Surfing in New Zealand

Empty lineups and perfect right handers

New Zealand is a fascinating country. It consists of two main islands, the North and the South respectively, with hundreds more scattered throughout the nearby seas. Geographically, it is a fairly new land mass. Most of the continent is actually underwater, and lies right on a fault line, explaining the many active volcanoes, earthquakes, and mountain ranges that are consistently shifting the geography.

For surfing, this geography is ideal. There are SW swells coming from the Tasman sea that hit the new shallow rock reefs of New Zealand's west coast, while consistent SE swells hit the other side of the fault line of New Zealand's east coast. 

 The majority of New Zealand’s population live in the North Island. Below is one particular region outlined sure to create the conditions to chase. 

Taranaki

Look no further than Taranaki. A relatively small but prosperous town with great organized roads and every accommodation you need, it's a gentle introduction to surf trips. Taranaki is the place to surf in New Zealand. If your goal is to get the best waves look no further. It is a must. No excuses.

New Plymouth: Your Home Base

Mural art in New Plymouth. These animals shred

New Plymouth is the perfect town in Taranaki to base your surf operations. It is a lively town of about 80,000 people with tons of beaches, live music and garden festivals. Accommodation is easy. People are out and about and happy to chat. Good food and great restaurants galore. And this is all before mentioning the outstanding surf that surrounds the area. What sets Taranaki apart is its geographic location. The airport only offers domestic flights, so you’ll have to fly into Auckland first. 

Remote on Purpose

Taranaki is so special in that it is no easy task to get there. Traditionally your international flight would arrive in Auckland. New Plymouth is a 5 hour drive away. Comparatively, if you fly into Wellington, it is a 4.5 hour drive. Or, you’ll have to book a domestic flight from one of those cities. Not so easy of a task. These kilometers prevent the traditional tourist from just rolling through town. It takes a concerted effort to get there. In this way, the locals are authentically happy to have you. As long as you remember to be a traveler and not a tourist and explore with an air of curiosity and respect. The geography of Taranaki keeps the tourism generally low and the wave quality exceptionally high.

The Power of Volcanoes

Mt. Taranaki at sunset

One of the pinnacle spots of the Taranaki region is Mt. Taranaki. She is a relatively young and  active volcano (120,000 years old, last erupted in 1775) that has been pushing up new volcanic rock on land, but mostly under sea. Deep below the volcano is where the Pacific plate is pushing underneath the Australian plate, thus creating the tectonic activity that allows the volcano to prosper. This unique geography makes for newly formed shallow rock reefs all throughout the surrounding region. Now we just need a swell to fill it. 

The Perfect Swell Machine

The semicircle coast line creates an abundance of swell opportunity. The Tasman sea brews a classic mix of cold polar air mixed with warm subtropical air. These storms create an abundance of SSW and WSW swells that wrap around the coast and hit the circumferenced rock reefs. Taranaki attracts the most consistent waves in the country. 

Absolutely stunning

 If the wind is blowing onshore at one particular spot, just a simple drive around the cape will set you to an offshore wind. The swells hit all points of the coast as it wraps around the capes circumference. You just can’t lose. 

Below are some of the following breaks that exhibit the beautiful byproduct of these natural forces coming together to create the country’s best waves

Where to Surf

If you are looking to stay in town around New Plymouth

• Fitzroy Beach

• East End

• Waiwakaiho

• Belt Rd

Up for a little adventure? Follow the highway 45 south to find these

• Oakura Beach

•  Weld Rd

• Opunake Beach

• Stent Rd

Take the 45 north to find 

• Waitara

• Marokopa

Local Wisdom

Taranaki gate keepers

Remember that surf etiquette is more important than how well you ride. If you are just beginning or a seasoned veteran, it is always important to keep in mind that we are visiting someone's home. Have respect. Locals have priority. Leave this place better than you found it. Most importantly, be the source of someone's happiness, not their frustration. 

When to Surf

  The best time of year to visit is now. The best swell will be the next one. Just book the ticket. All the details will just fall into place. Trust me