Best Time to Ride · Kitesurfing · New Zealand · January

Kitesurfing in New Zealand in January

In January the best kitesurfing in New Zealand is at Muriwai, Orewa & New Plymouth – Fitzroy Beach.

Updated November 2026 · weather data 2022–2026

In short

Wind: 7 windy days (15+ knots)
Water: 19–23°C, 3/2 wetsuit at 19–21°C; shorty at 22–23°C
Air: 22°C by day, 15°C at night
Weather: sun (6+ hours) on about 27 days, rain (1+ mm) on about 13; a day can have both
For beginners: Orewa, New Plymouth – Fitzroy Beach & Auckland – Waitematā Harbour.

When are you planning to go?

January February March April May June July August September October November December

JanPEAK SEASON

Muriwai

New Zealand

11 windy days21° water22° air

Intermediate and up · 3/2 wetsuit · ✈ AKL 38 km

JanPEAK SEASON

Orewa

New Zealand

9 windy days22° water23° air

Beginner-friendly · shorty · ✈ AKL 48 km

JanPEAK SEASON

Fitzroy Beach

New Plymouth · New Zealand

9 windy days20° water22° air

Beginner-friendly · 3/2 wetsuit · ✈ NPL 8 km

JanPEAK SEASON

Westshore

Napier · New Zealand

7 windy days21° water23° air

Intermediate and up · 3/2 wetsuit · ✈ NPE 3 km

JanPEAK SEASON

New Brighton

Christchurch · New Zealand

7 windy days20° air

Intermediate and up · ✈ CHC 16 km

JanPEAK SEASON

Waitematā Harbour

Auckland · New Zealand

7 windy days23° water23° air

Beginner-friendly · shorty · ✈ AKL 19 km

JanPEAK SEASON

Papamoa

New Zealand

5 windy days21° water23° air

Beginner-friendly · 3/2 wetsuit · ✈ TRG 9 km

JanPEAK SEASON

Waikanae Beach

New Zealand

5 windy days19° water20° air

Intermediate and up · 3/2 wetsuit · ✈ WLG 54 km

JanPEAK SEASON

Foxton Beach

New Zealand

5 windy days19° water22° air

Intermediate and up · 3/2 wetsuit · ✈ PMR 38 km

Averages of the 9 spots on this page. Windy days: days with at least 2 hours of 15+ knots between 9:00 and 18:00, averaged over recent years.

Questions

Where to go kitesurfing in New Zealand in January?

Muriwai: 11 windy days; Orewa: 9 windy days; New Plymouth – Fitzroy Beach: 9 windy days.

How warm is the water in New Zealand in January?

19–23°C: 3/2 wetsuit at 19–21°C; shorty at 22–23°C.

Where can beginners go kitesurfing in January?

Good spots for beginners this month: Orewa, New Plymouth – Fitzroy Beach & Auckland – Waitematā Harbour.

Which airport is closest?

Auckland International Airport (AKL), 38 km from Muriwai; New Plymouth Airport (NPL), 8 km from New Plymouth – Fitzroy Beach; Hawke's Bay Airport (NPE), 3 km from Napier – Westshore.