The Best Places to Surf in NZ’s North Island
If you’re planning a surf trip around New Zealand, the North Island should be right at the top of your bucket list. From legendary left-hand point breaks to beginner-friendly beach waves, the North Island has something for every surfer — whether you’re chasing barrels, learning to stand up for the first time, or simply living the laid-back surf lifestyle.
At Pacific Coast Lodge & Backpackers, we meet travellers from all over the world who come to New Zealand for one reason — the surf. Here are our favourite North Island surf destinations you absolutely need to experience.
Mount Maunganui – The Ultimate Beginner-Friendly Surf Town
There’s a reason so many backpackers end up staying longer in Mount Maunganui than planned. Golden beaches, warm water, epic cafes, nightlife, and consistent surf make “The Mount” one of the best all-round surf towns in New Zealand.
Mount Maunganui is especially famous for its beginner-friendly beach breaks. The sandy bottom, mellow rolling waves, and huge range of surf schools make it one of the best places in NZ to learn.
More experienced surfers can score quality waves at spots like: The Main, Tay Street or Hart Street
Many travellers describe Mount Maunganui as the perfect balance between surf, lifestyle, beaches, and city convenience.
If you’re staying in the Bay of Plenty, Pacific Coast Lodge & Backpackers is the perfect base — close to the beach, surf vibes everywhere, and full of fellow travellers chasing waves and work opportunities.
Raglan – New Zealand’s Most Legendary Surf Spot
Ask any surfer about New Zealand and one name always comes up first — Raglan.
Located on the rugged west coast of the North Island, Raglan is world-famous for its long left-hand point breaks, especially Manu Bay. The wave became iconic after appearing in The Endless Summer and can produce rides stretching hundreds of metres long.
Raglan has multiple surf breaks including: Manu Bay, Indicators, Whale Bay, Ngarunui Beach
Advanced surfers love the points, while beginners should start at Ngarunui Beach before attempting Manu Bay.
Beyond the surf, Raglan is pure Kiwi surf culture: chilled cafes, barefoot locals. live music, sunsets over black sand beaches
The west coast gets more consistent swell than the east coast, making Raglan a favourite for dedicated surfers year-round.
Whangamatā – Coromandel’s Classic Surf Escape
Whangamatā is one of New Zealand’s classic beach towns and a summer favourite for surfers and backpackers alike.
Located on the stunning Coromandel Peninsula, Whangamatā delivers fun beach breaks, long sandy beaches, and a relaxed coastal vibe that feels like old-school New Zealand.
The area works well for: beginner surfers, longboarders
If you’re road-tripping the North Island, Whangamatā is the perfect stop between Auckland, Tauranga, and the Coromandel coast.
Maketū – The Bay of Plenty’s Hidden Gem
If you prefer quieter surf spots away from the crowds, Maketū is a hidden gem worth discovering. Just southeast of Mount Maunganui, Maketū offers beautiful uncrowded beaches, rolling surf, and classic laid-back Bay of Plenty scenery. It’s popular with locals who want cleaner lineups and a slower pace.
Maketu works best when: Mount Maunganui gets crowded, easterly swells are running
The area is also rich in Māori history and coastal beauty, making it a great spot to explore beyond the surf. While Raglan gets the international fame, places like Maketū are where many travellers discover the authentic side of New Zealand surf culture.
Whether you’re chasing legendary left-handers in Raglan, learning to surf at Mount Maunganui, road-tripping through Whangamatā, or escaping the crowds at Maketū, New Zealand’s North Island offers some of the best surf experiences in the world.
Pack the wetsuit, grab a board, and come see why so many travellers end up staying far longer than they planned, Pacific Coast Lodge and Backpackers even offers free surf board rental!
See you in the lineup. 🌊🏄
