Reasons to surf in New Zealand

Classic New Zealand Surf; Mark Visser at Piha

New Zealand is known for its mesmerizing landscapes, rolling green hills, and picturesque beaches. When it comes to sports, rugby and cricket reign supreme, but the country has also delivered plenty of fine surfers over the years as well. The problem for the Kiwis is that they are often overshadowed by neighbours in Australia, who have provided some of the greatest swimmers the planet has ever seen. 
Surfers from all around the world head to New Zealand to catch the perfect waves and experience the adrenaline rush that the water sport offers. However, it isn't just the waves that New Zealanders have to get excited about, as surfing is also making a splash in other spheres of entertainment.

New Zealand has 15,000 kilometres (9,300 mi) of coastline and has more beaches you can count. This country offers world-class surfing, and the Maoris have been surfing for hundreds of years. You can’t go wrong with any of the above NZ surf spots. Just make sure you pack your winter wetsuit because it can get cold! 

Why a surf trip in New Zealand?

there are many reasons a surfer would want to visitNew Zealand, here are just a few:

1. Diverse Surf Spots: New Zealand offers a wide range of surf spots catering to various skill levels and preferences, from mellow beach breaks to challenging reef breaks, providing a diverse and exciting surfing experience.

2. Stunning Scenery: Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, surfers in New Zealand can enjoy their sessions against a backdrop of lush green hills, mountains, and pristine beaches, creating a visually stunning and immersive surfing environment.

3. Uncrowded Waves: Despite its growing popularity, New Zealand's surf breaks are often less crowded than those in other surf destinations, allowing surfers to enjoy more peaceful and uncrowded sessions in the water.

4. Consistent Swell: The country benefits from a consistent swell, ensuring that surfers have ample opportunities to catch quality waves throughout the year. The varied coastline means that there's almost always a surfable wave somewhere.

5. Warm Kiwi Hospitality: New Zealanders, known as Kiwis, are renowned for their warm and friendly hospitality. Surfers can expect a welcoming atmosphere both in and out of the water, fostering a sense of community among fellow wave enthusiasts.

6. Adventure Opportunities: Beyond surfing, New Zealand offers a plethora of adventure activities, from hiking in national parks to exploring Maori culture, providing a well-rounded and adventurous experience for surfers looking to explore more than just the waves.

7. Eco-Friendly Practices: New Zealand places a strong emphasis on environmental conservation. Many surf communities actively participate in eco-friendly initiatives, making it an ideal destination for surfers who are environmentally conscious and want to contribute to sustainability efforts.

8. Year-Round Surfing: With its diverse climate, New Zealand allows for year-round surfing. Surfers can chase the waves across different regions, adapting to seasonal variations in weather and swell conditions.

9. Surfing Events: New Zealand hosts various surfing events and competitions, attracting surfers from around the world. For those looking to witness or participate in surf competitions, the country provides an exciting platform to showcase and celebrate surfing talent.

10. Cultural Richness: Immerse yourself in the unique Maori culture and explore the vibrant local communities. New Zealand's rich cultural tapestry adds a layer of depth to the surfing experience, providing a unique blend of adventure and cultural exploration.

Famous New Zealand surfers

Paige Hareb

Paige Hareb is an inspiration to women surfers worldwide. The 34-year-old has been surfing since she was five years old, and her hard work and dedication have paid off and then some. She represented New Zealand at both the Beijing 2008 and Rio 2016 Olympic games, as well as featuring on the WSL Championship Tour. A full schedule and lineup of the latter competition can be found by looking on olympics.com.

Billy Stairmand

Billy Stairmand is a force to reckon with in the surfing world. He's known for his impressive surfing techniques and breath-taking performances. He grew up in the coastal town of Raglan, where he honed his surfing skills and started competing at a young age. He has represented his country in several surfing competitions worldwide and has achieved remarkable feats that have made him a surfing legend in New Zealand and beyond.

These two surfers not only stand out in their field as exceptional at their sport but also for influencing the industry around them. In the coming years, New Zealand is no doubt somewhere to look out for trendsetters and go-getters in the surfing world. And it's clear that the world of surfing is expanding beyond the surfing world which can only increase it's popularity. 

Maz Quinn

Maz Quinn, is a legendary New Zealand surfer. Maz was the first Kiwi to qualify for the WQS, winning an event in 2001.  Regular footer Quinn was born in Hamilton, and is a regular at Wainui (see below). He stands as a formidable presence in the New Zealand surfing community. From the early days of riding waves around Gisborne, Maz's passion for surfing has propelled him into the spotlight of the country's surf scene.

Popular New Zealand Surf Spots

Manu Bay, Raglan

Manu Bay is the quintessential New Zealand surf spot and even features in the legendary surf documentary Endless Summer. Manu Bay is an epic long left-hand point break that features a long wally section and can be seriously fast during low tide. When the surf is pumping, the waves can get up to 10 feet, and you can even score the odd barrel.
If you aren’t up to dropping in on such waves, the bonus.net.nz can help you find the perfect surfing themed game and the best sites that host them. These surfing and beach games imitate the feeling of riding waves, so you won't be too upset if the surf is too big at Manu Bay! 

Whangamata Beach

Whangamata offers a fantastic beach break, and you can find left and right-handers. This is a very popular spot, so expect crowds during summer. The waves can get up to 8 feet and tend to have a quick drop-in. This is great for beginners and more experienced surfers, but look out for swimmers!
More on Whangamata Beach

Wainui Beach, Gisborne

Photo: O'Neill / BR

The surf is always good at Gisborne, and Wainui Beach is the ultimate spot to soak it up! This is known as one of the most consistent surf spots in the whole of New Zealand and an ideal place to score your first NZ barrel. This is a sandy beach break with some serious barrels on offer. However, be careful of the serious fast drop-in. This is not an ideal spot for beginners and is best suited for advanced surfers.

Visit the Wainui Beach surf spot map

Fitzroy Beach

Fitzroy Beach is a great spot if you are on the hunt for barrels while in the Land of the Long White Cloud. This is a fun beach break that can produce some hollow and crazy drop-ins. We recommend hitting it when the tide is high. This surf spot is for beginners and advanced surfers, but when the swell picks up, beginners should head to the east side of the beach. Also, you need to be careful of swimmers during the summer as it can get packed! 

Contribute to the Fitzroy beach spot

Kaikoura 

Kaikoura is just 2 hours from Christchurch and offers incredible scenery. In the foreground, it is common to see jumping dolphins, while in the background, you will see idyllic snow-capped mountains. One of the best local spots is Mangamaunu. This is a surf break located on State Highway 1 north of Kaikōura township. It is an epic right-hand point break perched right next to Kaikōura Mountain Ranges, and you can score yourself some 200 m+ rides!

There are lots of breaks along this stretch of the coast, and empty peaks can always be found.

New Zealand Surf Map

We have over 50 New Zealand surf spots in our surf atlas. The posts are packed full of information and provide you with the knowledge you need to get in a good surf session. We’ve split the main map into North Island surf spots and South Island surf spots, just in case you are only travelling to one island.

• Be First To Add a Comment