Christchurch has a great variety of surf breaks, many of which are located right in the suburbs. It also serves as a great home base for discovering the breaks of Banks Peninsula and North Canterbury. Light winds from the West are the best for the town beaches and it pays to wake up early to get the morning glass and avoid the Northeast winds.

Coastal getaway featuring surf spots near the pier, extending along the shore. Open to swells from the NE and E, while partially protected against S swells. Favorable offshore breezes originate from the WSW.

New Brighton

Coastal and estuary bar. The coastal break can be gentle, yet it does come alive. The bar presents challenges and relies on the tide. Winds from the SW favor offshores. The southern tip offers shelter from S winds. It becomes packed when conditions are right.

Sumner

Charming beach spot just beyond Sumner's hill. Anticipate excellent, hollow peaks stretching along the shoreline. Catches NE and E swells, yet S swells don't make the cut. West-southwest winds bring the best offshore conditions. Tends to attract crowds.

Taylor's mistake

Pleasant left-breaking point south of Christchurch, notably open to southern swells. Northeast winds bring offshore conditions. Tends to attract crowds. The Akaroa peninsula offers several alternative spots, depending on the direction of swell and wind.

Magnet Bay

Excellent beach break at the Eastern tip of Bank's Peninsula, notably open to swells from the south and east. Northwest winds bring the best offshore conditions. It's a lengthy journey. The Akaroa peninsula offers a range of alternative spots, depending on the direction of the swell and wind.

Hickory Bay

Steady surf spot located between Christchurch and Kaikoura. Catches various swell directions from NE through to S. West-northwest winds create ideal offshore conditions. A right-hand point break at the beach's southern tip often delivers quality waves.

Gore Bay

Coastal and coral breaks to the north of Christchurch. This beach and islet are optimal for S and SE swells. Winds blowing from the NNW are offshore and enhance conditions. Performs better during higher tides. Further north lies Fields, catching NE and E swells. Fields offers sandy waves with a right-hand reef towards its southern tip.

Motunau

Prime beach break and northward left point from Christchurch. The beach often presents shifting peaks, requiring a solid S swell to activate the point. NNW winds are ideal, enhancing conditions. Performs best during higher tides.

Mid Shore

Seaside getaway and estuary located to the north of Christchurch. Along the beach, surfers can discover various peaks, accompanied by a moving bar break at the Ashley / Rakahuri river's entrance. Open to swells from the NE and E, it also captures more S swells compared to New Brighton and further areas. Winds blowing offshore come from the WNW direction.

Waikuku

Coastal getaway and right-hand wave at Bank's Peninsula's eastern tip, featuring a slim NE swell opportunity. SW winds bring the best offshore conditions. It's a lengthy journey. The Akaroa peninsula offers several alternative spots, depending on the direction of swell and wind.

Le Bons Bay

Timaru's left reef boasts a wide swell window, ensuring consistency. Prevailing offshore winds come from the West. Numerous quality reef spots can be found along the coastline.

CamJam

Christchurch Surf