Best Surfing Spots in New Zealand in 2025

When I tell people about my surfing adventures, they usually expect me to rave about Australia or Hawaii first. But the truth is, some of my most thrilling, unforgettable rides happened in the waves of New Zealand.

And I will prove today that New Zealad is indeed a MUST try this year by sharing the best surfing spots this country has to offer. You will see that NZ is not just one of the safest countries in the world, but also a surfer’s paradise thanks to the Pacific currents. Let’s jump right in!

1. Raglan: The Surfer’s Haven

• Best Season: Consistently good from October through April.
• Facilities: Plenty of rentals, cafes, and surf shops available.
• Skill Level: Intermediate to advanced (though beginner classes are available).

We’ll start on the North Island’s west coast in Raglan, the undisputed surfing capital of New Zealand. If you’re unsure where to begin your Kiwi surfing journey, this is the place. It’s the most popular and best known, but for all the right reasons.

It’s here you’ll encounter some superb surfing spots, like Indicators and Whale Bay. (I’m marking one of the best surfing spots in the area on Google Maps – check it out!) These spots are famous for their left-hand breaks, offering waves that can surge to an exhilarating two to ten meters high.

Believe it or not, I’ve seen surfers glide for almost two kilometers on a single wave here – an experience so extraordinary it’s hard to fully capture with words. It’s no surprise Raglan has hosted international surfing championships, and trust me, more are bound to follow.

So, if you have any doubts as of where to start, Raglan, New Zealand is your #1 choice!

2. Kaikoura: Surfing with Wildlife

• Best Season: March through May for the best waves.
• Facilities: Surf rentals available, town amenities nearby.
• Skill Level: All levels.

We’re now moving to the other side of the country, in South Island. Here, you will find the town of Kaikoura where you will also find some of the most amazing surfing spots in the region.

Not only that you have an amazing view from the town itself, which is nestled under Mount Fyffe, but you also have plenty of wildlife to make your surfing experience even greater. It’s not uncommon to spot whales here or fur seals, so keep your eyes open!

My favorite spot here is “Meatworks,” a right-hand break that absolutely comes alive during a good swell. Nearby Mangamaunu offers reliable beach breaks suitable for all tides.

3. Taranaki Coast: Surfer’s Highway

• Best Season: Consistent year-round, ideal conditions from November to May.
• Facilities: Good infrastructure, cafes, surf schools, and rental gear.
• Skill Level: Beginner to advanced.

Ever heard of Surf Highway 45? It runs along the coast around Mount Taranaki, on the North Island’s west coast. Here, you’ll find some of the finest surfing spots in New Zealand and I am sure that the name of this part of the world is already making you happy. You have all the reasons to be!

Fitzroy Beach, famous for its hollow waves, is a popular spot here but it can get a bit crowded during the peak of the season.

Another great spot – and not as crowded – is Opunake Beach, housing the country’s first artificial surfing reef. The waves here are fantastic, and the town is just a stone’s throw away.

If you’re looking for alternatives check out the best beaches in Hawaii here.

4. Gisborne: Dual Swell Surfer’s Delight

• Best Season: Winter (June-August) offers big, clean waves.
• Facilities: Limited facilities – come prepared. This also means fewer people.
• Skill Level: Intermediate to advanced.

Gisborne is where you’ll see more experienced surfers congregating, as it’s one of the few places on the planet where you can catch both northern and southern swells. This unique condition creates powerful, challenging waves.

Wainui Beach is a top pick here, especially the southern end. The Stock Route offers both left and right-handed tube waves that create a surfer’s spectacle. Makarori Center is another hotspot, where waves travel over sandbars and reefs before reaching the shore.

I repeat, though – this is for the more experienced surfers, so if you’re just starting, it’s better to choose any of the other recommendations in my article.

5. Dunedin: Embrace the Chill

• Best Season: March-May.
• Facilities: Good facilities at St Clair (showers, cafes, gear rental).
• Skill Level: Beginner-friendly at quieter spots; intermediate at St Clair.

Dunedin’s weather isn’t always sunny and inviting, yet the chilly waters here create some epic surf conditions. If you don’t mind putting on a thicker wetsuit, you’ll find exceptional waves, especially at St Clair Beach.

This beach is known for its rolling, long waves, perfect for longboarders, where an annual surfing competition is held.

Yes, it can get crowded when the waves are good, but it’s all worth it. The coastlines north and south of the city offer quieter spots, but beware of the chilly waters, especially in winter.

6. Piha Beach: The Black Sand Heaven

• Best Season: Year-round surf; February-May is peak.
• Facilities: Lifeguards present, full amenities nearby.
• Skill Level: Intermediate to expert (powerful currents).

While others would claim otherwise, my heart always goes back to Piha Beach. This black-sand beauty on Auckland’s rugged west coast offers powerful, commanding waves and dramatic scenery.

Waves can be fierce, currents strong, and the ride challenging – but if your skill level is suitable for all this, it’s worth it, as you really feel that you’re battling nature when surfing here.

7. Whangamata: Surfer’s Paradise

• Best Season: Spring and summer months (September-March).
• Facilities: Great local surf culture, plenty of accommodation options.
• Skill Level: Beginner-friendly but varied enough to satisfy experts.

OK, I’m running out of epithets to describe these great surfing spots in New Zealand, but bear with me for a little longer.

Whangamata, located on the picturesque Coromandel Peninsula, is a town that perfectly balances laid-back Kiwi charm with incredible waves. It’s also one of those few places that’s ideal for both beginners and pros alike.

With a vast sandy expanse, the beach provides plenty of room to catch waves without feeling crowded.

8. Ōhope Beach: Golden Sands and Gentle Swells

• Best Season: October through March for consistent, gentle swells.
• Facilities: Surfboard rentals, parking close to the beach, showers, and a handful of cafes.
• Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate.

Just a short drive from Whakatāne, Ōhope Beach welcomes surfers with a wide stretch of golden sand and mellow waves. This spot is perfect if you’re craving long, smooth rides without the intimidation of powerful currents.

It’s popular with stand-up paddlers and longboarders, so you’ll find plenty of friendly faces ready to share tips and local secrets.

9. Tahunanui Beach (Nelson): A Tasman Sea Gem

• Best Season: November to April.
• Skill Level: All levels (watch for occasional rip currents on bigger days though).
• Facilities: Good parking, public restrooms, surf schools nearby, and easy access to Nelson’s restaurants.

On the South Island’s northern edge lies Nelson’s Tahunanui Beach – a lesser-known place that always surprises with clean sand, spacious shore, and reliable beach breaks.

that surprised me with its It offers a little bit of everything: smaller waves for warming up, plus punchier sets when the Tasman Sea is restless.

10. Mount Maunganui: Beginner-Friendly Paradise

• Best Season: Consistent year-round; summer is ideal
• Facilities: Excellent infrastructure, surf rentals, and dining options
• Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate-friendly

Mount Maunganui wraps up this list, but don’t underestimate it just because it’s last. Surfing here is an easy-going joy, especially suitable for beginners or casual surfers.

Still, to surf at Mount Maunganui is to experience the true spirit of Kiwi surfing due to the mix of water and amazing views.

Post-surf, you’re spoilt for choice with cafes and restaurants dotting the beach, perfect for refueling or just kicking back.

Wrapping up

If you haven’t visited already, you have to trust me when I say that New Zealand’s surfing scene is impressive – and you have 10 amazing places to test my words in.

Sure, there are plenty of other great surfing spots in NZ, but I will let you share those in the comments section below. If not, just make sure to check out one or more recommended above (don’t forget about my favorite, Piha Beach!).

Whether you’re a surfing fanatic, a nature lover, or a bit of both, New Zealand is the perfect destination for you. New Zealand’s waves, natural beauty, and eco-friendly ethos mix up well to make for a surf experience – and an overall vacation – like no other.