Surfing in Bay of Plenty
2 surfing spots in Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. The colours show each month: the stronger, the better for surfing.
Find the best time to goTap a spot to see when to go: wind, waves, water temperature, sun and rain in every month, from years of weather statistics.
Updated October 2026 · weather data 2022–2026
In short
- Best waves in Bay of Plenty: January, April (around 1.6 m, water 20°C, 3/2 wetsuit).
- Smaller waves and the warmest water, good for beginners: January–March (around 1.4 m, water 21°C, 3/2 wetsuit).
- Top picks: Mount Maunganui – Main Beach & Papamoa.
- For beginners: Mount Maunganui – Main Beach & Papamoa.
Mount Maunganui – Main BeachBay of Plenty, New Zealand · best April–JulyBeginner-friendly · 17°C water in season, 4/3 wetsuit · ✈ TRG 5 kmWave height per month (m, average daily max)
JFMAMJJASOND1.51.41.31.71.61.71.71.41.51.51.51.4
Best time to go →
PapamoaBay of Plenty, New Zealand · best April–JulyBeginner-friendly · 17°C water in season, 4/3 wetsuit · ✈ TRG 9 kmWave height per month (m, average daily max)
JFMAMJJASOND1.51.41.31.71.61.71.71.41.51.51.51.4
Best time to go →Wave height: average daily maximum.
Month by month in Bay of Plenty
| Month | Waves | Water | Wetsuit | Air |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JanuaryJan | 1.5 m | 21°C | 3/2 wetsuit | 23°C |
| FebruaryFeb | 1.4 m | 21°C | 3/2 wetsuit | 23°C |
| MarchMar | 1.3 m | 21°C | 3/2 wetsuit | 21°C |
| AprilApr | 1.7 m | 19°C | 3/2 wetsuit | 19°C |
| MayMay | 1.6 m | 18°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 17°C |
| JuneJun | 1.7 m | 16°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 15°C |
| JulyJul | 1.7 m | 15°C | 5/4 wetsuit and boots | 14°C |
| AugustAug | 1.4 m | 14°C | 5/4 wetsuit and boots | 14°C |
| SeptemberSep | 1.5 m | 15°C | 5/4 wetsuit and boots | 16°C |
| OctoberOct | 1.5 m | 16°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 18°C |
| NovemberNov | 1.5 m | 17°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 20°C |
| DecemberDec | 1.4 m | 19°C | 3/2 wetsuit | 22°C |
Averages of the 2 spots on this page. Best months highlighted. Air: average daytime high.
Questions
When is the best time for surfing in Bay of Plenty?
Best waves in Bay of Plenty: January, April (around 1.6 m, water 20°C, 3/2 wetsuit). Smaller waves and the warmest water, good for beginners: January–March (around 1.4 m, water 21°C, 3/2 wetsuit).
What wetsuit do I need in Bay of Plenty?
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 Bay of Plenty good for beginners?
Yes, these spots suit beginners: Mount Maunganui – Main Beach & Papamoa.
Which airport is closest?
Tauranga Airport (TRG), 5 km from Mount Maunganui – Main Beach.