Best Time to Ride · Wingfoiling · New Zealand
Wingfoiling in New Zealand
13 wingfoiling spots in New Zealand. The colours show each month: the stronger, the better for wingfoiling.
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 time for wingfoiling in New Zealand: January, October, December. Then about 9 windy days a month and water around 19°C (3/2 wetsuit).
- Top picks: Rangiputa, Plimmerton & Nelson – Rabbit Island.
- For beginners: Rangiputa, Nelson – Rabbit Island & Orewa.
Regions
RangiputaNorthland, New Zealand · best OctoberBeginner-friendly · 17°C water in season, 4/3 wetsuit · ✈ KAT 21 kmWindy days per month (15+ knots)
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PlimmertonWellington (Porirua), New Zealand · best September–OctoberIntermediate and up · 14°C water in season, 5/4 wetsuit and boots · ✈ WLG 27 kmWindy days per month (15+ knots)
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Nelson – Rabbit IslandTasman (Nelson), New Zealand · best October, DecemberBeginner-friendly · 17°C water in season, 4/3 wetsuit · ✈ NSN 8 kmWindy days per month (15+ knots)
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OrewaAuckland (Hibiscus Coast), New Zealand · best January–April, October–DecemberBeginner-friendly · 20°C water in season, 3/2 wetsuit · ✈ AKL 48 kmWindy days per month (15+ knots)
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Napier – WestshoreHawke's Bay, New Zealand · best OctoberIntermediate and up · 15°C water in season, 5/4 wetsuit and boots · ✈ NPE 3 kmWindy days per month (15+ knots)
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Auckland – Waitematā HarbourAuckland, New Zealand · best January–April, October–DecemberBeginner-friendly · 20°C water in season, 3/2 wetsuit · ✈ AKL 19 kmWindy days per month (15+ knots)
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Foxton BeachManawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand · best OctoberIntermediate and up · 15°C water in season, 5/4 wetsuit and boots · ✈ PMR 38 kmWindy days per month (15+ knots)
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Waikanae BeachWellington (Kāpiti Coast), New Zealand · best January–April, September–DecemberIntermediate and up · 17°C water in season, 4/3 wetsuit · ✈ WLG 54 kmWindy days per month (15+ knots)
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PapamoaBay of Plenty, New Zealand · best January–April, October–DecemberBeginner-friendly · 19°C water in season, 3/2 wetsuit · ✈ TRG 9 kmWindy days per month (15+ knots)
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Kulim ParkBay of Plenty, New ZealandBeginner-friendly · ✈ TRG 4 kmWindy days per month (15+ knots)
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Lake PupukeAuckland, New ZealandBeginner-friendly · ✈ AKL 26 kmWindy days per month (15+ knots)
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Christchurch – New BrightonCanterbury (Christchurch), New Zealand · best January–March, September–DecemberIntermediate and up · ✈ CHC 16 kmWindy days per month (15+ knots)
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Lake Taupō – Acacia BayWaikato, New Zealand · best January–March, November–DecemberBeginner-friendly · ✈ TUO 6 kmWindy days per month (15+ knots)
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Best time to go →Windy days: days with at least 2 hours of 15+ knots between 9:00 and 18:00, averaged over recent years.
Month by month in New Zealand
| Month | Windy days | Water | Wetsuit | Air |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JanuaryJan | 7 | 21°C | 3/2 wetsuit | 22°C |
| FebruaryFeb | 5 | 21°C | 3/2 wetsuit | 22°C |
| MarchMar | 6 | 20°C | 3/2 wetsuit | 21°C |
| AprilApr | 7 | 19°C | 3/2 wetsuit | 19°C |
| MayMay | 6 | 17°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 16°C |
| JuneJun | 6 | 15°C | 5/4 wetsuit and boots | 14°C |
| JulyJul | 7 | 14°C | 5/4 wetsuit and boots | 13°C |
| AugustAug | 7 | 13°C | 5/4 wetsuit and boots | 14°C |
| SeptemberSep | 10 | 14°C | 5/4 wetsuit and boots | 15°C |
| OctoberOct | 12 | 15°C | 5/4 wetsuit and boots | 17°C |
| NovemberNov | 7 | 18°C | 4/3 wetsuit | 19°C |
| DecemberDec | 8 | 20°C | 3/2 wetsuit | 21°C |
Averages of the 13 spots on this page. Best months highlighted. Air: average daytime high.
Questions
When is the best time for wingfoiling in New Zealand?
Best time for wingfoiling in New Zealand: January, October, December. Then about 9 windy days a month and water around 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 13°C in August (5/4 wetsuit and boots).
Is New Zealand good for beginners?
Yes, these spots suit beginners: Rangiputa, Nelson – Rabbit Island, Orewa & Auckland – Waitematā Harbour.
Which airport is closest?
Kaitaia Airport (KAT), 21 km from Rangiputa; Wellington International Airport (WLG), 27 km from Plimmerton; Nelson Airport (NSN), 8 km from Nelson – Rabbit Island.
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