The New Zealand Championships is the longest running and most prestigious domestic surfing event in New Zealand.
Dating back to 1963, the championships have a storied history, rich with outstanding performances from the best surfers in the country.
The event now reflects the New Zealand surfing community as a whole, offering A total of 27 divisions including the premier Open Men and Women plus additional divisions comprising of age groups from Under 14 boys and girls through to Over 70s for males and females and Longboard, Stand Up Paddleboard, Bodyboard, Kneeboard and adaptive disciplines.
The five day event is generally held during the middle of January marking the start of the competition season.
The Championships were first held at Mount Maunganui but have been held as far north as Kaitaia and as far south as Dunedin.
Often gaining significant nationwide exposure, the event has continually brought its champions into the nation’s spotlight. Whether that is young up and comers bursting onto the scene or the thirty-year quest to break the five-title tie between Wayne Parkes and Iain Buchanan, a feat achieved by Billy Stairmand in 2017.
Go it alone, make a roady out of it with your friends or treat it as a family holiday, there are numerous ways to take in the week-long event and have a great week of summer waves and sunshine.
What: The National Surfing Championships 2025
Where: Taranaki – Fitzroy
When: 12 – 18 January
Who: A total of 27 divisions will be contested including the premier Open Men and Women plus additional divisions comprising of age groups from Under 14 boys and girls through to Over 70s for males and females and Longboard, Stand Up Paddleboard, Bodyboard, Kneeboard and adaptive disciplines.
Important: You must be a citizen of New Zealand/permanent resident / eligible for a New Zealand Passport to compete in the National Surfing Championships
How: Enter Here at Liveheats/SurfingNewZealand
Entries close Monday 30th December @ 8am. (There will be no late entries)
Below is a Rough schedule of events that will take place with surfing being held from 8am – 4pm daily. Please note this schedule is subject to change without notice
2025 National Surfing Championships Schedule
Day 1, Senior Men and Women
Day 2, Senior Men and Women
Day 3, Senior Men and Women, Longboard, SUP, Body, Junior Boys and Girls
Day 4, Junior Boys and Girls
Day 5, Open Men and Women, Junior Boys and Girls
Day 6, Open Men and Women, Junior Boys and Girls, Kneeboard
Day 7, Open Men and Women
