WaikatoRaglan
Raglan, Waikato west coast
A surf town built around a famously long left-hand point break. Learners use Ngarunui Beach; experienced surfers head to Manu Bay, Whale Bay and Indicators.
Beginner-friendlyIntermediateExperienced only
Explore · Surfing
Best Surfing Spots in New Zealand
Photo: “Braving the wave” by anja_r, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
From the long left-hand point breaks of Raglan to the beach breaks of the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand has waves for first-timers and experienced surfers. These guides cover where to go, where to learn and how to stay safe in the surf.
Surfing destinations
Browse by island or region, then open a guide for conditions, access and local operators.
Waikato
AucklandPiha
Piha, Auckland's west coast
A black-sand west coast beach divided by Lion Rock, with powerful surf and strong rips. Lifeguards patrol over summer.
IntermediateExperienced only
Bay of PlentyMount Maunganui
Main Beach, Mount Maunganui
The Bay of Plenty's busiest surf beach: a peaky beach break under Mauao, with warm summer water and plenty of surf schools.
Beginner-friendlyIntermediate
Map of surfing destinations
Pins show the general area of each destination, not exact access points or parking. Every destination is also listed above.
Location data: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL 1.0).
Surfing in New Zealand
New Zealand's two main coasts surf very differently. The west coast faces the Tasman Sea and is known for powerful swell. That's where you'll find the famous left-hand point breaks at Raglan and the heavy beach break at Piha. The east coast of the North Island, including the Bay of Plenty, is generally friendlier. Bay of Plenty Tourism describes its beaches as having "a break or bank for every surf level".
Use the destination guides above to compare spots, then check the forecast and lifeguard patrols before you paddle out.
Beginner-friendly surf spots
Look for a sandy beach break with gentle waves, lifeguards in summer and a surf school on the beach:
- Ngarunui Beach, Raglan: Gentler waves over a sandy bottom, with lessons year round.
- Mount Maunganui Main Beach: The middle of the beach is usually the easiest place to learn.
- Waihī Beach and Pāpāmoa: Bay of Plenty Tourism says Waihī's soft, uncrowded waves suit beginners. Pāpāmoa is normally a foot or two smaller than the Mount because Motiti Island shelters it.
For experienced surfers
- Raglan's points: Manu Bay, Whale Bay and Indicators are long left-hand point breaks over a rocky seafloor. On big swells they're said to link up into a ride of more than two kilometres. Manu Bay featured in the 1966 surf film The Endless Summer.
- Piha: A powerful west coast beach break with strong rips, split in two by Lion Rock.
When to surf
Swell, not the calendar, decides a good surf day. Some seasonal patterns help, though:
- In the Bay of Plenty, the best swell season is December to May, when tropical lows send swell south and the water is about 20–23 °C.
- Raglan has lessons year round, and the points need a solid swell to work.
- Summer brings lifeguards, warmer water and crowds. Expect busy line-ups at popular breaks over the school holidays.
Lessons and board hire
A lesson is the quickest and safest way to start. Group lessons typically last 1.5 to 2 hours and include a surfboard and wetsuit. Instructors cover rips and ocean safety on the beach before you go in. Some schools set lesson times around the tide.
Each destination guide lists local surf schools. We're not paid to include them.
Surf safety
Surf Life Saving New Zealand's surfing advice:
- If in doubt, don't paddle out. Check the conditions, especially at an unfamiliar spot.
- Check for hazards like rocks and crowds, and take it easy on your first few waves.
- Don't drop in. If someone is already riding a wave, leave it to them.
- Wear a leg rope, and cover your head when you fall.
Rips are one of the biggest hazards on New Zealand beaches. If you're caught in one, remember the 3Rs: Relax and float, Raise your hand, and Ride the rip until it weakens. Read our full surf safety guide.
The area between the red and yellow flags is for swimmers, so surf away from it. Check patrol times on Safeswim. In an emergency, call 111 and ask for the Police.
Look after the beach and the line-up
Take your rubbish with you, be friendly in the water and learn the local code. Raglan publishes a Surfers Code, and Bay of Plenty Tourism lists surf etiquette for its beaches.
Surfing tips & guides
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to learn to surf in New Zealand?
Choose a sandy beach break with a surf school. Popular choices are Ngarunui (Ocean Beach) at Raglan, the middle of Mount Maunganui's Main Beach, and Waihī Beach or Pāpāmoa in the Bay of Plenty, where the waves are usually smaller. A lesson is the safest way to start.
When is the best time to surf in New Zealand?
It depends on the coast. Bay of Plenty Tourism says its best swell season runs from December to May, when tropical lows send swell and the water is at its warmest. Surf schools at Raglan's Ngarunui Beach teach year round. Always check a surf forecast for the day.
Do I need a wetsuit to surf in New Zealand?
Most surfers wear one. Surf schools such as Hibiscus at Mount Maunganui hire wetsuits, and group lessons usually include a board and wetsuit. Even in the Bay of Plenty's warmest months, the water only reaches about 20–23 °C.
Is Piha good for beginners?
Piha has powerful surf and strong rips, so it isn't a place to teach yourself. If you want to learn there, take a lesson with a local school, and only swim between the red and yellow flags when lifeguards are on patrol.
What should I do if I'm caught in a rip?
Surf Life Saving NZ's advice is the 3Rs: Relax and float to save energy, Raise your hand to signal for help, and Ride the rip until it weakens before swimming back or waiting for help. Don't swim against the current. In an emergency, call 111 and ask for the Police.