Raglan’s Manu Bay earns another Championship Tour stop in 2027

The World Surf League will return to Raglan’s Manu Bay in 2027 after a successful New Zealand Pro debut, with local wildcard opportunities and government support continuing.

Raglan’s Manu Bay earns another Championship Tour stop in 2027

Raglan’s iconic Manu Bay will again welcome the world’s best surfers after the World Surf League confirmed the New Zealand Pro as a stop on the 2027 Championship Tour. The decision follows a successful 2026 debut that brought elite competition, international attention and a major tourism boost to the Waikato region.

  • The New Zealand Pro will return to Raglan during the 2027 Championship Tour.
  • Competition dates have not yet been confirmed, though a similar May window is expected.
  • Local trials will provide two wildcard places for New Zealand surfers.
  • The event is supported through the New Zealand Government’s Events Attraction Package.

Manu Bay makes an immediate impression

Raglan’s long powerful left-hand point break hosted

Raglan’s long, powerful left-hand point break hosted its first Championship Tour event in 2026, marking the first time the men’s CT had been held in New Zealand waters. Manu Bay’s combination of open faces, speed and varied sections gave competitors opportunities to display both progressive aerial surfing and precise rail work.

The inaugural event was completed in high-quality

The inaugural event was completed in high-quality conditions and attracted large crowds. Brazil’s Italo Ferreira won the men’s competition, while Hawaii’s Carissa Moore claimed the women’s title. Brazil’s Yago Dora also produced a perfect 10-point ride during the event, underlining the venue’s potential for high-level performance.

WSL and government commit to a return

World Surf League Asia-Pacific President Andrew Stark said Raglan’s surfing heritage, quality waves and enthusiastic community made it a special addition to the tour. He also thanked the New Zealand Government, Waikato and Raglan communities for supporting the event’s return.

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said the competition would again place Raglan and the wider Waikato region before a global audience. Government backing is intended to attract visitors, support local businesses and create broader economic benefits through major events.

Opportunities for New Zealand surfers

The 2026 New Zealand Pro also gave Billy Stairmand, Alani Morse and Tom Butland the chance to compete on home soil against the sport’s leading athletes. Their participation highlighted the depth of New Zealand’s surfing talent and the value of hosting a top-tier international event domestically.

Two New Zealand surfers will receive wildcard entries into the 2027 event through a local trials competition. The format provides emerging competitors with a direct route into Championship Tour competition while allowing established local surfers to test themselves against the world’s best.

2027 dates still to be confirmed

The WSL has confirmed Raglan’s place but has not yet released the complete 2027 Championship Tour schedule. The 2026 competition ran across a 10-day window in mid-to-late May, and organizers are understood to be seeking a comparable period for the return.

Further schedule details, including the official competition dates, are expected later this year. Until then, Raglan’s inclusion ensures Manu Bay will remain one of the tour’s most anticipated venues for the 2027 season.