Do they get the same amount of swells as nsw coasts or not so much of the south east swells?
North of the East Cape struggles to get SE swells but south of there through to the South Island will pick them up really good. Some very cool uncrowded places. Mahia peninsular is one of my favourites plus Mangamaunu above Kaikoura in the South Island which breaks a lot like Arrawarra. The west coast has a lot to offer too and it only a short drive.
Yup, like Jakdog said.... I surfed both coasts on the same day with ease.
Awesome place!
Yeah I grew up in central North Island (Hamilton) It wasn't unusual for us to surf Raglan on the west coast at day break and be at whangamata on the east coast by the afternoon. A bit of a contrast to living on the east coast of Australia now lol.
@Creek, when did you come here? Let us know if you ever pop back!
Thanks greatsup, that would be fun for sure!
I spent a month in Nov/Dec 1984 surfing my way around the North Island, from Ragland to Ahipara, Whangari, Gisbourne, Mahia then a long dirt track adventure through the middle forests to Taupo (pic) then off to Whanganui before heading to Noosa for 6 months.
I loved NZ... it was quiet, uncrowded and beautiful, with lots of great waves!
This is a picture on the jungle drive to Taupo when we had to ford a stream.
Only things we saw on that road was a big road grader, smoothing out the dirt at one end plus a LOT of flocks of sheep blocking the path. It was an amazing trip!![]()

That's so cool mate! What an awesome trip and pic! I think we've prob divested a few sheep and increased the crowd on waves since then haha