Hamilton & Waikato Tourism welcomes World Surf League to Raglan
27 January 2026
Hamilton & Waikato Tourism (HWT) welcomes Monday’s announcement by Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Louise Upston confirming the World Surf League (WSL) will bring its World Championship Tour to Raglan in May 2026.
The event will mark the first time the WSL World Championship Tour has been staged in New Zealand and will see Raglan host the fourth stop on the 2026 global tour, one of twelve elite international locations showcasing the world’s top professional surfers.
Raglan is internationally recognised for its iconic left-hand surf break and distinctive coastal character and is one of the Waikato’s hero visitor attractions. Hosting a World Championship Tour event reinforces the town’s global reputation while positioning the wider Waikato region on the world stage.
The World Championship is expected to deliver a significant tourism boost for the Waikato, bringing competitors, support teams, media and spectators to the region during the shoulder season. The event includes sizable broadcasting opportunities the globe – delivering Waikato into the homes of a wide international audience. The event is supported by the Government’s $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package.
Hamilton & Waikato Tourism looks forward to working closely with the World Surf League event team, central and local government, iwi, and regional partners to ensure the event delivers lasting benefits for the region.
“We’re pleased to welcome the WSL World Championship Tour to Raglan and to the mighty Waikato,” said Nicola Greenwell, General Manager, Hamilton & Waikato Tourism.
“This event provides an opportunity to showcase Raglan’s world-class surf, our unique coastal environment, and the depth of visitor experiences available across the region. We’re focused on ensuring visitors receive a genuinely warm Waikato welcome and that our visitor operators are well prepared to deliver authentic Waikato manaakitanga.”
The WSL World Championship event will take place in May 2026, with further event and programme details to be confirmed by organisers.