NZ Surf Pro proves a business winner for Waikato

Thursday, 9 July 2026

MBIE's May regional tourism data shows international visitor spending across the Waikato District increased by 78% year-on-year during the competition.

The New Zealand Surf Pro was a winner for Waikato, delivering a boost to international visitor spending and commercial accommodation nights across the region during the competition period, new data shows.

The World Surf League Championship Tour came to New Zealand for the first time in May, with the world’s top 36 men and 24 women competing at Raglan’s famed left-hand point break alongside local wildcards Alani Morse, Tom Butland and Billy Stairmand.

Local business owners told the Waikato Times during the competition they were already riding the economic wave, with the town’s population swelling to summer highs and eateries experiencing record numbers.

Newly released tourism data shows the New Zealand Surf Pro was a winner for the Waikato. Pictured here are the crowds of spectators at Manu Bay during the event.

That’s now been backed up by MBIE's May regional tourism data, which shows international visitor spending across the Waikato District increased by 78% year-on-year during the competition.

An increase in domestic visitor nights in the district also translated to a 71% increase in commercial accommodation guest nights. Much of the overnight growth appeared to have been in campgrounds and holiday parks, with guest nights at those two accommodation types increasing by 116% across the wider region.

Waikato Tourism chief executive Nicola Greenwell said the competition had been a “fantastic opportunity” to showcase Raglan and the wider region to both domestic and international audiences.

Multiple businesses in Raglan recorded trading highs during the event period.

“While it's often difficult to attribute tourism growth to any single event, the data certainly points to a positive impact.”

She said Raglan had been lucky enough to experience two strong weekends of surfing, with the event running across the entire 11-day competition window.

“This meant domestic visitors were able to take advantage of the weekends to head out to Raglan and check out the surf competition.”

People queue for buses from the Raglan Airfield out to the event.

“Beyond the immediate economic impact, the global broadcast also put Raglan's world-class surf break and the wider Waikato on the world stage,” she said.

“That kind of international exposure helps strengthen the region's reputation as a visitor destination and encourages visitation well beyond the competition itself.”

In a statement to the Waikato Times, Raglan Business Chamber chairperson Katie Lowes said initial feedback from the business community about the event was “very positive”.

While not every business saw an increase in customers over the competition period, multiple had hit record trade numbers and food vendors at Manu Bay had been extremely busy with steady queues and wait times of up to an hour, she said.

“It should be noted that as soon as the competition was announced, the town saw an uptick in trade with athletes coming to train here in preparation for the comp.”

The chamber was “excited to see what future planning means for delivering subsequent large events, and are especially keen on seeing planning emerging for delivering events shouldering the summer season” adding it would extend the window for significant trade.

It has not yet been confirmed whether the Championship Tour will return to Manu Bay, though WSL vice-president of tours and competition Renato Hickel previously told the Waikato Times he was keen to add Raglan to the fixed line up.

Support from other parties was needed, including the Government, but if given the green light, the WSL could be back as soon as next year, he said.