Surfing in Taranaki
3 surfing spots in Taranaki, 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 Taranaki: February–May, December (around 2 m, water 18°C, 4/3 wetsuit).
- Top picks: Opunake, Taranaki – Stent Road & New Plymouth – Fitzroy Beach.
- For beginners: New Plymouth – Fitzroy Beach.
OpunakeTaranaki, New Zealand · best SeptemberIntermediate and up · 14°C water in season, 5/4 wetsuit and boots · ✈ NPL 57 kmWave height per month (m, average daily max)
JFMAMJJASOND1.81.922.12.22.32.42.32.82.422
Best time to go →
Taranaki – Stent RoadTaranaki, New Zealand · best July, SeptemberAdvanced only · 14°C water in season, 5/4 wetsuit and boots · ✈ NPL 43 kmWave height per month (m, average daily max)
JFMAMJJASOND1.61.81.92.12.32.42.62.32.72.41.91.9
Best time to go →
New Plymouth – Fitzroy BeachTaranaki, New Zealand · best July, SeptemberBeginner-friendly · 14°C water in season, 5/4 wetsuit and boots · ✈ NPL 8 kmWave height per month (m, average daily max)
JFMAMJJASOND1.61.81.92.12.32.42.62.32.72.41.91.9
Best time to go →Wave height: average daily maximum.
Month by month in Taranaki
| Month | Waves | Water | Wetsuit | Air |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JanuaryJan | 1.7 m | 19°C | 3/2 wetsuit | 21°C |
| FebruaryFeb | 1.8 m | 20°C | 3/2 wetsuit | 21°C |
| MarchMar | 1.9 m | 19°C | 3/2 wetsuit | 20°C |
| AprilApr | 2.1 m | 18°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 19°C |
| MayMay | 2.3 m | 17°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 16°C |
| JuneJun | 2.4 m | 16°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 15°C |
| JulyJul | 2.5 m | 15°C | 5/4 wetsuit and boots | 14°C |
| AugustAug | 2.3 m | 14°C | 5/4 wetsuit and boots | 13°C |
| SeptemberSep | 2.7 m | 14°C | 5/4 wetsuit and boots | 15°C |
| OctoberOct | 2.4 m | 15°C | 5/4 wetsuit and boots | 16°C |
| NovemberNov | 1.9 m | 17°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 18°C |
| DecemberDec | 1.9 m | 18°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 20°C |
Averages of the 3 spots on this page. Best months highlighted. Air: average daytime high.
Questions
When is the best time for surfing in Taranaki?
Best waves in Taranaki: February–May, December (around 2 m, water 18°C, 4/3 wetsuit).
What wetsuit do I need in Taranaki?
It depends on the month: about 20°C water in February (3/2 wetsuit) and about 14°C in August (5/4 wetsuit and boots).
Is Taranaki good for beginners?
Yes, these spots suit beginners: New Plymouth – Fitzroy Beach.
Which airport is closest?
New Plymouth Airport (NPL), 57 km from Opunake.