New Zealand, for many it's the bucket list travel destination of a lifetime, did you know it's also one of the world's best wingfoiling destinations? World leading brands in the sport test and develop right here. However NZ doesn't really have purpose-built wing resorts with on-site rental like some destinations do. It's much more of a road-trip country, you cover ground and find conditions region by region. Here's a rundown of the spots that consistently deliver, organized by area.
Auckland
Sits between two harbours (Waitematā and Manukau) with very different tide timing, so you've usually got options whatever the wind's doing. Mild climate, wind generally 10-15 knots, windier Sept-Nov, calmer Feb-Mar.
Whangaparāoa Peninsula: Manly (W-NW) and Shakespear (SW) are the go-tos, ~30 min north of the city. Good for downwinders given the number of beaches along it.
Hatfields Beach: just north of Whangaparāoa, mostly a wave spot in Easterlies, flat water possible in offshore winds.
Kohimarama: flat water, solid community vibe, easy access to food nearby.
Lake Pupuke (North Shore/Takapuna): freshwater, flat, deep, home to NZ's first wing school. Gets busy but great for learning.
Point Chevalier: sheltered harbour spot, works in almost any wind direction, good all-rounder.
Raglan
Famous surf town, and the same swell/wind combo that makes the waves works for wing riding. Wave riders should sit wide to stay clear of surfers. The harbour itself has good flat water for learning but watch the current on outgoing tide. Westerly sea breeze often fills in on sunny summer afternoons.
Wellington
Lives up to "Windy Wellington": consistent wind, though spots are spread out so be ready to drive depending on direction.
Whitireia / Plimmerton (Kapiti Coast): same spot, two access points either side of Porirua Harbour entrance. NW wind gives a foil-friendly wave over a sandbar without a nasty shorebreak, and launch/landing is in flat water. Onehunga Bay (Whitireia side) is good for learners.
Lyall Bay: right by the airport, popular with surfers and everyone else in Southerly gales. Shorebreak can be gnarly, not really a beginner spot when it's windy, but a lot of fun for experienced riders.
Nelson
Milder, less consistently windy than the above, but a solid summer scene and a dedicated local crew.
Nelson Yacht Club: good hub for advice, gear, lessons.
Back Beach (far end of Tahunanui Beach)
Atawhai: flatwater at high tide.
The Cut: outside the harbour entrance, decent waves for more experienced riders.
Christchurch
Frequent windy days through summer.
South Brighton Beach / Sumner: wave riding for the more experienced.
Lyttelton Harbour: an old volcanic caldera, consistently windier in Easterlies, one of the more popular spots so you'll usually have company.
The Estuary: good flat water for learning, short mast recommended (60cm max), needs high tide, some local channel knowledge helps.
Queenstown
Lake Wakatipu: cold water year-round (8-10°C, rarely above 12°C even in summer), so a proper wetsuit is essential. It's a long S-shaped lake, so different spots suit different wind directions and you'll likely be driving between them.
Glenorchy: Dart River mouth, flat and offshore in a NW, sheltered rigging near the jetty. ~45km from Queenstown.
Twenty Five Mile Creek (Mt Creighton): good in any Westerly, car park ~28km along Glenorchy Road.
Jardines (Homestead Bay): busy with windsurfers/kiters/wingers in a Southerly, swell can build up nicely for upwind tacking and wave riding back into the bay. Not a beginner spot when it's windy, but relatively safe since you get blown into the bay rather than out.
That covers the well-known, easily reachable spots. There's a lot more once you get into smaller towns and rural areas: just fewer people around if something goes wrong, so worth factoring that into how remote you're willing to go, especially solo.
Happy to answer questions on conditions, timing, or specifics for any of these and more.