Lila Shore is a surf instructor and environmental activist who has dedicated her life to promoting sustainable surfing practices. She is a certified yoga instructor and enjoys incorporating mindfulness and balance into her surfing lessons.
As an ardent surfer, I often get asked, "Where can I find the best surf spots in New Zealand?" Well, New Zealand, with its diverse coastlines, is a veritable paradise for surfers. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, you're bound to find a wave that matches your skill level. Here's my pick for the ultimate New Zealand surf spots.
Riding the Long Waves at Raglan 🏄♀️
Known worldwide, Raglan is a must-visit! It's home to the longest left-hand break in the world at Manu Bay. Beginners can head to Ngarunui Beach, while experienced surfers will thrive at Indicators and Whale Bay.
Now, let's take a closer look at where these fantastic surf spots are located in Raglan.
Next on our list of top surf spots in New Zealand is Piha, located on Auckland's wild west coast.
Why Piha's Powerful Waves are a Surfer's Dream 🌊
Located on Auckland's wild west coast, Piha is famous for its black sand beaches and powerful waves. It's perfect for those seeking a challenge, but be mindful of the strong currents.
To give you a better idea of where Piha is located and what it looks like, check out the map below.
Next on our list of top surf spots in New Zealand is Ahipara.
Ahipara: A Longboarder's Paradise at Ninety Mile Beach 🌴
Ahipara, at the southern end of Ninety Mile Beach, is home to Shipwreck Bay, a spot cherished by longboarders. It offers long, mellow rides on a good day.
To give you a better sense of where this surf paradise is located, let's take a look at it on the map.
Now that we've explored the North Island, let's head down to the South Island and check out Dunedin's surf scene.
Discover Dunedin: The South Island's Surfing Hub 🗺️
St Clair Beach in Dunedin is the most consistent surf spot in the South Island. It's a beach break with peaks along the beach, offering both left and right-hand waves.
After catching some waves at St Clair Beach, you might be ready to explore more of New Zealand's surfing hotspots.
Next on our list is Taranaki, another dream destination for surfers.
Taranaki: A Swell Spot for Every Surfer 🌅
With a coastline exposed to swells from multiple directions, Taranaki is a surfer's dream. Check out spots like Stent Road and Rocky Lefts.
To give you a better sense of where these surf spots are located, here's a map of Taranaki, one of New Zealand's prime surfing destinations.
Next, let's take a look at some stunning drone footage of these surf spots to get a feel for the waves and the surrounding scenery.
Now that we've explored these amazing surf spots, let's take a closer look at them from a bird's eye view. Here's an incredible drone footage covering these locations.
What a breathtaking view, isn't it? Surfing in New Zealand is not just about the waves, it's about the whole experience - the stunning landscapes, the crystal clear waters and the thrill of riding the waves. But remember, while we're on the topic of best surf in NZ, it's crucial to remember that surfing can be a high-risk sport, especially for beginners. Always take safety precautions and respect the power of the ocean.
While we're on the topic of best surf in NZ, it's crucial to remember that surfing can be a high-risk sport, especially in unfamiliar waters. Always check the local surf conditions and respect the local surfing etiquette. Happy surfing!
New Zealand Surf Spots Quiz
Test your knowledge about the best surf spots in New Zealand.
Learn more about Test Your Knowledge: New Zealand Surf Spots Quiz 🏄♂️ or discover other Surfers Tide quizzes.
Now, I'd love to hear from you. Which one of these surf spots are you most excited to visit? Cast your vote!
Which New Zealand surf spot are you most excited to visit?
Cast your vote for the surf spot in New Zealand you'd love to ride the waves at!
For those of you who are new to surfing or want to improve your skills before tackling these spots, I suggest checking out some surfing tutorials and gear.
Gear Up for Your New Zealand Surfing Adventure
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Our Recommendation Surfing: A Beginner's Guide (Beginner's Guides) Surfing: A Beginner's Guide (Beginner's Guides)
$21.95 
Our Recommendation Surfer's Start-Up: A Beginner's Guide to Surfing (Start-Up Sports series) Surfer's Start-Up: A Beginner's Guide to Surfing (Start-Up Sports series)
$9.39
Our Recommendation Surfing Practice Log book For Professionals And Beginners: A Journal For Surfers To Record Date, Time, Session Type, Location, Temperature(Air, Water, ... Companion and more - Gifts For Surfers
$9.14
There you have it, my guide to the best surfing destinations in New Zealand. Whether you're riding your first wave or your hundredth, the sheer variety of waves in this beautiful country will keep you coming back for more.
There you have it, my guide to the best surfing destinations in New Zealand. Whether you're riding your first wave or your hundredth, the sheer variety of waves in this beautiful country will keep you coming back for more. If you're looking for more amazing surfing experiences, check out Ride the Maui Waves: The Ultimate Guide to Surfing in Maui for some incredible waves in paradise.
There you have it, my guide to the best surfing destinations in New Zealand. Whether you're riding your first wave or your hundredth, the sheer variety of waves in this beautiful country will keep you coming back for more. If you're interested in exploring other top surfing spots around the world, check out What are the Best Surfing Destinations in the World for some inspiration.
There you have it, my guide to the best surfing destinations in New Zealand. Whether you're riding your first wave or your hundredth, the sheer variety of waves in this beautiful country will keep you coming back for more. If you're planning a trip to Hawaii, don't miss out on What are the Best Surf Spots in Hawaii to discover some incredible waves in the Aloha State.
Recommended Products
Our Recommendation Surf Shack: Laid-Back Living by the Water Surf Shack: Laid-Back Living by the Water
$21.99
Our Recommendation Surfer's Start-Up: A Beginner's Guide to Surfing (Start-Up Sports series) Surfer's Start-Up: A Beginner's Guide to Surfing (Start-Up Sports series)
$9.39
Our Recommendation The Surfing ABC's The Surfing ABC's
$14.99
Our Recommendation Let's Go Surf - Surfing Practice Log book For Professionals And Beginners: A Journal For Surfers To Record Date, Time, Session Type, Location, ... Companion and more - Gifts For Surfers
$9.14
Our Recommendation Stand Up Paddleboarding: A Beginner's Guide: Learn to SUP (Beginner's Guides) Stand Up Paddleboarding: A Beginner's Guide: Learn to SUP (Beginner's Guides)
$12.25
Our Recommendation Surfer Girl - Surfing Practice Log book For Professionals And Beginners: A Journal For Surfers To Record Date, Time, Session Type, Location, ... Companion and more - Gifts For Surfers
$9.14
Our Recommendation The Kiteboarding Manual: The Essential Guide for Beginners and Improvers The Kiteboarding Manual: The Essential Guide for Beginners and Improvers
$23.89
Our Recommendation How to Surf: An Introduction to Surfing for Beginners How to Surf: An Introduction to Surfing for Beginners
$0.00
Our Recommendation Unstoppable Me Unstoppable Me
$9.99
Our Recommendation Surfing Practice Log book For Professionals And Beginners: A Journal For Surfers To Record Date, Time, Session Type, Location, Temperature(Air, Water, ... Companion and more - Gifts For Surfers
$9.14
Our Recommendation KITE SURFING FOR COMPLETE BEGINNERS: Beginners Guide To Kitesurfing Basics, How To Kitesurf And More KITE SURFING FOR COMPLETE BEGINNERS: Beginners Guide To Kitesurfing Basics, How To Kitesurf And More
$7.99
Our Recommendation Pete the Cat: Pete at the Beach (My First I Can Read) Pete the Cat: Pete at the Beach (My First I Can Read)
$3.97
Our Recommendation Surfing: A Beginner's Guide (Beginner's Guides) Surfing: A Beginner's Guide (Beginner's Guides)
$21.95
Our Recommendation Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life
$9.99
People also asked
Surfers Tide Articles
All Rights Reserved © 2024