Waikato
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Positives
- Constant swell supply
- Raglan’s famous lefts
- Points, rivermouths & beachbreaks
- NZ’s favourite surf town
Negatives
- Heavy onshores
- Strong currents
- Raglan crowds
- Some difficult access
Waikato surf travel guide
Incessant swells pummel the black sand beaches and rocky headlands of the Waikato region, home to New Zealand’s most famous wave and surf town, situated a mere 2hrs drive from Auckland. Incredibly long and graceful lefthanders hug the headlands at a series of bays in Raglan, providing a world-class playground for a multitude of local, regional and international surfers.
Surf spots in Waikato
Research the 11 surf breaks in Waikato and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 11 breaks in Waikato.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Waikato
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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.
Accommodation
Raglan is a full on surf town with every type of accommodation; basic (Raglan Backpackers, Karioi Lodge; fr $11/n), to the ideally located Whale Bay house rentals (fr $130 to $290/n) or eco options with Solscape and off-grid Indicators Beach House. Expect $12-25 for a meal from the varied Raglan eateries.
Activities
Kawhia hot springs can be dug out of the sand on Ocean Beach, 2hrs either side of low - take a shovel. Fishing is good in and outside the harbours (Manukau,Raglan, Aotea, Kawhia).
Hazards & hassles
Rips and mussel-coated rocks. A non-fatal shark attack took place in 2006 at Manu Bay.
Handy Hints
Raglan packs out in summer holidays. Many surf shops selling reasonably priced boards and accessories.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.