Surfing in Aotearoa

Kia ora and welcome to the ultimate guide to surfing in Aotearoa! Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, New Zealand's diverse coastline offers waves for every skill level. Get ready to explore some of the best surf spots, local tips, and everything you need to know to make the most of your surfing adventure in our beautiful country.

The magic of Aotearoa waves

What makes surfing in Aotearoa so special, eh? New Zealand's unique geography creates a diverse range of surf conditions. From the powerful swells of the West Coast to the gentler breaks of the East Coast, there's a wave for everyone. The uncrowded beaches and stunning scenery add to the magic, making every surf session an unforgettable experience.

Raglan — Whale Bay (Waikato)

Beginner move: Skip the rocky points and head straight to Ngarunui (Ocean) Beach. It’s sandy, lifeguarded in summer, and perfect for whitewater and small green waves.

  • Easier sections: The middle banks between the flags; on tiny days, the south end (toward the cliffs) often has the softest rollers.
  • When to go: Knee–waist-high swell, light winds, mid tide. Mornings = smoother.
  • Lessons & hire: Book a learn-to-surf lesson at Ngarunui (soft-tops, suits, and safety chat included). Ask your coach about reading rips on this beach.
  • If it’s too big: Watch the points from the rocks (great show), then grab a coffee and try later on the dropping tide or the next morning.

Taranaki Coast -Ōakura → Stent Rd

Beginner move: Keep it sandy. Ōakura Beach is your spot; it breaks gentler than the reef points and has patrolled zones in summer.

  • Easier sections: The main Ōakura beach banks; also check Ahu Ahu on tiny days (still sand-bottom).
  • When to go: Small E/SE wind, small W–SW swell, mid tide.
  • Lessons & hire: Book a beginner lesson out of New Plymouth/Ōakura. Coaches will choose a soft sandbank and handle local rips/entries.
  • If it’s too big: Don’t touch the reefs (e.g., Stent Rd) yet. Drive, look, learn, and save them for later in your surf life.

Piha / Bethells / Muriwai — West Auckland

Beginner move: West Coast power demands respect. Surf between the flags at Piha or Muriwai on small days and ask lifeguards which bank is safest.

  • Easier sections: Muriwai’s southern stretch often has friendlier peaks; Piha has workable banks close to the flagged area on tiny swells.
  • When to go: Knee–waist-high, light E/SE wind, mid tide. If it looks like a washing machine, it is—sit it out.
  • Lessons & hire: Take a first-timer lesson at Piha or Muriwai. You’ll learn rip etiquette, safe wipeouts, and how to pick a green wave.
  • If it’s too big: Swap surf for a coastal walk; try again early the next morning or head to East Coast learner beaches another day.

Gisborne / Wainui — Tairāwhiti

Beginner move: Wainui Beach is a gift on small swells—long, even banks with plenty of room to spread out. Town beaches Waikanae/Midway are great too.

  • Easier sections: Okitu end of Wainui for softer rollers; town beaches on tiny days for minimal crowds and easy parking.
  • When to go: Morning glass, E/NE swell at knee–waist, W–SW offshore. Mid tide is a safe bet.
  • Lessons & hire: Book a beginner session on the town beaches or Wainui; ask for a “whitewater to green-wave” progression.
  • If it’s too big: Watch the reefs (Makorori/The Island) from shore only. Come back tomorrow; Gizzy gets plenty of windows.

The Catlins — Southland/Otago

Beginner move: Only paddle out on tiny days and only at safe, sandy beachies—and ideally after you’ve had lessons in Dunedin or Invercargill.

  • Easier sections: Small, sand-bottom corners with no rocks or kelp and an obvious channel. If you’re unsure, don’t go.
  • When to go: Tiny S/SE swell, light winds, mid tide, sunny window between fronts.
  • Lessons & hire: Limited locally—learn first in Dunedin, then road-trip down with experience under your belt.
  • If it’s too big: Walk the headlands, spot wildlife (give sea lions & penguins big space), and save your surf for a calm day.

Mount Maunganui — Main Beach / Tay St / Omanu (Bay of Plenty)

Beginner move: Friendly, forgiving on small swells—ideal for first lessons and longboard days.

  • Easier sections: Main Beach for whitewater; if it’s too soft, slide to Tay St/Omanu for slightly punchier but still beginner-friendly banks.
  • When to go: Morning, NE/E/SE swell, W–SW wind, knee–waist, mid tide.
  • Lessons & hire: Loads of beachfront schools—book a soft-top and a 90-minute intro, then practise near (not inside) the swim flags.
  • If it’s too big: The Mount corner can look tempting—skip it (rocks + sweep). Grab a smoothie and try later on the drop.

Stoked on surfing in Aotearoa

Embrace the Kiwi surf culture! Be friendly, share the waves, and always leave the beach cleaner than you found it. Take the time to explore different regions and experience the unique surf conditions each has to offer. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the ride!