New Zealand is renowned for its great scenery, incredible wildlife, and Middle-earth magic. But did you know it’s also a world-class surfing destination? With around 15,000 km of coastline, New Zealand has a fantastic variety of sensational surfing spots that offer a smorgasbord of breaks, points, reefs, and waves.
Booking a campervan hire for a road trip between New Zealand’s top surf spots is an awesome way to see the country. Not only will you enjoy the wild waves, but you’ll also be treated to breathtaking views, remote and rugged countryside, and cool communities and townships along the way.
This ultimate New Zealand road trip travel itinerary takes you from the top of the North Island to the heart of Southland. Ready to go surfing in New Zealand? Let’s dive in!
_1.jpeg?width=3840)
.jpg?width=3840)
.jpg?width=3840)
.jpg?width=3840)
This south-westerly-facing beach catches consistent waves all year. The surf is split into two by a huge volcanic stone known as Lion Rock. The waves on the southern side are more accessible and popular.
Next, it’s time to head north on the 2.5-hour drive to Tutukaka Coast. One of the most popular surfing beaches in the area is Sandy Bay – about 17 minutes drive north of Tutukaka township. In fact, most would agree that this is the best surfing beach in Northland. Sandy Bay is a beach break with several peaks down the beach to choose from. It’s suitable for all levels of surfers. It’s also home to a number of surfing competitions, including the winter Polar Bear Surf Classic.
While you’re in Tutukaka, take some time to wander through the gift stores, surf shops, and art galleries. Plan a special dinner out at Schnappa Rock. And for a relaxed overnight stay, park up your camper for the night at Tutukaka Holiday Park.
Just two hours out of Auckland, this chilled-out seaside village has three great surfing beaches to choose from:
When you need a break from all that sand and surf, head into the town centre. Check out the gift shops, and get yourself a good coffee and some lunch at Raglan Roast Food Department on Wainui Road.
For a beautiful spot to stay, park up your motorhome at Raglan Holiday Park.
This coastal road from New Plymouth to Hawera leads to a number of legendary surf beaches, including:
Park up tonight at the Opunake Beach Holiday Park.
Gisborne is around eight hours drive, but it makes for a great road trip.
After a long day of driving, check in at Waikanae Beach TOP 10.
Beginners can head to the safe and shallow small waves of Waikanae/Roberts Road beach. It’s a great spot for families too with free BBQs, Olympic pools, showers, and a great new boardwalk.
For intermediate surfers, the Midway Pipe is a sandy beach break. Makorori Beach is another top spot – be there before dawn to watch the sunrise. As a bonus, there’s overnight freedom camping available here too.
If you’re a pro surfer, head straight to Wainui Beach. The waves are fast and powerful with fantastic barrels and hollows. Blacks Beach on the Mahia Peninsula is another pro spot with consistent right-hand reef breaks.
For a great brunch spot while you’re in Gisborne, enjoy an all-day breakfast at Flagship Eatery on Childers Road.
It’s a fairly long drive, so relax and enjoy the road trip through some of New Zealand’s beautiful countryside.
Once you reach Masterton, stretch your legs with a relaxing walk through Queen Elizabeth Park and admire the massive American redwoods and picturesque grounds. You might also like to take a tour of the famous Tui Brewery.
Put your feet up for the night at Mawley Holiday Park.
There are several peaks down the beach to choose from, offering both right and left-handers.
To get to Uruti Point from Masterton, head east out of town on Te Ore Ore Road, then turn right onto Masterton Castlepoint Road. Turn right onto Blairlogie-Langdale Road. Continue onto Homewood Road, then turn left onto Waiorongo Road, down to the beach and Uruti Point at the north end of the beach. You may need to walk if you want to go further up to the point.
Once you reach Wellington, park up at the Wellington TOP 10 Holiday Park.
Have your camera charged and ready to get some snaps of the picturesque Marlborough Sounds.
Once you reach Picton, it’s a four-hour drive (263 km) to Collingwood. Check into the Collingwood Holiday Park, then it’s off for a surf at Farewell Spit.
To get to Farewell Spit, you’ll need to drive to Puponga (35 minutes). At Puponga, drive through and park at the Farewell Spit Cafe and Information Centre.
Here are a few Kaikoura surfing spots worth checking out:
Book yourself into the Kaikoura TOP 10 Holiday Park then treat yourself to dinner at one of the great local restaurants. Kaikoura is a great place to enjoy fresh seafood. One of the best is a crayfish meal from the world-famous Nins Bin.
On your way, plan a stop at Gore Bay (about an hour out of Kaikoura). This beach break, onto a mostly sandy beach, has several peaks offering punchy waves and possible barrels. Suitable for all levels.
Once you reach Christchurch, there are several great spots to hit. Here are just a few worth trying out:
Park your campervan up for the night at Spencer Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park.
There are also plenty of excellent Dunedin surfing spots to choose from, including:
Plan a stay at the four-star Dunedin Holiday Park & Motels. This lovely campground is adjacent to the beautiful St Kilda Beach – another great beach break for all levels of surfers.
Your first stop is at Papatowai – a favourite for big wave surfing and one for experts only. Next, it’s on to Porpoise Bay, a beach break on a golden sand beach and good for all levels. Curio Bay is at the southern end of Porpoise Bay and is another good spot for all levels; you'll find several peaks to choose from with both right and left-handers.
Park up next to the beach at the beautiful Curioscape Campground.
Indulge your inner adrenaline junkie with a Bungy jump, jet boating experience, or white water rafting. Or if you prefer to simply take a breath and have a bite to eat, head directly to Fergburger and try one of their epically massive burgers. They’re best enjoyed sitting down by the river – followed by a lie-down!
The last item to tick off on your road trip itinerary is to drop your Mighty camper back at their Queenstown branch.
As you can see, New Zealand’s coastline offers one amazing surf spot after another. If you’re ready to hit the beaches and experience them for yourself, the first step is to book your Mighty campervan.
With branches in Auckland, Queenstown, and Christchurch you can pick up your campervan at one branch and drop it off at another.
Looking for more inspiration for your next New Zealand road trip? Check out these helpful guides:
New Zealand Itineraries