15 best surf spots in New Zealand: our top picks

From the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps, to its rugged coastlines and forests, there are plenty of reasons New Zealand is a premier sport and adventure destination, with skiing, hiking, mountain biking and, notably, surfing, among its offerings. In fact, with over 15,000 km of coastline, New Zealand boasts all manner of surf spots for all skill levels. So, read on to discover the best surf spots in New Zealand, whether you’re an absolute beginner looking to try something new during your New Zealand itinerary, or a seasoned pro.

What are the best surf spots to visit in New Zealand?

As touched on above, New Zealand's vast and varied coastline offers a plethora of surf spots. Before we run through the 15 best surf spots in New Zealand in more detail, here’s a tantalising taster of some top highlights. 

On the North Island, Raglan is a real stand-out, thanks to its legendary left-hand break at Manu Bay, which attracts surfers from around the globe.

Then there’s Piha. Handily located near Auckland, this place is renowned for its powerful waves and glittering black-sand beaches. 

Further north, Shipwreck Bay in Ahipara is steeped in surfing history and offers long rides, while the South Island’s Kaikoura combines consistent surf with stunning mountain backdrops, and Christchurch's Sumner Beach offers accessible surf close to the city.

In the early stages of planning your New Zealand itinerary? Use our guide to how to plan a trip to New Zealand.

1. Manu Bay

Manu Bay, located just outside the laid-back town of Raglan on New Zealand’s North Island, is one of the world’s most legendary surf destinations. 

Known for its long, peeling left-hand point break, it gained global fame after featuring in the 1966 surf film Endless Summer. 

Here, surfers can ride waves for up to 2 km on good days, making it ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers seeking long rides and consistent walls. 

Framed by rocky headlands and native bush, Manu Bay serves scenic beauty and reliable swells year-round.

How to get to Manu Bay

Manu Bay is about a 2-hour drive from Auckland. 

From Raglan town centre, it’s a 10-minute drive west along Wainui Road, with a dedicated car park and viewing area above the break.

When to visit Manu Bay

The surf is most consistent during fall and winter (March to August), when westerly swells and offshore easterly winds align for clean, powerful surf.

Want wider context on the weather? Read up on the best time to visit New Zealand.

2. Piha Beach

Piha Beach, one of the best beaches in New Zealand, is also one of the best New Zealand surf spots.

Located on Auckland’s rugged west coast, Piha is famed for its powerful surf, and the towering Lion Rock that divides North and South Piha.

Offering challenging, fast-breaking waves ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers., Piha is exposed to consistent west and southwest swells from the Tasman Sea, which means it delivers reliable surf year-round. 

It’s also home to New Zealand’s oldest surf club and a passionate local surf scene.

How to get to Piha

Piha is just 45 minutes (about 40 km) from Auckland City. 

Drive west through the Waitākere Ranges via Scenic Drive and Piha Road.

When to visit Piha

Winter (June–August) and early spring (September) offer the best surf conditions, with strong swells and cleaner morning offshore winds.

Keen to uncover culture and the coast? Read up on the best cities in New Zealand.

3. Shipwreck Bay

Sited near Ahipara at the southern end of Ninety Mile Beach in Northland, Shipwreck Bay is another of New Zealand’s best surf spots. 

Famed for its long left-hand point breaks, the bay offers rides that can last up to three minutes.

While its main break — “Wreck Bay” — provides a wave that’s suitable for a variety of experience levels, “Peaks," found further out, offers more challenging sections for advanced wave riders.

How to get to Shipwreck Bay 

Shipwreck Bay is a 4-5-hour drive north of Auckland. 

From Kaitaia, head southwest on Redan Street, continue on Pukepoto Road to Ahipara, then follow Foreshore Road, which becomes a gravel path leading to Wreck Bay Road.  

When to visit Shipwreck Bay 

The best surf conditions here occur during the Southern Hemisphere’s winter months, especially from May to August, when southwest swells combine with offshore south winds. 

Not sure which destinations to include in your wider itinerary? Discover the best places to visit in New Zealand.

4. Hot Water Beach

Located on the Coromandel Peninsula, Hot Water Beach offers one of the country's most remarkable coastal experiences, alongside being one of the best places to surf in New Zealand.

At low tide, geothermal springs heat the sand, which means visitors flock here to dig personalized hot pools mere meters from the sea.

When it comes to the surf, Hot Water Beach is best for experienced surfers — there are strong rip currents.

How to get to Hot Water Beach

Hot Water Beach is around 2.5 hours by car from Auckland, and 12 km south of Whitianga.

When to visit Hot Water Beach

Year-round, but it’s especially wonderful from October to April. 

5. Te Arai Point

Known for its consistent beach breaks and pristine white sands, Te Arai Point — located on the east coast north of Auckland — is a top destination for surfers of all levels.

The waves here are often hollow and fast, especially during mid to high tides on a rising tide.  

How to get to Te Arai Point

From Auckland, drive north on State Highway 1, pass through Warkworth, and before reaching Wellsford, turn right onto Wayby Valley Road. 

Continue on Whangaripo Valley Road, then Waiteitei Road, and finally Mangawhai Road. Finally, turn right onto Te Arai Point Road, which leads directly to the beach car park. 

When to visit Te Arai Point

Surfers will want to visit Te Arai Point in summer, particularly in January, when northeast swells combine with offshore winds from the west-southwest. 

Also into adventures on land? Discover the best alternative treks in New Zealand.

6. Mount Maunganui

Located in the Bay of Plenty on New Zealand's North Island, Mount Maunganui’s expansive consistent beach breaks make it ideal for all skill levels. 

While the main beach offers peaky waves suitable for beginners and intermediates, nearby spots like Tay Street and Arataki provide more challenging conditions that’ll satisfy advanced surfers. 

Additionally, the vibrant local surf culture, coupled with amenities like surf schools and board rentals, make it a great base for various types of traveler.

How to get to Mount Maunganui 

Mount Maunganui is approximately a 3-hour drive southeast of Auckland. 

Alternatively, you could fly into Tauranga Airport, which is just a short drive from the beach.

When to visit Mount Maunganui

Prime surfing season runs from December to March.

7. Wainui Beach 

8 km east of Gisborne on New Zealand’s North Island, Wainui Beach boasts consistent beach breaks and stunning coastal scenery. 

The beach features multiple peaks along its stretch, including notable spots like 'Whales' at the northern end and 'Stock Route' to the south. 

These breaks offer both left and right-hand waves over a sandy bottom, catering primarily to intermediate and advanced surfers due to the powerful and sometimes hollow waves.  

Also note that the town of Gisborne offers a range of accommodation, dining options, and surf shops, making it convenient for visitors planning extended stays, and a good place to head when visiting New Zealand with kids. 

How to get to Wainui Beach 

From Gisborne city centre, drive east on Wainui Road for around ten minutes.

When to visit Wainui Beach 

While Wainui Beach offers surfable conditions year-round, the optimal time is during the Southern Hemisphere winter months.

8. Stent Road

Situated along Taranaki’s renowned Surf Highway 45, Stent Road’s combo of powerful waves, stunning scenery and deep-rooted surf culture make it a must-visit destination for surf dudes.

Celebrated as one of New Zealand’s premier right-hand point breaks, the wave starts with a steep drop, transitions into a hollow barrel section, and culminates in a long wall. As such, it provides intermediate to advanced surfers with a dynamic ride.

Its consistent exposure to southwest groundswells and optimal east winds make it a reliable surf spot throughout the year.

How to get to Stent Road

From New Plymouth, drive southwest on State Highway 45 for approximately 35 minutes to reach Warea, then turn right onto Stent Road.

When to visit Stent Road

Fall (March–May) offers the most consistent clean waves.

9. Kaikōura

Located on the east of New Zealand’s South Island, Kaikōura is a very special destination — an impossibly pretty place that sees excellent surfing conditions meet spectacular alpine landscapes. 

Though better known for its prime whale watching experiences, Kaikōura also offers excellent and underrated surf conditions, particularly around Mangamaunu and Kahutara. 

Mangamaunu, for example, offers a long, right-hand point break with smooth, rolling waves suitable for longboarding and intermediate to advanced surfers. 

How to get to Kaikōura 

Kaikōura is a 2.5-hour drive north of Christchurch. Not driving? You can also travel by train or long-distance bus.

Want more transport context? Read up on getting around New Zealand.

When to visit Kaikōura

April to October offer the most consistent groundswells from the south and southeast. 

At the same time, note that spring and fall balance great conditions with fewer tourists.

10. St Clair Beach, Dunedin

Located on New Zealand’s South Island, Dunedin is known for its Scottish heritage, coastal scenery and wonderful wildlife experiences, with the nearby Otago Peninsula a must-visit if you want to see albatrosses, penguins and fur seals.

While the city’s historic architecture oozes old-world charm, St Clair Beach, just 10 minutes from Dunedin's city centre, is one of New Zealand’s best urban surf destinations. 

Here, an expansive sandy beach offers consistent beach breaks and occasional right-hand point waves near the saltwater pool.

How to get to St Clair Beach

When to visit St Clair Beach

12. Whareakeake

Another of Dunedin’s hidden surf gems, Whareakeake is a secluded right-hand point break surrounded by native bush and high cliffs.

Due to their power and occasional strong currents, the waves here are best suited to intermediate to advanced surfers.

Given that the bay also features picturesque scenery and a tranquil vibe, this place is also ideal for those who fancy surfing away from crowds.

How to get to Whareakeake

Whareakeake is located about 30 minutes by car from central Dunedin via Portobello Road and a short gravel road descent.

When to visit Whareakeake

Spring through fall (September–April) is best, when northeast swells and offshore southwest winds create the best surf conditions.

13. Sumner Beach

Located just 20 minutes from Christchurch's city center, Sumner Beach is renowned for its consistent waves and scenic beauty.

While the beach offers a variety of surf breaks suitable for all skill levels, including challenging spots like Breakwater and Mussel Rock, local surf schools make it an accessible spot for newbies.

Beyond surfing, Sumner Beach boasts a relaxed coastal village atmosphere with charming cafes, restaurants and boutiques.

How to get to Sumner Beach 

Public transport options to Sumner Beach include the Purple Line bus service — a scenic 40-minute ride from the city center. 

When to visit Sumner Beach

For optimal surfing conditions, the best time to visit is during the summer months (December to February), when the weather is warm, and the waves are consistent. 

Note that this place is popular, so research and book your preferred New Zealand accommodation early. 

14. Allans Beach

Tucked along on the Pacific coast of the Otago Peninsula, Allans Beach offers a pristine, secluded surfing experience. 

Thanks to its south-facing orientation, the beach is exposed to consistent swells from the Southern Ocean, producing powerful beach breaks with wave heights reaching up to 3.5 meters. 

These conditions cater to intermediate and advanced surfers, especially during mid-to-high tides. 

Beyond surfing, Allans Beach is great place for wildlife lovers to visit — expect to see sea lions, fur seals and (if you get lucky) rare yellow-eyed penguins.  

How to get to Allans Beach

From Dunedin, drive along Portobello Road or Highcliff Road to the township of Portobello. From there, turn onto Allans Beach Road.

When to visit Allans Beach

Fall offers the most consistent surf conditions.

15. Muriwai Beach

Located on the rugged west coast of New Zealand’s North Island, just 45 km from Auckland, Muriwai Beach is a superb destination for nature lovers and surfers alike. 

Extending for over 60 km along the Tasman Sea, the beach boasts dramatic black sand, sweeping dunes, and consistently powerful surf. 

Known for its reliable beach breaks and shifting sandbars, Muriwai Beach is a great spot for all levels of surfers, though conditions can be challenging during large swells. 

At the same time, surf schools offer lessons and board rentals, which also makes it beginner-friendly.

As for non-surf attractions, the beach is home to one of the country’s few gannet colonies, with a clifftop viewing platform offering close-up views of these majestic seabirds from August to March.

How to get to Muriwai Beach

Muriwai is about a 45-minute drive from central Auckland. Public transport is limited, so driving is the best option.

When to visit Muriwai Beach

For surfing, the most consistent swells arrive between March and August.

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