Best Beginner Surf Spots in Kapiti (2026 Guide)
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.
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Are you a beginner surfer looking for waves in Kapiti? The Kapiti Coast stretches from Paekakariki up to Otaki, offering a mix of beach breaks that catch swells from the west and northwest. It's more sheltered than exposed west coast spots, which means fewer overall surf days but often mellower, more forgiving conditions when it does turn on.
As a beginner surfer, mellow, small to medium-size waves are best for practicing and improving. Today we’ll be ranking these Kapiti 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 Kapiti. 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
Great news for Kapiti: Wellington Surf Lessons operates across multiple beaches in the region, so you've got options. They've got a ★4.9 rating (57 reviews) and offer both lessons and rentals. Give them a call at 📞 021 176 4073 and tell them Swellify sent you!
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Otaki 🥇 128 good days, 46 perfect days
The most consistent beginner spot on the Kapiti Coast, and Wellington Surf Lessons runs lessons right here on the beach. That's the winning combo: the best waves AND lessons on site.
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Plimmerton 🥈 108 good days, 29 perfect days
Closer to Wellington if you're coming from the city. Wellington Surf Lessons is about 20 minutes away at their Paekakariki location. Plimmerton is more sheltered, which can be a blessing for beginners when there are bigger swells at sea. They're available at 📞 021 176 4073, don't forget to mention Swellify when you book.
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Paekakariki 🥉 89 good days, 30 perfect days
Again, Wellington Surf Lessons operates right at Paekakariki too. Fewer good days than Otaki or Plimmerton, but more perfect days than Plimmerton. If you're timing your lesson for ideal conditions, this is worth considering. Don't forget to let them know Swellify sent you 🙏🏻
If You Need Rentals (But Not Lessons)
Already know the basics but need a board or wettie? Same story here. Wellington Surf Lessons does rentals at all their locations, so the spot rankings stay the same.
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Otaki 🥇 128 good days, 46 perfect days
Rentals available right on the beach from Wellington Surf Lessons (📞 021 176 4073). Grab a board and you're in the water in minutes.
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Plimmerton 🥈 108 good days, 29 perfect days
Wellington Surf Lessons is about 17 minutes away at Paekakariki for rentals. If you're coming from Wellington, Real Surf in Lyall Bay is about 40 minutes but worth knowing about. They've got a ★4.8 rating (81 reviews). Call them at 📞 04 387 8798.
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Paekakariki 🥉 89 good days, 30 perfect days
Rentals on site from Wellington Surf Lessons. Easy.
If You Have Your Own Gear
Got your own board and wettie? Now we're talking! Here are the most consistent beginner-friendly spots on the Kapiti Coast, period.
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Otaki — 128 good days, 46 perfect days
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Plimmerton — 108 good days, 29 perfect days
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Paekakariki — 89 good days, 30 perfect days
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Waikanae — 74 good days, 24 perfect days
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Titahi Bay — 69 good days, 24 perfect days
Otaki stands out as the clear winner with almost 20 more good days than the next spot. It's at the northern end of the Kapiti Coast, which means it's a bit more exposed to swells coming down from the north and west.
Titahi Bay is technically in Porirua, right on Wellington's doorstep. If you live in Wellington and don't want to drive far, it's a solid option with 69 good days for beginners.
The Bottom Line
Kapiti delivered 128 surfable days for beginners at Otaki last year. The only way you miss out is if you're not paying attention.
Need lessons? Head to Otaki. Wellington Surf Lessons is right on the beach, and you'll have 128 good days to work with.
Need rentals? Same deal. Otaki with Wellington Surf Lessons on site.
Have your own gear? Otaki is still your best bet, but Plimmerton and Paekakariki are solid alternatives if you're closer to Wellington.
The Kapiti Coast is more sheltered than the exposed west coast beaches further north, so you won't see the same massive numbers as somewhere like Taranaki. But that's not necessarily a bad thing for beginners. When it's on, it's often clean and manageable. And if you're based in Wellington, it's right there.
Remember, different surf spots suit different levels. 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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Exploring the region? Wellington has Lyall Bay right in the city. Wairarapa is over the ranges with more consistency. Or continue north toward Taranaki for mountain-backdrop sessions.
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.