Surfing in South Island
21 surfing spots in South Island, New Zealand. The colours show each month: the stronger, the better for surfing.
Updated November 2026 · weather data 2022–2026
In short
- Best waves in South Island: June–September (waves 1.5–1.7 m, water 11–12°C, 5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves).
- Smaller waves and the warmest water, good for beginners: January–March (waves 0.8–1 m, water 17–18°C, 4/3 wetsuit).
- Top picks: Kaikōura – Mangamaunu, Dunedin – St Clair & Christchurch – Sumner.
- For beginners: Christchurch – Sumner, Greymouth – Cobden & Porpoise Bay.
Regions
Wave height: average daily maximum.
Month by month in South Island
| Month | Waves | Water | Wetsuit | Air |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JanuaryJan | 0.8 m | 18°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 20°C |
| FebruaryFeb | 0.8 m | 18°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 20°C |
| MarchMar | 1 m | 17°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 18°C |
| AprilApr | 1.1 m | 15°C | 5/4 wetsuit and boots | 17°C |
| MayMay | 1.3 m | 14°C | 5/4 wetsuit and boots | 15°C |
| JuneJun | 1.5 m | 12°C | 5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves | 12°C |
| JulyJul | 1.7 m | 12°C | 5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves | 12°C |
| AugustAug | 1.6 m | 11°C | 5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves | 12°C |
| SeptemberSep | 1.5 m | 12°C | 5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves | 14°C |
| OctoberOct | 1.3 m | 13°C | 5/4 wetsuit and boots | 15°C |
| NovemberNov | 1.1 m | 14°C | 5/4 wetsuit and boots | 17°C |
| DecemberDec | 0.9 m | 16°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 18°C |
Averages of the 21 spots on this page. Best months highlighted. Air: average daytime high.
Questions
When is the best time for surfing in South Island?
Best waves in South Island: June–September (waves 1.5–1.7 m, water 11–12°C, 5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves). Smaller waves and the warmest water, good for beginners: January–March (waves 0.8–1 m, water 17–18°C, 4/3 wetsuit).
What wetsuit do I need in South Island?
It depends on the month: about 18°C water in February (4/3 wetsuit) and about 11°C in August (5/4 wetsuit, hood, boots and gloves).
Is South Island good for beginners?
Yes, these spots suit beginners: Christchurch – Sumner, Greymouth – Cobden, Porpoise Bay & Colac Bay / Ōraka.
Which airport is closest?
Woodbourne Airport (BHE), 88 km from Kaikōura – Mangamaunu; Dunedin International Airport (DUD), 23 km from Dunedin – St Clair; Christchurch International Airport (CHC), 20 km from Christchurch – Sumner.
