Raglan to host World Surf League Championship Tour in 2027
Tuesday 15 September 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated 
The World Surf League has confirmed the New Zealand Pro will return to Manu Bay in Raglan next year. The 2027 event is expected to include at least two wildcard entries for New Zealand surfers.
Key facts
6 facts
- The New Zealand Pro will return to Raglan in 2027.
- Carissa Moore won the inaugural women's Championship Tour event.
- Italo Ferreira won the inaugural men's Championship Tour event.
- The event's economic impact included a $4m spending increase of 37.5%.
- International visitor spending in Waikato District rose 78% year-on-year.
- The Government will support the competition through its Events Attraction Package.
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
The World Surf League has confirmed that the New Zealand Pro will return to Raglan's Manu Bay in 2027. This event will be part of the Championship Tour. The 2027 edition is expected to include at least two wildcard entries for New Zealand surfers via local trials.
The inaugural event took place in May at the renowned left-hand point break. Carissa Moore won the women's Championship Tour title, while Italo Ferreira won the men's final. The competition drew thousands of spectators to the region.
The event provided a multimillion-dollar economic boost to the region. An impact report found that spending rose 37.5% to $4m during the competition. Additionally, international visitor spending in the Waikato District increased by 78% year-on-year.
WSL Asia-Pacific president Andrew Stark said, “Raglan is a truly special place, with a deep surfing heritage, world-class waves and an incredibly passionate local community”. Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston stated the return would showcase Raglan and the Waikato internationally.
Where reports differ
- One report notes the first New Zealand event was held in Taranaki in 2010, while another notes the inaugural New Zealand Pro made its Raglan debut in May.
Compiled from reports by NZ Herald and Waikato Times.