Best Beginner Surf Spots on Auckland's East Coast (2026 Guide)
South Reef had beginner-friendly surf 59 days last year. Here's where to find sheltered learner waves on the east side.
Are you a beginner surfer looking for waves on Auckland's East Coast? The East Coast is more sheltered than the wild West Coast, making it generally more beginner-friendly when conditions line up. However, many east-facing spots are quite protected, which means surfable days are less frequent overall.
As a beginner surfer, mellow, small to medium-size waves are best for practicing and improving. Today we’ll be ranking these Auckland East Coast surf spots based on:
- How many days each spot had 3+ hours of “good” surf for beginners in 2025
- How many days each spot had 3+ hours of perfect surf (ideal wave size and winds) for beginners in 2025
These rankings are based on real data: an entire year of Swellify surf data from 10 breaks around Auckland East Coast. We wanted to find the beaches that gave you the most genuine opportunities to practice and improve.
Let’s crack into it!
If You Need Lessons
- South Reef 🥇 59 good days, 13 perfect days
- Orewa Bar 🥈 48 good days, 8 perfect days
- Red Beach 🥉 48 good days, 7 perfect days
South Reef leads the East Coast with 59 good days and 13 perfect days. Ultimate Surf & Skate is about 20 minutes away by car with a 4.8 rating from 92 reviews. Phone: 📞 09 476 7000. Mention Swellify when you book!
Orewa Bar had 48 good days with 8 perfect days. NZ Surf Academy is just a 5 minute drive away offering beginner lessons, group lessons, and private lessons. Phone: 📞 027 734 4877. Let them know Swellify sent you!
Red Beach rounds out the top three with 48 good days and 7 perfect days. NZ Surf Academy is about 10 minutes away by car. Mention Swellify when you get in touch!
If You Need Rentals (But Not Lessons)
If you know the basics but need gear, the same three spots have rental options:
- South Reef 🥇 59 good days, 13 perfect days
- Orewa Bar 🥈 48 good days, 8 perfect days
- Red Beach 🥉 48 good days, 7 perfect days
South Reef has Ultimate Surf & Skate 20 minutes away with rentals and that solid 4.8 rating. 📞 09 476 7000. Be sure to mention Swellify!
Orewa Bar and Red Beach both have Ultimate Surf & Skate nearby (20 minutes from Orewa Bar) for rentals. Let them know Swellify sent you!
If You Have Your Own Gear
When you've got your own board and wetsuit, here are the most consistent beginner-friendly spots:
- South Reef - 59 good days, 13 perfect days
- Orewa Bar - 48 good days, 8 perfect days
- Red Beach - 48 good days, 7 perfect days
- Orewa Beach - 46 good days, 6 perfect days
- Long Bay Reef - 30 good days, 6 perfect days
South Reef is the clear leader on Auckland's East Coast with 59 surfable days—about 20% more than the next best options. If you're self-sufficient with gear, this is your most consistent bet.
The Bottom Line
Auckland's East Coast delivered 45-60 surfable days for beginners at the top spots last year. The only way you miss out is if you're not paying attention.
Need lessons? South Reef, Orewa Bar, and Red Beach all have quality instruction nearby, with Ultimate Surf & Skate and NZ Surf Academy serving the area.
Need rentals? The same three spots have rental options available, all within reasonable driving distance.
Have your own gear? South Reef (59 days) offers the most consistent beginner-friendly surf on the East Coast.
The East Coast is more sheltered than the West, which means it's generally more forgiving for beginners when conditions are right—but surfable days are less frequent due to the protected nature of these breaks. When it fires, though, you'll find mellow, learner-friendly waves.
Different spots suit different levels. Check what's working for your ability, and go. But if you want to stop guessing and start surfing more, that's literally what we built Swellify for. Thanks for reading! 🤙
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Want more consistent waves? Auckland's West Coast delivers more surfable days. Or make a weekend of it on the Coromandel — stunning scenery and 223 good days at Pauanui.
See all 20 regions in our Complete Beginner's Guide to Surfing in New Zealand.
Tobias is the Founder of Swellify, a surf forecasting app built in Wellington that helps surfers like you catch more waves with way less hassle. After "accidentally" moving to New Zealand in 2019 and falling in love with Aotearoa, he's spent years obsessively studying every beach, point break, and island to make sure Swellify's 420+ spots are dialed in. Got any feedback or a killer session to share? Flick him an email at tobias@swellify.app.