NZ Surfing Champsionships return to Gisborne
- Dave Worsley
- Jun 5
- 2 min read
The most prestigious domestic surfing competition is set to return to one of New Zealand’s iconic surf regions, with the 2026 National Surfing Championships confirmed for Gisborne from January 11-17, 2026.
This highly anticipated return to Gisborne marks the first time the Championships have been hosted in the region since 2018, reconnecting the nation’s top surfers and emerging talent with the powerful breaks and consistent summer swells of the East Coast.
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The Championships are a mobile event, meaning event organisers will chase the best waves across the region each day, ensuring optimal conditions for all divisions.
From the world-class beach breaks of Midway Beach, Wainui Beach and Makorori to the more remote gems up and down the coast, participants and spectators alike can expect a week of high-performance surfing and classic Kiwi summer vibes.
Dating back to 1963, the New Zealand National Surfing Championships is the longest-running and most prestigious domestic surfing event in the country. Originally held at Mount Maunganui, the event has journeyed the coastline from Kaitaia in the north to Dunedin in the south, showcasing Aotearoa's rich surf culture and coastal diversity.
Over the decades, it has seen nation’s finest surfers. Legends of the sport have etched their names in history here, including Billy Stairmand, who broke the long-standing five-title tie between Wayne Parkes and Iain Buchanan in 2017. It has also provided the launchpad for many young stars on their journey to international success.
The event now reflects the depth and diversity of the entire New Zealand surfing community, with 27 divisions catering to a wide range of competitors. These include:
Premier Open Men’s and Women’s divisions
Age group categories from Under 14 Boys and Girls through to Over 70s for both males and females
Longboard, Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP), Bodyboard, Kneeboard, and Adaptive surfing disciplines
Gisborne has long been regarded as one of the heartlands of New Zealand surfing. With its stunning coastline, consistent summer swells, and vibrant local community, the region provides the perfect setting for this pinnacle event.
