New Zealand Surfing Championships Set to Return to Gisborne, Tairāwhiti in January 2026
The most prestigious domestic surfing competition in Aotearoa is set to return to one of New Zealand’s most iconic surf regions, with the 2026 New Zealand National Surfing Championships confirmed for Gisborne, Tairāwhiti, from January 11th to 17th, 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.
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.
On the Nationals returning to Tairawhiti, Flo Bub From Gisborne Boardriders commented” Having the Nationals back is Gisborne is massive, not just for the local surf scene but for the whole community. Gisborne has such a deep connection with surfing, from generations of surfers to groms just starting out, it brings a real buzz to our town, local businesses, whanau everyone gets behind it .”
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, the Championships have been a proving ground for the 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
This inclusive format ensures that the Championships aren’t just a showcase of elite talent but a true festival of surfing for all ages and abilities.
Whether you’re an up-and-coming junior, a seasoned veteran, or part of the growing adaptive surfing movement, the Nationals is a unique opportunity to share the lineup with the country’s best and be part of something bigger than just a competition.
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.
“Returning the Nationals to Gisborne feels like a homecoming,” says Surfing New Zealand CEO Ben Kennings. “This region has produced some of New Zealand’s top surfers and offers a spectacular backdrop for what we anticipate being one of the biggest and most exciting Championships yet.”
Locals and visitors can expect a week of top-tier surfing, live event updates, beachside action, and a family-friendly festival atmosphere. With warm summer temperatures and a laid-back coastal lifestyle, it’s the perfect destination for a road trip with friends or a surf-inspired family holiday.
The event will be hosted by Gisborne Boardriders, with Flo Bub commenting “Gisborne Boardriders is stoked to be hosting the Nationals once again, we are hoping for pumping surf, beautiful summer days and those classic East Coast vibes that make Tairawhiti so special.”
The 2026 Nationals are expected to sell out with participants and supporters from across New Zealand.
Please note: To compete in the New Zealand National Surfing Championships, you must be a New Zealand citizen, permanent resident, or eligible for a New Zealand passport.
Online entries will open in November, with full information to be released on the Surfing New Zealand website and social media platforms.
Event Snapshot
- Event: New Zealand National Surfing Championships 2026
- Dates: 11–17 January 2026
- Location: Gisborne, Tairāwhiti (mobile across best locations in the region)
- Divisions: 27 across multiple disciplines and age groups
- Eligibility: NZ citizen/permanent resident/NZ passport eligible
- Organiser: Surfing New Zealand
- Website: www.surfingnz.co.nz
Whether you’re paddling out to compete or soaking in the action from the sand, the 2026 National Championships promises to be a highlight of the summer surf calendar and a powerful celebration of New Zealand’s surfing heritage.
Mark your calendars and get ready for an epic week of waves, whānau and world-class surf in Gisborne this January.
For media enquiries, interviews, or sponsorship opportunities, please contact:
Surfing New Zealand’s Ben Kennings on 021 2278732 or email benkennings@surfingnz.co.nz.
Imagery
High resolution action images of the surfing will be available to media free of charge upon request.
Social Media
Keep up with all the action by following @surfingnz on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Use the hashtag #Nats2026 to follow the story.
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