Surfing in New Zealand - November/December

[Jakeaway]

Getting to NZ mid November and will be there for 6 weeks. Please can you recommend some spots for me?? Going to hit both the North and the South Island. I've got a camper so I can't wait to be based right on the shore for the majority of the time. Supposed to meeting family around Hot Water Beach/Coromandel area for xmas, any suggestions for a good place to park up so I can get some festive waves?
Also I can't decide what wetsuit thickness to bring??
Thanks in advance.

[oldmansurfer]

https://surfing-waves.com/atlas/australasia_pacific/new_zealand.html If you haven't checked it out yet there is this part of Surfing waves to check out

[YungGrom]

3/2 suits the south island very well for summer... Depends on how far south you go will also determine the thickness.

[Lebowski]

3/2 suits the north at that time too. The water isn't up to full temperature until February or so. If you're planning on surfing really far south, you'll most likely need even thicker.

Coromandel has good waves but it depends if there's a swell running on the east coast. It is less consistent than the west. I know some truly wonderful surf spots but I won't be naming them on a forum. There is already increasing crowd pressure at some of them in summer.

[Jakeaway]

fancy pointing me in vaguely the right direction?

[jaffa1949]

There is a really good New Zealand surf guide book available.
Many good secret and semi secret surf spots require access across private property ( Farms) so giving the game away can sour relations with the farmer.
You will certainly find good surf easily . Enjoy the adventure!

[Lebowski]

To be honest, both coasts are littered with high quality surf. Just keep an eye on the forecasts and plan accordingly. You will score.

[benjl]

Hey mate

Give me a txt on 021 733 750 or add that number on what's app and I'll give you heaps of spots and info.
I'm based in Auckland where there are plenty of breaks around the west coast (muriwai, piha etc) and spots on the east coast such as tawharanui and Te arai.
I'll happily do some surf trips with you if you're around then. The coromandel is all east coast and likely quite flat around that time of year but west coast will be getting better and better

[one0one]

The hole west coast always has swell. you just need a wind with E or S for some parts that are sheltered by hills eg Rags. you gotta go to raglan even though its nick named the zoo. Probably NZs best wave. its a Left point break with 3 different breaks. its even fun just watching the inner break when its pumping

[Lebowski]

Although Raglan's points are indeed very high quality and consistent, the crowds are absolutely insane and it's practically impossible on some (most?) days to get a single wave without being dropped in on, especially as an outsider. Some of the drop ins are absolutely blatant.

Having said that, I did surf one of the points on New Years Day 2013 with just myself and one other guy.

There are some good uncrowded waves in the area though, which I would much rather surf.

[surf patrol]

Although Raglan's points are indeed very high quality and consistent, the crowds are absolutely insane and it's practically impossible on some (most?) days to get a single wave without being dropped in on, especially as an outsider.

first time quoting, did it work? haha..

depends when you go, if you go to indicators on a week day and don't get a wave you are kookinit first class. weekends are worst. even then, you can crack a good session depending on the crowds. if its pumping and a weekend its challenging, and you will find yourself hustling which isn't much fun.

still if i had no work 1 day and needed to pick a spot, Rags it would be.

[Lebowski]

If it's pumping and a weekend I prefer to go to the beach break. The points will be packed with decent surfers but the beachy will be empty because none of the learners will be able to get out!

[Barney211]

https://surfing-waves.com/atlas/australasia_pacific/new_zealand.html If you haven't checked it out yet there is this part of Surfing waves to check out

Thank you! I haven't checked it out. That's what I want to see