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Great Surfing Spots Near Auckland, New Zealand

The beaches near Auckland are home to a bevy of epic surf spots
The beaches near Auckland are home to a bevy of epic surf spots | © Joana Kruse / Alamy Stock Photo
Photo of Bianca Ackroyd
Bianca Ackroyd
28 July 2020

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.

Beginner’s Luck at Te Arai Point

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Cliffs at Te Arai Point at sunrise, Auckland Region, North Island, New Zealand
© Witold Skrypczak / Alamy Stock Photo
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.
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708 Te Arai Point Road, Te Arai, Auckland, 975, New Zealand
+6494315760
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North shore waves at Orewa Bar

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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.

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Auckland, 931, New Zealand

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.
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Piha Beach, Auckland, 772, New Zealand
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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).
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211 Bethells Road, Waitakere Muriwai, Auckland, 781, New Zealand
+6498109587
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These recommendations were updated on July 28, 2020 to keep your travel plans fresh.
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