Surfing New Zealand

With an astonishing 15,000 kilometres of coastline featuring a variety of breaks, waves, points and reefs, it’s no wonder New Zealand is a world-class surfing destination.

Explore the coastal regions capturing the beauty of Aotearoa.

It’s as though nature designed the New Zealand coastline with surfers in mind. Tiny coves, long sandy beaches and sandbars and reefs - the diversity and consistency of surfing conditions here is as remarkable as the stunning coastline itself.

	Surfing provides the opportunity to meet local New Zealanders.
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The mere idea of surfing gives you a good excuse to venture further and explore places one might otherwise miss out on. Whether you’re a complete novice or professional surfer, New Zealand is the ideal place to search for the perfect wave to match your ability.

Surfing is a great way to add to your New Zealand vacation experience and a wonderful way to meet local New Zealander’s. Respecting the local’s connection with their favourite surf locations may even result in some valuable local knowledge. Lessons and board hire, custom surf tours and heli tours are all available at main surfing spots from Northland to Southland.

Those searching for particular surf breaks will also find magnificent coastal views, and isolated beaches with marine wildlife occasionally sharing the excitement of the waves. Alternatively join a surf tour and benefit from the expertise of guides and coaches.

Surfers arriving from overseas are amazed at the surfing opportunities - the combination of a small country that’s easy to get around and the lengthy coastline means it’s surprisingly easy to find the exact conditions you want to surf on a particular day. This explains why international surf legends like Andy Irons, Sunny Garcia, Mark Ochilupo, and Joel Parkinson all came to compete against New Zealand’s best at the renowned west coast beaches of Raglan and Piha.

In some places you can jump easily from the west to the east coast (and vice-versa) to make the most of the conditions. You can even choose northern sub-tropical or southern sub-Antarctic waters and everything in between.

At the Poor Knights Islands, an ocean of diving can be found in a relatively small area.
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While surf tours and lessons are a great way to visit coastal New Zealand, there are also ample opportunities to enjoy other coastal activities. Wind surfing, surf kayaking, and kite surfing are exciting activities to enjoy the surf.

New Zealand has world class salt and fresh water fishing in pristine locations, the east coast of the North Island is a great spot for big game fishing. Sea kayaking is another great way to explore the coastline and admire seals, penguins, and other wildlife in a peaceful environment.

Like the landscape of New Zealand the coastal waters are extremely diverse and populated with fascinating wildlife. Diving, swimming with dolphins, or simply bathing in the sea are great ways to enter the realm of Tangaroa (Maori guardian of the sea).

Boat cruises from the Bay of Islands in the north to the Fiordland in the south, or a scenic drive along the Surf Highway and Twin Coast Discovery routes are alternatives to immersing yourself in the coastal waters.

	New Zealand's most popular surf beaches are protected by volunteer surf life savers.
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New Zealand swells can be rough and conditions on the coast can change quickly. Try a surf lesson where instructors share their knowledge and expertise on safety while also teaching you the basics of how to surf a wave. It’s a good idea to talk with locals about conditions, especially life guards or surf tour operators. When swimming on patrolled beaches stay between the flags and surf in groups for safety and fun.

It’s also easy to check surf conditions, swell and weather at a particular beach beforehand online or by calling for a surf report. You’ll find lots of helpful information from regional tourism organisations and i-SITES in all notable areas. And look out for the Qualmark™ logo - it’s your sign that the activities, transport or accommodation is safe and secure having been independently assessed for quality under strict criteria.

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Surfing Mini Doco care of YouTube

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25/06/2007 | Views: 20968

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