Surf camps in New Zealand: where to go and when
Spots with camps nearby and the best months to go.
Updated October 2026 · weather data 2022–2026
In short
- Best waves in New Zealand: February–May (around 2 m, water 19°C, 3/2 wetsuit).
- Top picks: Raglan – Manu Bay & Piha.
Raglan – Manu BayNew Zealand · best July, September1 camp nearbyIntermediate and up · 14°C water in season, 5/4 wetsuit and boots · ✈ HLZ 46 km- Green Wave Raglan. Surf & Stay 14.2 km
PihaNew Zealand · best September1 camp nearbyIntermediate and up · 15°C water in season, 5/4 wetsuit and boots · ✈ AKL 29 km- Piha Surf Accommodation 1.1 km
Spots with surf or kite camps nearby, ranked by their best months for surfing from years of weather data. Camps and schools are from OpenStreetMap; check with them directly before you book.
Month by month in New Zealand
| Month | Waves | Water | Wetsuit | Air |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JanuaryJan | 1.6 m | 21°C | 3/2 wetsuit | 22°C |
| FebruaryFeb | 1.9 m | 21°C | 3/2 wetsuit | 23°C |
| MarchMar | 1.9 m | 20°C | 3/2 wetsuit | 21°C |
| AprilApr | 2.1 m | 19°C | 3/2 wetsuit | 19°C |
| MayMay | 2.3 m | 17°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 17°C |
| JuneJun | 2.2 m | 16°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 15°C |
| JulyJul | 2.4 m | 15°C | 5/4 wetsuit and boots | 14°C |
| AugustAug | 2.2 m | 14°C | 5/4 wetsuit and boots | 14°C |
| SeptemberSep | 2.6 m | 14°C | 5/4 wetsuit and boots | 15°C |
| OctoberOct | 2.3 m | 16°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 17°C |
| NovemberNov | 1.9 m | 18°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 19°C |
| DecemberDec | 1.8 m | 19°C | 3/2 wetsuit | 21°C |
Averages of the 2 spots on this page. Best months highlighted. Air: average daytime high.
Questions
When is the best time for a surf camp in New Zealand?
Best waves in New Zealand: February–May (around 2 m, water 19°C, 3/2 wetsuit).
What wetsuit do I need in New Zealand?
It depends on the month: about 21°C water in February (3/2 wetsuit) and about 14°C in August (5/4 wetsuit and boots).
Is New Zealand good for beginners?
The spots here suit intermediate and advanced riders more than beginners.
Which airport is closest?
Hamilton International Airport (HLZ), 46 km from Raglan – Manu Bay; Auckland International Airport (AKL), 29 km from Piha.