Best Beginner Surf Spots in Mahia (2026 Guide)
Oraka Beach had beginner-friendly surf 205 days last year. Here's where to surf on the stunning Maihia Peninsula.
Are you a beginner surfer looking for waves in Mahia? The Mahia Peninsula juts out into the Pacific between Gisborne and Hawke's Bay, catching swells from multiple directions. It's a stunning, relatively uncrowded part of New Zealand with consistent surf and a laid-back vibe. The trade-off? No local surf schools.
As a beginner surfer, mellow, small to medium-size waves are best for practicing and improving. Today we’ll be ranking these Mahia 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 17 breaks around Mahia. 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
Here's the thing about Mahia: there are no surf schools in the area. The nearest options are all back in Gisborne, about an hour's drive away.
If you're set on learning to surf and want to visit Mahia, your best bet is to get lessons in Gisborne first (check out our Gisborne beginner guide), build up some confidence, then make the trip to Mahia once you're ready to go solo.
The Gisborne surf schools can sort you out:
New Wave NZ Surfboards has a perfect ★5.0 rating (75 reviews). Call 📞 0210 732 076.
Surfing with Sarah also has a ★5.0 rating (28 reviews). Call 📞 022 073 9383.
If You Need Rentals (But Not Lessons)
Already know the basics but need a board or wettie? You've got one option, but it's a bit of a mission.
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Blacks Reef — 172 good days, 80 perfect days
Blacks Reef is technically the only spot with rentals "nearby," but nearby is relative here. New Wave NZ Surfboards in Gisborne is about 58 minutes drive away. That said, 80 perfect days is an excellent number, and when conditions align here, it's worth the effort.
Call New Wave at 📞 0210 732 076 to arrange a rental before you head out, and don't forget to tell them Swellify sent you 🙏🏻
For the other spots, you're looking an hour and 10 minutes drive to the nearest rentals. If you're planning a Mahia trip without your own gear, consider renting in Gisborne and taking the board with you.
If You Have Your Own Gear
Okay, got your own board and wettie? Now we're talking! Mahia opens right up for you.
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Oraka Beach — 205 good days, 52 perfect days
The most consistent beginner spot on the Mahia Peninsula. Over 200 good days is excellent.
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Old Mans — 204 good days, 48 perfect days
Right behind Oraka Beach with nearly identical consistency. The name suggests it's a mellow wave, which is exactly what beginners need.
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Blacks Reef — 172 good days, 80 perfect days
Fewer good days than Oraka or Old Mans, but check this out: 80 perfect days. That's significantly higher than the top spots. When Blacks Reef is on, it's really on.
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Tracks — 161 good days, 76 perfect days
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Tuehuru Reefs — 160 good days, 43 perfect days
The pattern here is interesting. Oraka Beach and Old Mans have the most good days, but Blacks Reef and Tracks have more perfect days. If you're after consistent opportunities, head to Oraka. If you're chasing ideal conditions and willing to wait for them, keep an eye on Blacks Reef.
The Bottom Line
Mahia delivered 205 surfable days for beginners at Oraka Beach last year. The only way you miss out is if you're not paying attention.
Need lessons? Mahia isn't the spot for you (yet). Head to Gisborne first, get some lessons under your belt, then come back when you're ready to surf independently.
Need rentals? Blacks Reef is your best bet, with New Wave NZ about an hour's drive away. Or rent in Gisborne and bring the board with you.
Have your own gear? Oraka Beach is the most consistent spot with 205 good days. For quality over quantity, Blacks Reef has 80 perfect days.
Mahia is a destination for surfers who are comfortable going solo. The waves are consistent, the crowds are minimal, and the scenery is stunning. Just make sure you've got your own gear sorted, and don't forget to check the forecast before you make the drive.
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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Need lessons or rentals? Gisborne is your closest option with multiple surf schools. Hawke's Bay to the south has Aropaoanui — 258 good days, the most consistent beginner spot on the North Island's east coast.
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.