New Zealand is one step closer to having its first wave pool, with Aventuur receiving resource consent for the Auckland Surf Park which is due to use the Wavegarden cove technology, the same system used at URBNSURF in Sydney and Melbourne.

Resource consent is written approval from the Auckland Council to carry out a project that has an impact on the environment. Subject to further approvals, the team hopes to commence construction later this year and it’s expected to open to the public in 2027.

The park is located at 1350 Dairy Flat Highway in the north of Auckland and is expected to generate over 400 jobs during construction and over 100 full time positions once operational.

The plans include a co-located solar farm and a Spark data centre. Excess heat from the data centre, which will be powered partially by the solar farm, will be used to warm the surf lagoon year round.

Surfing New Zealand, Skateboarding New Zealand, Scholastic Surfing Auckland and Micro Surf Academy have all extended their support for the project. Some of which were in attendance at the project’s recent media event.

Ben Kennings, CEO of Surfing New Zealand, said: “We believe the Auckland Surf Park will be hugely accretive for surfing in New Zealand, and will help to support athletes training for their Olympic and World Surf League campaigns, foster community engagement and participation in water-based activities, and promote physical and mental wellbeing.”