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New Zealand will host a World Surf League Championship Tour event for the first time in 2026, with Raglan confirmed as the fourth stop on the international tour.
Raglan will be one of 12 global locations on the 2026 Championship Tour, which features the world’s top professional surfers.
Tourism and hospitality minister Louise Upston says the event represents a significant milestone for both the sport and the country’s visitor economy.
“I’m thrilled to announce that Raglan will be hosting the New Zealand Pro – WSL Championship Tour event, the biggest elite surfing event ever staged in New Zealand,” Upston says.
“This is an incredible opportunity for surfing in New Zealand. Fans will be able to watch the world’s most talented surfers compete, inspiring young athletes and helping grow the sport.”
The New Zealand Pro will run from Friday, May 15, to Monday, May 25, 2026, with the top 36 men and 24 women competing at Raglan’s left-hand point break. It will be the first combined men’s and women’s World Surf League Championship Tour event held in New Zealand.
Upston says the event is expected to deliver tourism benefits for the Waikato region and provide international exposure through global broadcast coverage.
“The New Zealand Pro will give a major tourism boost to the Waikato, bringing competitors and spectators to the region and showcasing Raglan as a top surf destination internationally,” she says.
The event is supported through the Government’s Events Attraction Package, which is designed to attract high-value international events, encourage international visitation and stimulate regional economies.
“Major events like these support hospitality and tourism businesses, create jobs and help grow our economy,” Upston says.
The World Surf League Championship Tour event is the fourth announcement made under the Events Attraction Package, with further events expected to be confirmed in coming months.
