Raglan is set to make history as the World Surf League (WSL) brings its Championship Tour to Whāingaroa for the New Zealand Pro, running from 15-25 May 2026. Selected as the fourth stop on the global tour, the event will be the first combined Men’s and Women’s WSL Championship Tour event ever held in Aotearoa, placing Raglan firmly on the world stage.
Over the 11-day event window, the world’s top 36 men and 24 women surfers will compete at Raglan’s world-class left-hand point break, widely regarded as one of the best waves of its kind globally. The event celebrates Raglan’s deep surfing heritage while showcasing the town to an international audience of fans, media and visitors.
World Surf League CEO Ryan Crosby said the addition of Raglan in the tour’s 50th anniversary year was a significant milestone.
“As a quality left-hand point break, Manu Bay, Raglan is a great addition to the Championship Tour and a location surfers have been asking for. We’re excited to welcome this iconic wave to the world stage and to bring the world’s best surfers to Aotearoa,” he said.
Supported through the Government’s Events Attraction Package, the New Zealand Pro is expected to deliver significant benefits for the region – attracting international visitors, stimulating the local economy, and enhancing New Zealand’s profile as a destination for major sporting events. Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said the event would showcase both the country’s waves and its culture.
“Fans will be able to watch the world’s best surfers compete while experiencing one of New Zealand’s most famous surf towns. It’s a great opportunity to grow the sport and boost local tourism at the same time,” she said.
Waikato District Council Mayor Aksel Bech said the announcement recognised Raglan’s standing as one of the world’s great surf locations.
“Raglan is one of the world’s great surf breaks, so it’s fitting to see it recognised on the WSL Championship Tour. Events of this scale help lift the profile of our district on a global stage, and we look forward to working with organisers as planning progresses,” he said.
Whāingaroa General Ward Councillor Lisa Thomson said the event would resonate strongly with the local community.
“Surfing is part of Raglan’s identity, and Manu Bay holds real significance for locals. It’s exciting to see the town recognised in this way, and it will be important that the event reflects the values of the community and the environment that make Raglan special,” she said.
A strong focus on community and future pathways will sit alongside the elite competition. Surfing New Zealand Chief Executive Ben Kennings said the New Zealand Pro would be the biggest professional surfing event ever staged in the country and an inspiration for young surfers.
“Hosting a World Tour event at Raglan is a landmark moment for surfing in Aotearoa. The opportunity for our young surfers to see the world’s best compete at our most iconic break will have a lasting impact on the future of the sport,” he said.
The event will include New Zealand wildcard entries, awarded through Surfing New Zealand’s national series, and the WSL Rising Tides programme, which allows emerging athletes to surf alongside Championship Tour competitors. Local under-14 surfers will also be involved as board caddies, giving them a unique, hands-on experience at the world’s highest level of the sport.
Current world champions have already expressed their excitement about competing at Raglan. Brazil’s Yago Dora said the addition of a high-quality left-hand point break was something surfers had long hoped for, while Australia’s Molly Picklum said she was looking forward to experiencing New Zealand’s waves, culture and way of life.
Council, the World Surf League, Surfing New Zealand, event partners and the local community will continue working together as planning progresses, with further details to be shared closer to the event.
