Ace Rental Cars Blog

New Zealand might not have endless summer weather, but it does have world-class waves. Away from the main surf hubs, you’ll find quiet beaches, dramatic coastlines, and laid-back locals who know how to make the most of every swell. With an Ace rental car, you can chase those waves, without the crowds, or the price tag. Whether you’re after left-hand barrels or mellow points, these remote surf spots are worth every kilometre.

Raglan

Raglan isn’t exactly a secret, but it’s still one of the most soulful surf towns in the world. It’s just two hours from Auckland, it’s home to Manu Bay, a world-famous left-hander that can roll for up to 600 metres when the conditions are right. For something a little smaller, Ngarunui Beach has gentler waves and surf schools for beginners. Between sessions, the town’s cafés, live music, and local art scene give Raglan a rhythm all its own.

Shipwreck Bay, Ahipara

When you head north, the crowds start to disappear. At the southern end of Ninety Mile Beach, Ahipara’s Shipwreck Bay delivers long, peeling lefts that attract those who prefer solitude with their surf. When a solid southwest swell rolls in, the point can connect for rides that seem to go on forever. The drive from Auckland takes about six hours, but the scenery will make the time fly by.

Piha and the West Coast

In just 45 minutes from Auckland, you can get to Piha. Here, you’ll find black sand, towering cliffs, and powerful surf make it one of the country’s most dramatic beaches. It’s not for beginners, but experienced surfers know, it’s one of the best places to feel the raw power of the Tasman Sea. Karekare Beach, a little further south, offers similar conditions with fewer people. Driving these winding coastal roads feels like an adventure in itself, especially when the light hits the cliffs at sunset.

New Plymouth and the Taranaki Coast

If the drive is as important as the surf, the Surf Highway 45 should be on your list. This route links dozens of breaks, from Fitzroy Beach in New Plymouth to the reefs at Stent Road and Kumara Patch. Mount Taranaki looms in the background, often snow-capped, giving every surf session a cinematic backdrop. The towns along the way are small and friendly, with classic fish-and-chip shops and beachside camping grounds that welcome passing surfers.

Kaikōura

Kaikōura is best known for whales and seals, but it’s also home to some underrated surf. Mangamaunu Bay, with its long right-hand point, is the pick of the bunch. The drive here from Christchurch is one of the most beautiful in the country, hugging the coast with views that’ll make you pull over more than once. Even when the swell’s flat, the marine life and seafood alone make it worth the trip.

Westport

On the South Island’s wild West Coast, Westport is a gritty, welcoming surf town where the waves are serious and the line-ups are rarely crowded. Tauranga Bay and Nine Mile Beach both deliver powerful breaks when the conditions line up. It’s remote and rugged, but that’s the appeal. It’s the kind of place where you camp near the dunes, light a fire, and wake up to the sound of waves. Driving here feels like going off-grid, with rainforest on one side and the Tasman crashing on the other.

Take the Road Less Surfed

Surf trips in New Zealand are as much about the drive as the destination. The long roads, the quiet towns, the freedom to pull over and check a new break—that’s what makes them memorable. With an Ace rental car, you can pack the essentials, follow the forecast, and let the coast surprise you. Whether you’re chasing big swells or just looking for an uncrowded lineup, the best waves are often found where the highway runs out and the sea begins.