Surfing in Waikato
2 surfing spots in Waikato, 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 Waikato: February–April (around 1.8 m, water 20°C, 3/2 wetsuit).
- Top picks: Raglan – Manu Bay & Whangamatā Bar.
Raglan – Manu BayWaikato, New Zealand · best July, SeptemberIntermediate and up · 14°C water in season, 5/4 wetsuit and boots · ✈ HLZ 46 kmWave height per month (m, average daily max)
JFMAMJJASOND1.7222.22.42.42.62.42.82.421.9
Best time to go →
Whangamatā BarWaikato (Coromandel), New Zealand · best April, June–JulyIntermediate and up · 17°C water in season, 4/3 wetsuit · ✈ TRG 58 kmWave height per month (m, average daily max)
JFMAMJJASOND1.51.41.31.71.51.71.61.41.31.31.41.3
Best time to go →Wave height: average daily maximum.
Month by month in Waikato
| Month | Waves | Water | Wetsuit | Air |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JanuaryJan | 1.6 m | 20°C | 3/2 wetsuit | 22°C |
| FebruaryFeb | 1.7 m | 21°C | 3/2 wetsuit | 23°C |
| MarchMar | 1.7 m | 20°C | 3/2 wetsuit | 21°C |
| AprilApr | 2 m | 19°C | 3/2 wetsuit | 19°C |
| MayMay | 2 m | 18°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 17°C |
| JuneJun | 2.1 m | 16°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 15°C |
| JulyJul | 2.1 m | 15°C | 5/4 wetsuit and boots | 14°C |
| AugustAug | 1.9 m | 14°C | 5/4 wetsuit and boots | 14°C |
| SeptemberSep | 2.1 m | 15°C | 5/4 wetsuit and boots | 16°C |
| OctoberOct | 1.9 m | 16°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 17°C |
| NovemberNov | 1.7 m | 17°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 19°C |
| DecemberDec | 1.6 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 surfing in Waikato?
Best waves in Waikato: February–April (around 1.8 m, water 20°C, 3/2 wetsuit).
What wetsuit do I need in Waikato?
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 Waikato 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; Tauranga Airport (TRG), 58 km from Whangamatā Bar.