Raglan will host the New Zealand Pro, the fourth stop on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour, in May 2026.
The New Zealand government is supporting the event through its Events Attraction Package, which funds major international events to support regional visitation and economic activity. This event is run by the WSL. Waikato District Council’s role is to carry out its regulatory responsibilities and manage local impacts, including public access, safety, traffic, and environmental conditions.
Event window: 15–25 May 2026.
This is an 11-day window to allow flexibility around surf and weather conditions. Competition is expected to run for approximately four to six days within that window.
Location: Manu Bay, Raglan
Who’s competing: The top 36 men’s and 24 women’s international surfers.
Key things to know
- There will be no public parking at Manu Bay on event days.
- Spectators from outside the surrounding area who cannot walk or cycle to the event must use the Park and Ride transport system from Raglan Airfield.
- Traffic management will operate on the training day and competition days, including managed access checkpoints at Ngarunui Beach Road and Ruapuke Road.
- Impacted residents and businesses will receive access passes to support local access through the checkpoints.
- Emergency services access will be maintained at all times.
- The Manu Bay boat ramp will be closed from 11–29 May.
What Council is focused on
Safety and crowd management
- Review and approval of traffic and pedestrian management plans
- Safe viewing areas and clear pedestrian routes
- Emergency access maintained at all times.
Minimising disruption
- Advance communication of any access or traffic changes
- Traffic management to support safety, local access, and emergency access
- Guidance for residents, commuters, and local businesses.
Protecting the environment
- Event conditions requiring waste management and environmental controls
- Monitoring compliance during the event
- Removal of temporary infrastructure and reinstatement of the site following pack-down.
Event guide
The official Event Guide is now available and includes key information for residents, businesses and visitors.
Find details on: