In Tairāwhiti, surfing is more than just a sport.

It’s our way of connecting with the moana, with nature, and with ourselves. It’s a tight-knit but welcoming community, where surfing is a way of life – and where the kids learn to shred before they can walk. We’re fortunate to be blessed with a coastline full of world-class waves year-round. So whether it’s your first time or you’re a pro – grab a board, pop on a wetsuit, and come see why surfers from far and wide love riding our breaks and swells.

Morning routine: Sunrise surf

There’s an undeniable magic to catching the first rays of the day while riding the waves. Join the ‘dawn patrol’ and start your morning the right way with a sunrise surf chasing the first light. How many places in the world have a surf break so close to the city centre? Waikanae Beach is a crowd-pleaser – with consistent waves perfect for a cheeky earlybird or lunchtime surf.

Find Your Perfect Wave

Hit the road and take to the coast along State Highway 35 – Tairāwhiti’s coastline is a surfer’s playground, offering a variety of breaks to suit your skills. Here are a few top spots recommended by the locals:

Makorori Beach

Renowned for its long, peeling waves, Makorori is a popular choice for both beginners and intermediate surfers. The consistent swell and sandy bottom make it a forgiving yet exciting break – with the Northern end offering softer, smaller swells, perfect for first-timers.

Wainui Beach

Sandy breaks, several peaks and a diverse variety of waves make Wainui ideal for both intermediate and pro surfers. Beautiful barrels and hollows offer good odds for catching that endless wave you’re dreaming about. You’ll quickly see why it’s on the  locals’ favorites list.

Midway / Pipe

A sandy beach break with waves most of the year with one main peak offering both left and right handers.  This is a great intermediate surf spot which locals and visitors alike love. Post surf, head down to Tahu for a post surf debrief.

Catch a coffee and a bite

Fancy a flat white after your surf? Refuel and treat yourself to a caffeine boost and some local kai. Raglan Roast is a locals hotspot, & Zephyr in Wainui know a thing or two about satisfying hungry surfers. Nourish your body, soak up the vibes and plan your next big wave.

Learn from the experts

If you’ve never picked up a board before, keen to upgrade from the boogie board, or looking to level-up your skills, then there’s no better place to learn than here in Tairāwhiti. Several surf schools, such as Surfing with Sarah, Salt Shack and New Wave Surf School offer lessons tailored to different skill levels and ages.

Stock up on all your surf essentials

Need a new wetsuit or board? Gisborne has a surf shop to suit. Head to Blitz, the second oldest surf shop in Aotearoa, visit locally owned icon Sequence, or pop into New Wave for a board that’s custom designed and built just for you.

Long stretches of coastline, world-class surf breaks, and warm hospitality – Tairāwhiti has all the ingredients for an incredible day on the waves. Make a weekend of it, and come explore all the region has to offer.