Are you dreaming of riding the waves in one of the world’s most beautiful and exciting surfing destinations? Look no further than surfing in New Zealand!
With its stunning coastline and pristine waters, New Zealand offers an incredible experience for surfers of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete beginner, surfing in New Zealand is an adventure to be noticed.
In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about surfing in New Zealand – from the best spots to start, when to go, what to expect, and how to get started. So grab your board, and let’s dive into the world of surfing in New Zealand!
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The best surfing in New Zealand
New Zealand is a surfer’s paradise, with some of the best waves in the world. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, plenty of spots will challenge and excite you.
Let’s take a look at some of the best surfing spots in New Zealand. Piha Beach on the North Island’s west coast is known for its powerful waves that break over black sand.
It’s a popular spot for locals and visitors, with a great community feel. Just a short drive from Auckland, it’s a great day trip if you’re based in the city.
If you’re looking for a quieter spot, Ahipara Beach in the far north of the North Island is a great choice. The long, sandy beach is perfect for beginners, and plenty of surf schools are in the area if you want to take lessons.
Raglan, also on the North Island’s west coast, is a must-visit for any serious surfer. The town has a laid-back vibe and a strong surfing culture, and the waves at Raglan’s famous left-hand point break can be world-class.
Over on the South Island, the beach town of Kaikoura is a great spot for surfers and wildlife lovers. The waves here are great for beginners and intermediate surfers, and you might even spot some dolphins or seals while you’re out in the water.
Further down the coast, Dunedin is home to some of the most consistent waves in New Zealand. St Clair Beach is a popular spot, but there are plenty of other breaks to explore if you’re willing to do a bit of digging.
No matter where you decide to surf in New Zealand, you will have an unforgettable experience. Just research and check the local conditions before you hit the water.
Surfing New Zealand South Island
The South Island of New Zealand is a surfer’s paradise, with diverse breaks to suit all experience levels. The water may be a bit colder, but the scenery is stunning, and the waves are world-class.
One of the most famous spots on the South Island is the town of Kaikoura, which offers great waves and fantastic wildlife experiences. Surfers here often spot dolphins or seals in the water, making for an unforgettable experience.
Further down the coast, the town of Dunedin is home to some of the most consistent waves in New Zealand. St Clair Beach is a popular spot, but there are plenty of other breaks to explore if you’re willing to do a bit of digging.
For those looking for a challenge, the Catlins Coast offers powerful and unpredictable waves and stunning scenery. The water here can be cold, but the rewards are well worth it. If you’re a beginner, don’t worry, there are plenty of spots for you, too.
Sumner Beach in Christchurch is a great place to start, with gentle waves and a friendly community. There are also plenty of surf schools in the area if you want to take lessons.
Whether you’re looking for a challenge or want to catch some waves, the South Island of New Zealand has something for everyone. Check the local conditions before hitting the water, and be prepared for truly unforgettable experiences.
Surfing New Zealand North Island
The North Island of New Zealand is home to some of the best surfing spots in the world. The island’s warm climate and stunning scenery make it the perfect place to catch some waves.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, plenty of spots suit your level of experience. Piha Beach is one of the most popular surfing spots on the North Island.
Located just a short drive from Auckland, Piha is known for its powerful waves that break over black sand. The beach has a great community feel, and plenty of surf schools are in the area if you want to take lessons.
If you’re looking for a quieter spot, Ahipara Beach in the far north of the North Island is a great choice. The long, sandy beach is perfect for beginners, and plenty of surf schools are in the area if you want to take lessons.
Another must-visit spot for any severe surfer is Raglan. Located on the west coast of the North Island, the town has a laid-back vibe and a strong surfing culture. Raglan’s famous left-hand point break can produce world-class waves.
The Taranaki region is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a spot with plenty of variety. The area is known for its consistent waves and stunning scenery. Surfing beaches like Oakura and Fitzroy offer a range of breaks for surfers of all levels.
No matter where you decide to surf on the North Island, you will have a fantastic time. The island’s diverse range of breaks, warm climate, and friendly locals make it the perfect destination for surfers worldwide.
Is New Zealand suitable for surfing
Absolutely! New Zealand is a surfer’s paradise, with some of the best waves in the world. With its breathtaking scenery and warm climate, it’s no wonder why surfers from all over the world flock to New Zealand’s coasts.
Unlike other surfing destinations, you won’t have to compete with dozens of other surfers for the best waves. Instead, you’ll enjoy the country’s natural beauty while riding some world-class waves.
In addition to excellent waves, New Zealand also has a strong surfing culture and a friendly community. You’ll meet other surfers who share your passion for the sport and are always willing to share tips and advice. There are also plenty of surf schools in the area if you want to take lessons and improve your skills.
Overall, New Zealand is a fantastic destination for surfers of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner looking for gentle waves or an experienced surfer looking for a challenge, you’ll find it all in this stunning country.
So pack your surfboard and get ready for an unforgettable surfing adventure in New Zealand!
Surfing Safari Air New Zealand
If you’re looking for the ultimate surfing adventure in New Zealand, a surfing safari with Air New Zealand is the way to go. These surfing safaris take you to some of the country’s most remote and beautiful spots, where you’ll have the chance to catch some genuinely unforgettable waves.
The surfing safari experience is perfect for surfers of all levels, whether you’re a beginner looking to improve your skills or an experienced surfer looking for a new challenge. The Air New Zealand team will take care of all the details, from transportation to accommodation, so all you have to worry about is catching the perfect wave.
Some spots you might visit on a surfing safari include Raglan, home to some of the best left-hand point breaks in the world, and Taranaki, which offers a range of breaks for surfers of all levels. You might also visit more remote spots like the Catlins Coast, where you’ll find potent and unpredictable waves and stunning scenery.
In addition to the surfing itself, the surfing safaris also offer plenty of opportunities to experience New Zealand’s unique culture and natural beauty. You’ll have the chance to explore local towns, meet other surfers, and see some of the country’s famous wildlife up close.
If you need help deciding which surfing safari to choose, Air New Zealand offers a range of options to suit all budgets and preferences. Whether you want a short weekend getaway or a more extended trip exploring multiple spots, a surfing safari is right for you.
So book your surfing safari today and get ready to catch some amazing waves in the land of the long white cloud.
New Plymouth, New Zealand Surfing
New Plymouth, located on the west coast of the North Island, is one of the best surfing destinations in New Zealand. The city is surrounded by stunning beaches that offer a wide range of breaks to suit all experience levels.
Fitzroy Beach is a great place to start if you’re a beginner. The beach has a gentle and forgiving wave perfect for honing your skills.
The beach also has a great community feel, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet other surfers and get tips and advice. If you’re an experienced surfer, check out Back Beach.
The beach is known for its powerful and unpredictable waves, which can be challenging even for the most experienced surfers. The beach is in a rugged and remote area, so you’ll need to be prepared for a bit of a hike to get there.
However, the stunning scenery and world-class waves make it worthwhile. New Plymouth is also home to several surf schools, so you’re in luck if you want to improve your skills.
The city has a range of options to suit all budgets and preferences, so you’ll find it here whether you’re looking for a private lesson or a group class. When you’re not surfing, New Plymouth has plenty of other activities to keep you busy.
The city is home to a vibrant arts scene and a range of restaurants and cafes. You can also check out the famous Len Lye Centre, which showcases the work of one of New Zealand’s most innovative artists. Overall, New Plymouth is an excellent destination for surfers of all levels.
With its range of breaks, friendly community, and stunning scenery, you will have an unforgettable experience. So pack your surfboard and head to New Plymouth for a surfing adventure you’ll never forget!
Hawkes Bay, New Zealand Surfing
If you’re looking for a less crowded spot to catch some waves in New Zealand, Hawkes Bay on the east coast of the North Island is worth a visit. The region has several excellent surfing spots, ranging from gentle beginner waves to more challenging breaks for experienced surfers.
One of the most popular spots in the area is Waimarama Beach, which offers a consistent and forgiving wave perfect for honing your skills. If you’re looking for a bit more challenge, head to Mahia Peninsula.
The peninsula has several breaks that offer powerful and unpredictable waves, making it a favorite spot for experienced surfers. The area is also known for its stunning scenery, with rocky cliffs and beautiful beaches providing a picturesque backdrop for surfing.
Hawkes Bay is also home to several surf schools, so if you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced surfer looking to refine your technique, you’ll find plenty of options here.
Surfing lessons typically include all the necessary equipment, so all you need to bring is a sense of adventure and a willingness to try something new.
Hawkes Bay has plenty of other activities to keep you busy when you’re not surfing. The region is known for its award-winning wineries, as well as its stunning natural beauty.
It would help if you biked along the Hawkes Bay Trails or explored many art galleries and museums. Overall, Hawkes Bay is an excellent destination for surfers of all levels.
With its range of breaks, friendly community, and beautiful scenery, you will have an unforgettable experience. So pack your surfboard and head to Hawkes Bay for a surfing adventure you’ll never forget!
