Surfing in New Zealand

Surf New Zealand - Quick Facts
LOCATION: Australisia.
POPULATION: 4035000
NATIONALITY: Kiwifruits
LANGUAGE: English
CURRENCY: New Zealand Dollar
New Zealand Surf Spot Map

Ok, we know that the nationality of New Zealanders is not Kiwifruit - so not emails please. Now on with the surf info. New Zealand is made up of two main islands, the North Island and South Island. The main source of swell for both is from the low pressure systems of the roaring forties but New Zealand is fortunate to pick up swell from just about anywhere. Waves can be generated from the south, the west from the Tasman Sea, north from cyclone systems and east from depressions. This makes New Zealand a great place to be a surfer. Tie that up with the fact that there are a large number of surf spots, relatively few surfers and quality waves. There are conditions and wave sizes to keep any surfer happy.

The North Island is home to the largest population and houses the capital city Wellington and New Zealand's largest city Auckland. The North Island is also a little warmer, both in and out of the water and in the summer you might get away with just your boardshorts.

The North Island has New Zealand's best known surf spot - Raglan. Half way down the west coast you can find a superb left hand point that seems to go on forever. Real quality - a must see on an NZ surf trip. If you want lots of quality spots and do not want to do much driving then head to the Taranaki Peninsular. Lots of great waves and you can find the ideal wind conditions just by driving round 180' along the coast road - Surf Highway 45.

The South Island is cold and can get bitter in the winter. The quality empty surf more than makes up for the temperature. The main bodies of surfers on the South Island are based in and around Christchurch and Dunedin on the east coast. Steer clear of these and you'll have the place to yourself. Top spots on the South Island are the variety of breaks around Dunedin and the powerful reefs and points of Kaikoura.

New Zealand is a great place for a surf trip because you have so many options. You can find yourself out on your own in quality surf with a couple of mates, a beautiful snowy backdrop and only the sheep watching. Do yourself a favour and book an air ticket today.

Surfing New Zealand - The Good
Consistent Waves
Uncrowded
Lots of great surf spots
Surf in the Morning. Snowboard in the Afternoon

Surf New Zealand - The Bad and the Ugly
Cold Winter Water Temps
Cold Weather
Rain
Snow
Miserable Weather

>> Click here for Surfing Vacation Destinations, Prices and Availability <<

New Zealand Surfing Conditions

New Zealand Swell Size	New Zealand Water Temperature

If you have information on surfing in New Zealand we would like to know. Tell us how good or bad your surfing vacation was by posting your trip details on our Surf Forum.

Click the link for some background (non surfing related) information on New Zealand.

Another Surf Vacation?

Return to the Surfing Holiday index page.

If you are serious about surfing and travel you will need a decent surfing guide book. Take a look at the Stormrider Guide Europe, Stormrider Guide North America and the World Stormrider Guide books. We cannot emphasise just how good these books are.