Surfing in Oceania
Surfing in Oceania, from Australia's Gold Coast and Bells Beach to the reefs of Fiji and Tahiti.
Surfing is woven into the culture of Oceania, and the region serves up some of the most famous waves on Earth. Australia’s east coast alone offers a lifetime of breaks, from the long point breaks of the Gold Coast to the powerful reef of Bells Beach, home to the world’s longest-running surf contest.
The South Pacific raises the stakes with heavy, world-class reef breaks, above all Fiji’s Cloudbreak and Tahiti’s fearsome Teahupo’o. Whether you are learning or charging, these are the region’s essential surf spots.
Oceania's Best Surf Spots#
Bells Beach - Victoria, Australia: This internationally famous beach is located along the southeast coast of Australia in the state of Victoria. Bells Beach hosts the annual Rip Curl Pro Surf competition, which draws the world’s best surfers.
Lavata, Solomon Islands: Great surfing here for experienced riders in the summer months particularly. The sheltered reef break is rarely crowded and breaks both left and right. Be sure to watch out for coral, as it can be dangerous.
Margaret River, Australia: Without a doubt the best surfing on the west coast of Australia is at Margaret River. Along the picturesque 25 miles of coastline there are many challenging and famous beach and reef breaks.
Taranaki, New Zealand: The Taranaki coastline is home to New Zealand’s best surf beaches. The area has breaks facing three directions so you are guaranteed some fast breaking waves, no matter which way the swell is coming from. The beaches and headlands produce clean barrels, which draw riders from around the globe.
New Caledonia reef breaks, New Caledonia: There are some great waves for surfing in New Caledonia but all the best spots are approximately two miles offshore. With left and right breaking waves, it is a perfect spot for serious surfers. Be sure to take care along the sharp coral and wear some protective surf shoes.
Ningaloo Reef, Australia: Some of the most spectacular and perfect surf spots in Western Australia are around Ningaloo Reef. More suited to experienced board riders with some challenging and powerful reef breaks.
Ha’atafu, Tonga: Ha’atafu and surrounding reef breaks offer great surfing conditions with ocean swells coming from the North and South Pacific. The majority of breaks are on outer reefs, so more suited to experienced board riders. There are numerous inexpensive surfboat day tours that will take you to the breaks and provide lunch.
Opunake Beach, New Zealand: Situated approximately 20 miles from New Plymouth on the west coast of New Zealand’s north island, Opunake Beach produces some very powerful waves with a consistent three to six foot swell. Desperation Point, which is a quarter-mile paddle from the beach, has both left and right breaks that can become massive with a heavy ocean swell.
Kirra - Queensland, Australia: Located on the famous Gold Coast, Kirra beach is well known throughout the international surfing community. The beach has challenging waves for the more experienced surfers as well as some smaller waves closer to shore for beginners.
Norfolk Island, South Pacific: Not as well known as other South Pacific surf destinations, Norfolk Island does have some nice waves. With some easy beach breaks and a few outer reef breaks, Norfolk Island provides a good opportunity for both beginner and advanced level surfers.
Cloudbreak, Fiji: A world-famous, powerful reef break off Tavarua Island, considered one of the heaviest and best waves on earth. It hosts elite professional competitions and draws serious chargers. The surrounding warm, crystal-clear Fijian water is idyllic.
Raglan, New Zealand: A legendary left-hand point break on the North Island’s west coast, offering some of the longest rides in the country. Immortalised in the surf film The Endless Summer, it has a mellow, welcoming town. It works across a wide range of swells.