'Biggest elite surfing event ever': Raglan to host WSL New Zealand Pro
The World Surf League (WSL) is bringing its Championship Tour to New Zealand shores with Raglan selected as the fourth stop.
www.newstalkzb.co.nzHere’s the latest on WSL Raglan.
- Raglan will host a World Surf League Championship Tour event in May 2026, serving as the New Zealand Pro and the fourth stop on the tour. The event runs roughly May 15–25, featuring top men and women contestants at Manu Bay’s renowned left-hand point break.[1][2][3]
- This marks the first combined Men’s and Women’s WSL Championship Tour event ever held in New Zealand, with official government and tourism bodies highlighting the tourism and global broadcast benefits for Raglan and the Waikato region.[2][3]
- The schedule was adjusted to accommodate Raglan, including shifting some previously planned stops later in the year to maintain a balanced tour flow.[4]
Illustration: Raglan’s Manu Bay will be a flagship left-hander on the 2026 CT, attracting world-class surfers and international spectators, with a global broadcast expected to showcase Raglan as a premier surf destination.[3][1]
If you’d like, I can pull in more details such as dates, prize purse, or notable wildcard selections as they’re announced, and I can summarize local impact and spectator options for Raglan.
Citations:
- Raglan to host New Zealand Pro – WSL Championship Tour, May 15–25, 2026[2][3]
- First combined Men’s and Women’s WSL CT event in New Zealand; tourism/government statements[3][2]
- Schedule changes to incorporate Raglan and related tour adjustments[4]
- Coverage of Raglan’s CT venue swap and event announcement[1][4]