Surfing the North of New Zealand: Northland, Auckland, Waikato

Head out of Auckland and right away you will have a choice of East or West Coast surfing. Muriwai and Piha on the West Coast offer black sand beaches with wild waves. In the far north is Shipwreck Bay which is definitely worth a visit - if not for the waves then the blokarting, kayaking and 4WD beach tours along Ninety Mile Beach to Cape Reinga.

Take in both coasts by driving the Twin Coast Discovery Highway on a surf tour. The golden beaches of the East Coast are often edged with magnificent Pohutukawa trees. Mangawhai and Te Arai are eternally popular surf spots on the east coast. Travel north to Whangarei, and see a harbour full of fishing boats, pleasure craft and yachts to rival the City of Sails.

If it’s a purist, almost iconic, surfing community you’re looking for travel south of Auckland to the Waikato. Raglan is located on the West Coast and the superb surfing conditions of Manu Bay are famous throughout New Zealand.