Great Surfing Spots Near Auckland New Zealand

Known as the City of Sails, Auckland has both white and black-sand beaches and is home to more than a dozen epic surf spots, all within a two-hour drive of the city centre. Options for beginner and advanced surfers are endless and give thrill-seekers an option to surf in both the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

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Beginner’s Luck at Te Arai Point

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Cliffs at Te Arai Point at sunrise, Auckland Region, North Island, New Zealand

Head northeast from the Auckland CBD to Te Arai Point, a white sandy swimming beach that has decent left and right-handers for all levels. Waves break on the beach at this popular swimming spot near the town of Mangawhai. Beginners can book a learn-to-surf package with Aotearoa Surf.

North shore waves at Orewa Bar

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Scenic view of Orewa Beach north of Auckland

Auckland’s north shore suburb of Orewa on Auckland’s east coast is a magnet for water sports. Orewa Bar at the estuary mouth, located at the southern end of Orewa Beach is a great surfing spot for beginners to experts, for those who want to catch fun, easy-going waves. Watch out for swimmers at this popular beach, and avoid the river mouths that have strong currents.

Surfing in southerly winds at Tāwharanui

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The white sand and rocky north facing beaches of Tāwharanui’s north are a great spot for surfing when southerly winds are blowing. This prime surf location, also known as Anchor Bay, is situated on the Tāwharanui peninsula on Auckland’s east coast.

World-class waves at Piha Beach

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Auckland’s Piha Beach on the east coast is situated within the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park. This spectacular black sand beach is one of New Zealand’s top surfing spots. The long beach has several surf breaks with waves reaching up to three metres (10ft). The southern section of the beach has a good left-hander off Camel Rock. Lion Rock has left and riders off both sides, and the easiest way to paddle out is to use the rip near this section. The northern section of the beach has several peaks near the stream and down the north end of the beach.

West coast waves at Muriwai

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Muriwai Beach is on the west coast of Auckland and is a great spot for surfing with its black sand beaches. This spot is better suited to experienced surfers with its wally, powerful waves and dangerous currents, especially on big days.

Scenic surfing at Te Henga, Bethells Beach

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Located further south from Muriwai is Te Henga, Bethells Beach, another great surfing spot on Auckland’s west coast. This Tasman Sea beach features a dramatic rocky coast and black sand with dunes and a coastal wetland nearby. Waves are suitable for levels and sizes are anywhere between a half metre and two metres (1.5ft/6ft).

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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