Do you have to wear a wetsuit to surf in NZ on the South Island?

Question

What about the North island? What are the average summer time water temps? Is it a good place for beginners?

Answer 1

Because NZ is long & thin, there is a lot of difference between weather in the Nth Is & in the Sth Is. Try this website for weather info:

http://www.metservice.co.nz/

Surfing is better in some places than in others. Just because there is a beach that doesn't mean that people surf there. (Tauranga/Mount Maunganui is popular.)

Australia prob has more surfing tho', in general.....

Answer 2

In summer you certainly don't on the North Island. In the far south of the South Island (like around the Caitlins) a light wetsuit is probably a good idea in summer.

In winter i would be wearing a full steamer! But i don't know if that is because i am a complete wuss!!

Answer 3

Yes it is.

Answer 4

it is a good idea (if you want to have a fun time)