Australia vs New Zealand.

Swell and water, month by month: Byron Bay and Raglan

Open-ocean medians from ERA5, 2015–2024, not surf at the beach. Sources.

Seasons: Australia and New Zealand

The Byron Bay guide says June to August, Australia's winter, brings consistent south swells and offshore south-west winds, and the Gold Coast runs roughly February to June when cyclone swells and autumn south-easterlies reach the points. The Australia hub notes that the best season depends on the region.

Raglan's best season is autumn, March to May, with consistent south-west swells, lighter winds and mild water. Winter brings bigger waves and colder water. The seasons overlap in autumn, so a trip in March to May can suit either.

Wave types and level

The Gold Coast is a city of famous right-hand points, including Snapper Rocks, Kirra and Burleigh Heads, with learner waves at Currumbin Alley. Byron Bay faces north into a bay of gentle points with something for each level, and The Pass is very crowded.

Raglan has long left-hand point breaks, including Manu Bay, Whale Bay and Indicators, which the guide rates intermediate to advanced, plus Ngarunui Beach for learners with lifeguards in summer. Left-point lovers will appreciate Raglan; right-point lovers will prefer the Gold Coast.

Water temperature and wetsuits

The Australia hub says boardshorts may be enough in summer in Queensland and northern New South Wales, while Sydney surfers often use a 3/2 in winter and Victoria and further south need thicker suits.

The New Zealand hub says a 3/2 in summer and a 4/3 in winter is typical on the North Island, with a 4/3 or 5/4 with boots, gloves and a hood common on the South Island in winter. Raglan's guide agrees on a 3/2 in summer and a 4/3 in winter.

Crowds and learning

Australia's famous points are crowded, but the country also has many beaches and an extensive network of accredited schools. The hub suggests choosing an accredited school and learning at beaches such as Byron Bay, Noosa, the Gold Coast and Bondi.

New Zealand has fewer schools, but Raglan and other beaches offer lifeguarded learning in summer. Line-ups are generally less crowded than Australia's headline spots, though Manu Bay can fill on good swells.

Getting around and cost

Both require long distances and typically a car. Australia is large, so flights between regions are common. New Zealand is smaller but has long drives between regions. The Raglan guide lists Auckland as the nearest airport, so allow for a drive from there.

Both are relatively expensive destinations for travellers from many countries, and we give no figures. Compare flights, accommodation and car hire for your dates, and check entry requirements with the official authorities.

What goes wrong on each side of the Tasman

Australia's downsides are crowds at famous points, big distances between regions, and marine hazards such as rips and, in some places, sharks, which the beach safety advice in the hub covers. Cost can be high, and flights between regions add up.

New Zealand's downsides are cool water, a smaller surf industry and fewer accredited schools outside the main beaches. Left-hand points like Manu Bay can be crowded when the swell is up, and weather changes fast. Check wetsuit needs, and whether you can rent suitable boards.

Booking checks for a Tasman surf trip

If you travel in autumn, you can pair the Gold Coast with Raglan: the Gold Coast season runs roughly February to June and Raglan's best months are March to May. In winter, Byron Bay is at its best and New Zealand is cold. In summer, New Zealand's North Island is warm and busy, and Queensland has cyclone-season swells.

Remember that you will need a car or good transport for either country, and that seasons in the southern hemisphere are the reverse of the north.

Before you book

Check three things before booking: the season for your region, the wetsuit you will need, and how you will move between breaks. A hire car is nearly essential in both countries. Look at the forecast for a week ahead, because south-hemisphere swell windows move with the weather. If you are learning, book an accredited school in advance in the Australian summer holidays, when beaches are busiest. Read the travel and entry rules for both countries on the official government sites, as they change.