The Herald Travel’s annual search for New Zealand’s best beaches is under way again and the competition is hot: Will fan-favourite Ōhope retain the crown? Or will an underdog rise to the challenge?
Our readers have been busy nominating their favourite slices of paradise in five key categories, with our top 50 finalists unveiled on Sunday. We’ll be profiling the top 10 in each of the five categories over the next week: yesterday we took a look at Best Family Beach, and today, we’re riding the waves over to Best Surf Beach.
So what criteria does New Zealand’s best surf beach need to tick? Not only should it be a primo spot for swells and “hanging ten”, this destination should ideally appeal to non-surfers, too. Think wild waves and a picturesque coastline for other beach-goers to enjoy, whether that be an uninterrupted stretch of sand for long walks or picture-perfect views for picnickers or sunbathers.
Bay of Plenty paradise Ōhope, which was crowned Best Family Beach 2024, has secured three nominations this year, including for Best Surf Beach. With a solid reputation for safety, this pōhutukawa-framed coastline is characterised by an 11km stretch of shimmering white sand. Sources say the surf is best at the west end, although the beach break conditions can be variable.
Over in the Waikato, Raglan’s reputation precedes it. One of Aotearoa’s most renowned surf spots, the laidback coastal township is built on surfing culture. According to online sources (who are far more qualified to speak on surfing than us), Raglan can be enjoyed by both beginners and aquatic superheroes alike: neighbouring Ngarunui Beach is said to be more entry-level, while advanced surfers can hit the swells at Whale or Manu Bay.
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In the Coromandel, holiday hotspot Whangamatā also boasts a solid surfing reputation. Regarded as one of the best surf destinations in New Zealand, it is hailed online as a good beach break with several peaks, producing both left- and right-handers that are suitable for all experience levels. However, Whangamatā can become very crowded during the summer, so swimmers and surfers need to keep their wits about them. This spot also nabbed a Best Family Beach nomination, as well as a Best Camping Beach nod.
The category wouldn’t be complete without Auckland’s famed Piha. Another of New Zealand’s renowned surfing destinations, this Best Surf Beach stalwart boasts good peaks on both sides of its towering scenic centrepiece, Lion Rock. As noted by Surf Seeker, the waves can become pretty gnarly and are probably best left to more advanced riders. Crowds can also be expected at this black sand oasis during the summer, so take precautions.
North of Auckland lies Ōrewa, a beach that nabbed an impressive four slots in this year’s top 50, including nods in Best Family Beach, Best City Beach and Best Camping Beach. This popular coastal township and its 3km of golden sand are known to attract surfers as well as families and holidaymakers, with its easy-going, softer waves making it a more beginner-friendly spot for amateur riders. Suitable for learners and ocean veterans alike, there’s also a local surf club.
The next top-10 nominee is Northland’s Waipū Cove, a secluded and sheltered stretch of sand that’s ideal for swimming, surfing, fishing, and walking. Hailed as a good pick for all levels of ability, the local surf school hosts summertime lessons for kids and adults, as well as private tutoring. Regarded as one of the region’s top surf spots, Waipū is also known to be a popular pick for body-surfing and boogie-boarding.
An increasingly popular pick for water-sport enthusiasts is Mount Maunganui. With its white sand, clear water and soft, rolling waves, the picture-perfect coastline is a growing favourite among amateur surfers. Beginner-friendly and beautiful to boot, there are local surf schools to choose from and other neighbouring spots to explore. Whether you master the main beach or Mussel Rock, there’s plenty of choice for your next surf trip.
Another west-coast black-sand beach and coveted surfing spot, Auckland’s Muriwai was almost certain to nab a top-10 spot. Highly popular but notoriously dangerous, Muriwai is typically regarded as a beach for experienced riders; the waves can be sizeable, and rips and currents are a frequent occurrence. The surf is known to be consistent year-round, again making it a favourite among surfing enthusiasts. Like other nominees, however, the water here can become crowded on sunny days, so watching out for swimmers is crucial.
Another nominee for Best Surf Beach is holiday haven Waihī in the Bay of Plenty. Not only is it a safe choice for watersports with surf lifesavers on duty throughout the summer, there’s 9km of bright white sand to explore. Anywhere along the beach is fair game for surfing, according to sources, with several peaks to choose from. There’s a local surf school for learners, but the waves can still be enjoyed by more experienced riders.
Last but not least, Northland’s Sandy Bay on the Tutukākā Coast rounds out the top 10 with plenty of swell and consistent surf. Another well-regarded surf spot, it’s said to be suitable for varying abilities, although the best waves are on a northerly to north-east swell. Sandy Bay has been home to the wintertime competition, the Polar Bear Surf Classic, for more than 30 years. Lifeguards patrol the beach during the summer months, as strong rips can often plague the area.
Now you know your reigning top 10, it’s time to cast your vote. If you have a preferred surf beach, make sure you go to the metaphorical polls below and champion your favourite spot.
Voting closes at 11.59pm on Sunday, January 26. The Best Beaches winners of 2025 will be announced on Sunday, February 2.
Check out the New Zealand Herald from Monday to Friday this week for profiles on each of the finalists.
Go to nzherald.co.nz/bestbeach to vote or fill out the entry form below.