The world’s best surfers will return to Manu Bay next year, with the World Surf League confirming Raglan will remain on the Championship Tour schedule for 2027.
The announcement follows the first Championship Tour event held at Manu Bay in May, with the WSL and New Zealand Government extending their partnership to bring the New Zealand Pro back for a second year.
WSL Asia Pacific president Andrew Stark said Raglan’s surfing heritage, world-class waves and local community had made a strong impression during the inaugural event.
“The WSL is so excited to see the CT return to Raglan in 2027,” he said.
“Raglan is a truly special place, with a deep surfing heritage, world-class waves and an incredibly passionate local community.”
The 2026 event brought the Championship Tour to Manu Bay for the first time, with Olympic gold medallists and former world champions Carissa Moore and Italo Ferreira taking the wins.
The return is being supported through the New Zealand Government’s Events Attraction Package.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said bringing the event back would again showcase Raglan and Waikato internationally while attracting visitors and supporting local businesses.
Waikato District councillor Lisa Thomson welcomed the positives identified in this year’s community impact assessment, including community pride and rangatahi involvement, while saying the feedback also provided useful guidance for improving the event next time.
The return also guarantees another pathway for New Zealand surfers to compete against the world’s best at home.
Billy Stairmand, Alani Morse and Tom Butland competed at the Raglan event this year, with local trials used to determine wildcard opportunities.
The WSL says two New Zealand surfers will again receive wildcard spots through a local trials event in 2027.
For Raglan’s Alani Morse, who has just won bronze in the U16 Girls Division at the ISA World Junior Surfing Championships in El Salvador, it potentially provides another opportunity to compete on her home break as her international career develops.
The exact dates for the New Zealand Pro have not yet been announced, with the full 2027 Championship Tour schedule expected later this year.
