Taranaki
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Positives
- Variety of conditions
- Consistent big swells
- Quality uncrowded spots
- Snowy, volcanic scenery
Negatives
- Cold and wet climate
- Windy conditions
- Cold water
- Lack of public transport
Taranaki surf travel guide
Taranaki gets the most swell and has the greatest concentration of quality spots on New Zealand’s North Island. The waves fan out around the base of Mt Taranaki (aka Mt Egmont) from Waitara in the north to Hawera in the south offering a range of swell and wind exposures. Streams and rivermouths cut the rural landscape, depositing boulders and eroding reefs into a plethora of quality and even world-class pointbreaks. The Surf highway provides limited access down the spoking side roads leaving plenty of scope for exploration.
Surf spots in Taranaki
Research the 30 surf breaks in Taranaki and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 30 breaks in Taranaki.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Taranaki
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Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Taranaki.
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 3,686,000
- Population
- 4,822,233
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- NZD
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 1.43 NZD NZD
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +64
- Dialing out
- 00
- Emergencies
- 112
- Language
- English, Maori
Visas
No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days for members of the EU, USA, Canada, Japan, Brazilians and some others. UK nationals can stay up to 6 months and Australians can travel with no restrictions. South Africans need to get a visa before arrival.
Getting There
To drive from Auckland to New Plymouth takes 5-6hr; it is a little shorter from Wellington. To fly costs $100o/w or a bus costs $35.
Getting Around
Although the public transport system in New Zealand is very efficient, you will appreciate having a hire car to cruise around the Taranaki area. Hitch-hiking is common, but more difficult with a board.
Accommodation
There are plenty of backpackers, hostels and beach camps, all of which are cheap. The Wavehaven villa in Oakura from $20 for a dorm to $55/dble. The Opunake backpackers cost $22. New Plymouth is more upmarket. It shouldn’t cost more than $15 for a basic meal.
Activities
Snow capped Mt. Taranaki dominates the skyline – the Manganui Ski Area has basic tow lifts and pistes for all levels. There is an 11km coastal walkway along the seafront of New Plymouth.
Hazards & hassles
Be prepared for the cold, wind and rain. Most local surfers are cool and friendly to respectful visiting surfers. Shark attacks at Oakura (1966 fatal) and Opunake (2012).
Handy Hints
There are plenty of surf shops in New Plymouth. For cheap gear try Del Free ‘n’ Easy or Seasons Cheapskates. Always ask permission before crossing private property and close all farm gates.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.