New Zealand is sometimes overlooked when it comes to surfing destinations. However, the country has a massive coastline and is exposed to swells of all directions, making it an absolute paradise for surfers. From North Island to South Island, hundreds of uncrowded surf spots await anyone paying a visit for a surf trip.

Here are 5 places that deserve to be on your checklist when heading for a surf trip in New Zealand.

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Piha

Read our complete surfing guide to Piha, New Zealand

Piha is located just west of Auckland, at about an hour drive away from the country’s capital city. It is a small and quiet surf town that is popular amongst kiwis for a little beach getaway. Piha is a great and wide surfing beach that gets good waves from the Tasman Sea throughout the year.

Raglan

Read our complete surfing guide to Raglan, New Zealand

Raglan is the surfing capital of New Zealand with some of the best waves and surf spots in the country located right around this charming town. Manu Bay is the most famous surf spot in Raglan, mostly due to its appearance in Endless Summer, a cult surf movie that aired back in 1966. Raglan became a real surfing hub but always kept its laidback vibe and tranquility.

Mount Maunganui

Also located on North Island, Mount Maunganui is a very popular holiday destination for Kiwis due to its beautiful beach and charming town. As far as surfing goes, Mount Maunganui is not as consistent as the west side of New Zealand, but in summer, some northern swells will turn the whole beach to life and waves do get pretty decent.

Kaikoura

Kaikoura is on New Zealand’s South Island, about two hours north of Christchurch. It is one of the best place to surf on the South Island with consistent swells coming from the south in winter and from the north in summer. Kaikoura is a small and charming surf town with stunning views and wildlife that will make your surf trip a very special one.

Shipwreck Bay

Located at the very end of Ninety Mile Beach, in Ahipara, Shipwreck Bay is a beautiful left-hand point break that is one of New Zealand’s best waves. On a decent south westerly swell, the bay turns into a beautiful series of long, endless waves rolling all the way from the point to the beach.

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