The Swellify Blog

Opotiki had beginner-friendly surf 196 days last year. Here's where to learn on New Zealand's remote and stunning East Cape.

Wainui had beginner-friendly surf 206 days last year, with multiple surf schools just minutes away. Here's where to learn in sunny Gizzy.

Woodpecker had beginner-friendly surf 245 days last year. Here's where to learn on the wild West Coast of the South Island.

Otaki had beginner-friendly surf 128 days last year, with lessons and rentals right on the beach. Here's where to learn on Wellington's doorstep.

Tākou Bay had beginner-friendly surf 207 days last year. Here's your complete guide to the sheltered east side.

Ahipara Beach had beginner-friendly surf 197 days last year. Here's your complete guide to learning on Northland's west side.

Lyall Bay Beach had beginner-friendly surf 110 days last year, with surf lessons right on the sand. Here's where to learn in the capital.

The Gap had beginner-friendly surf 207 days last year, with Wellington Surf Lessons operating right at Castle Point. Here's where to learn on the wild Wairarapa coast.

Pauanui had beginner-friendly surf 219 days last year, with a surf school just 5 minutes drive away. Here's where to learn on the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula.

Fitzroy had beginner-friendly surf 217 days last year, and there's a surf school right on the beach. Here's where to learn in the shadow of the mountain.

Tahunanui Beach delivered beginner-friendly surf 158 days last year. If you’ve got your own board, Nelson quietly delivers more than you might think.

Oraka Beach had beginner-friendly surf 205 days last year. Here's where to surf on the stunning Maihia Peninsula.

Mangamaunu had beginner-friendly surf 256 days last year, with lessons right there! Here's where to find the best waves where the mountains meet the sea.

Aropaoanui had beginner-friendly surf 258 days last year. Here's where to surf in the sunny Hawke's Bay region.

Campbells Bay quietly led Dunedin with 288 beginner-friendly days last year, while St Clair delivered the easiest access to lessons and rentals. Cold water, but a big payoff!

Leithfield Beach had beginner-friendly surf 276 days last year. Whether you're staying in town or heading north, here's where to find the most consistent waves.

South Reef had beginner-friendly surf 59 days last year. Here's where to find sheltered learner waves on the east side.

Karioitahi had beginner-friendly surf 81 days last year. Here's where to find learner waves with lessons nearby.

Raglan - Wainui Beach took home top marks for beginner-friendly surf at 216 days out of last year. Here's everything you need to know.

The Bay of Plenty delivered 200+ beginner-friendly surf days at spots like Waihi Beach and Mount Maunganui. These are the best places to learn, with lessons, rentals, and local forecasts.

With summer right around the corner, Swellify's brand new forecast page will help you figure out when's the best time to surf.

Believe it or not, Karioitahi had more perfect surf days than Piha in 2025! Here are the other West Coast spots you should know about.

Waimamaku had good surf 264 days last year—that's 72% of the year. Here's where Northland really fires.

Swellify is here to help — now with absolutely no strings attached.

Surf forecasts don’t have to be confusing. Learn how to read swell, wind, and wave period so you can confidently choose the best time and place to surf.

Shipwreck Bay (Shippies) on the Northland West Coast is one of New Zealand’s most iconic surf spots—and one of the hardest to forecast. Here’s why swell direction, wrap, and local geography make predicting Shippies a challenge.