MANU BAY, Raglan, New Zealand (Tuesday, September 15, 2026) – The World Surf League (WSL) has announced the New Zealand Pro will return as a stop on the Championship Tour (CT) for the 2027 season. Following the successful debut of the event earlier this year, the WSL and the New Zealand Government have strengthened their partnership to ensure the world’s best surfers will return to Aotearoa’s world-class left-point of Raglan for the season ahead in 2027.
Though long-regarded as one of the finest waves in the world, Raglan’s Manu Bay had never experienced the highest level of surf competition prior to the inaugural CT event held in May. Providing a lengthy left canvas that offered a solid mix of progressive high-performance surfing and traditional rail work, Manu Bay announced itself as a must-watch venue. From the perfection of reigning World Champion Yago Dora’s (BRA) approach and the forehand style masterclass delivered by Sawyer Lindblad (USA) to the historic wins from World Champions and Olympic Gold Medalists Carissa Moore (HAW) and Italo Ferreira (BRA), Raglan proved that its arrival on the CT is long overdue.
“The WSL is so excited to see the CT return to Raglan in 2027,” said WSL APAC President Andrew Stark. “Raglan is a truly special place, with a deep surfing heritage, world-class waves and an incredibly passionate local community, and after an amazing event in 2026, we know the athletes and fans will embrace the opportunity to experience it again. We’d like to sincerely thank the New Zealand Government for its support in bringing this event back in 2027, as well as the Waikato and Raglan communities for welcoming the WSL back. The enthusiasm and commitment we’ve seen from everyone involved has been fantastic, and we’re looking forward to working together to deliver an unforgettable Championship Tour event in 2027.”
World Surf League Championship Tour is proudly supported by the New Zealand Government’s Events Attraction Package.
“It’s fantastic to see the World Surf League returning to Raglan in 2027,” said Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston. “Following the success of this year’s event, bringing the world’s best surfers back to one of New Zealand’s most iconic surf breaks will once again showcase Raglan and the Waikato to a global audience. We’re backing events that put New Zealand on the world stage, attract visitors, support local businesses, and create lasting benefits for communities. We know major events deliver real economic impact, and the return of the World Surf League is another great example of that in action.”
Beyond the international arrivals, the 2026 New Zealand Pro also provided a platform for three Kiwis, Billy Stairmand (NZL), Alani Morse (NZL), and Tom Butland (NZL), to showcase their talent to the world. Securing the event on Tour guarantees that rising local talent will continue to have the opportunity to test their mettle against the world’s best on home soil, furthering the nation’s rich history of competitive surfing. In 2027, this will once again come in the form of two New Zealanders receiving wildcard spots into the CT event through a local trials event.
The full WSL Championship Tour schedule for 2027 will be announced later this year.
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.