Tairāwhiti Gisborne is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s top surfing spots, offering world-class surfing all year round.
Tairāwhiti Gisborne attracts surfers from around the world, who come here for the variety of breaks, consistent swells, and uncrowded waters. With more than 200 kilometres of surfable coastline, the region caters for all abilities. See below for the most popular spots.
This shallow beach has small waves, making it ideal for absolute beginners.
The northern part of Makorori (by the houses) has soft swells, along with plenty of picnic and parking facilities.
This sandy beach break has one main peak, offering both right and left handers, with a hollow drop-in and barrel section. There are also several smaller peaks further down the beach. The surf is reliable at any time of year but best at low tide. Look out for rips.
The southern part of this beach has the most consistent surf in Gisborne. Most of the surf is from groundswells, with the best swell angle coming from the southeast. Submerged rocks are a hazard.
This long stretch of beach is known for consistency, strong barrels, and variety of breaks (both left and right). The Stock Route is the most challenging break, offering world-class hollow sections on bigger swells. Here, ground swells are more common here than wind swells. Best for intermediate to advanced surfers.
Named for the colour of its sand, Blacks Beach offers right-hand reef breaks, which crank in a southerly swell at low tide. Note, the reef can be shallow.
It’s a one-kilometre paddle to Tuamotu Island, located off Sponge Bay. The surf breaks on the eastern and southern sides, with the latter offering a powerful left-hand point break with plenty of barrels. You can't see the surf conditions from Sponge Bay, so check the surf from the cliff before heading out. Experts only.
Despite getting some of the country’s best weather, Gisborne can get cold in winter. In the warmer months (November to April), most surfers will wear either a 2mm or 3/2mm wetsuit. In winter (June to August), a 3/2mm wetsuit is required, but booties, hoods, and gloves are optional.
Check local surf conditions at MetService(opens in new window).
If you’re new to surfing, Gisborne has some great surfing schools to help you get started, including Surfing with Sarah(opens in new window), Salt Shack Surf School(opens in new window), and New Wave Surf School(opens in new window).
