranaki coastline, is home to some of the most picturesque surf spots on the island. Punihos is an exposed reef and point break with consistent surf all year round. It works best on a West-southwest swell, Southeast wind, and the tide is dependent on swell size.
Gisborne
One of the smaller cities on North Island, Gisborne has consistent swell, nicely moderate weather, and a surf spot for any wave interested travelers. Some of the most famous breaks are Grizzly Pipe at Midway beach, which is best for advanced surfers, and Waikanae for those who are just getting their sea legs. Wainui Beach is the Hossegor of North Island. It does best on an East swell, Northwest wind, and all tides.
Dunedin, Otago
Also known as cold-water Bali, Dunedin has some of the best beaches in the country... and the world. It is the second-largest city on the South Island, and there are plenty of breaks for any level surfer. The sandy beach breaks of St. Clair’s are one of the most popular surf destinations offering everything from a long right point break to the potential for hollow barrels. This spot does best on a South, South southwest, to South southeast swell, North to Northwest wind, and medium-high tide.
Planning to surf in New Zealand? Remember to check out the Jamie O’Brien Surf App here for anytime, anywhere surf coaching.
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