Surfing NZ during winter ain't for the faint-hearted. Luckily, we're tough and appreciated good waves with less crowds! Our top recommendations for the best wetsuits for surfing New Zealand's North Island during winter are the Psychotech 4/3, Psycho One 4/3, or Hyperfreak 4/3+.

The Psychotech is our warmest and most advanced cold water series, with fully sealed seams, wind-blocking chest and back panels, TechnoButter Air Firewall liner and TB3 neoprene, to let you surf without restrictions for longer sessions.

Our Psycho One also has fully sealed seams, TB Firewall and hydrophobic TB3 neoprene, but focus shifts on this suit slightly towards flexibility rather than warmth in the details.

If you want unmatched flexibility, the Hyperfreak 4/3+ has it, and GBS + TB3X taped seams plus TB3 body panels will see you through all but the coldest days in comfort. If you’re surfing the middle of winter and earlies, we'd recommend the Psycho Series as it's warmer, but for everything else or as a second steamer, the Hyperfreak is the stretchiest, most free feeling option out there.

Side note - the Defender 4/3 is a solid value option that’s still super warm and flexible with GBS seams and SuperGrill liner, for anyone on a tighter budget.

If you like an integrated hood, the Mutant 4/3mm is similar warmth to the Psycho Series suits, but also comes with a removable hood. Using the modular closure system you can switch between the hood and a regular crew neck.

Our favourite booties for this time of year are the Mutant 3mm Split Toe Boot, preferred hood option is the Psycho 3mm Coldwater Hood, and our pick for gloves is always the Psychotech 1.5mm Glove.

It just depends on what’s most important to you - warmth / flexibility / price.

Check out the autumn/spring recommendations for further suggestionsif you feel the cold less or you are leaning towards warmer conditions.