The Surfing Kaikōura hub
We’ve been selling wetsuits and surfboards from Kaikōura since 2003. This page pulls together what we know about the local breaks, the gear you need for cold water, hire, and sizing. Wetsuits ship anywhere in NZ for $5.
The breaks
Mangamaunu is the right point most people head to, with long fun rides. Kahutara is heavier and best in winter, so leave it to confident surfers. Meatworks, Graveyards, Gooches Beach and Okiwi Bay round it out. Read the full Kaikōura surf break guide before you paddle out.
Wetsuits & gear
Kaikōura water sat around 12°C through winter 2026, so you’ll want a 4/3mm, or a 5/4mm with a hood. Read what makes a good wetsuit, our take on the best wetsuits for surfing through NZ winter, and what’s been working in Winter Surf 2026.
Wetsuits ship NZ-wide. Surfboards ship to main centres only. See shipping info. 30-day returns.
Hire
Surfboard hire is $40, wetsuit hire $20 (mostly 4/3mm), or $50 for both, up to 8 hours. Hire is in-store only at 24 West End, so phone or drop in. Details on our surfboard and wetsuit hire page.
Sizing
A wetsuit that fits is a warm wetsuit. Check the O’Neill wetsuit size chart, Rip Curl wetsuit size chart or Quiksilver and Roxy wetsuit size chart before you order. Not sure? Ring us on (03) 319 5028.
Freediving
Same cold water, different sport. Browse our freediving gear.
