Raglan will host one of the world’s biggest surfing events in 2026, with the World Surf League (WSL) confirming the Waikato surf town as a stop on its elite Championship Tour.
The town has been selected as the fourth stop on the 2026 tour – one of twelve international locations showcasing some of the world's best professional surfers.
The New Zealand Pro would run between 15-25 May, with the top 36 men and 24 women competing at the break in Raglan.
It's the first ever combined Men's and Women's World Surf League Championship Tour Event ever held in New Zealand.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said she was "thrilled" to announce the event, which she said "the biggest elite surfing event ever staged in New Zealand".
"This is an incredible opportunity for surfing in New Zealand. Fans will be able to watch the world’s most talented surfers get barrelled and compete, inspiring our budding young athletes and helping grow the sport in New Zealand."
She said the event would also make waves in Waikato tourism "with a lineup of competitors and spectators to the region and a global broadcast of the event, showcasing Raglan as a top surf destination internationally".
The Government was supporting the event through its $40 million Events Attraction Package designed to bring major international events to New Zealand.
Upston said major events provided a huge economic boost, supporting hospitality and tourism businesses while creating more jobs.
"We’re not just hosting events; we’re building a reputation internationally as a world-class destination for culture, sport and entertainment."
Hospitality NZ welcomes announcement
Hospitality NZ chief executive Kristy Phillips said the event would help showcase New Zealand as a "premier surf destination".
"This event will provide an important boost to bars, restaurants and accommodation providers in Raglan and across the Waikato," Phillips said.
"But further than that, we hope it encourages other visitors to come to our shores and enjoy our surf breaks around the motu."
She said it was "excellent" to see the Events Attraction Package fund a variety of events across regions.
"Events remain a key driver of hospitality spend, particularly outside of peak seasons, and we look forward to seeing how other events funded through the package continue to encourage regional dispersal of international visitors."
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