Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SURFING IN NEW ZEALAND
As a surfer I feel particularly guilty in letting the reader in on a local secret − NZ has a sensational mix of quality
waves perfect for beginners and experienced surfers. As long as you're willing to travel off the beaten track, you
can score some great, uncrowded waves. The islands of NZ are hit with swells from all points of the compass
throughout the year. So, with a little weather knowledge and a little effort, numerous options present themselves.
Point breaks, reefs, rocky shelves and hollow sandy beach breaks can all be found − take your pick!
Surfing has become increasingly popular in NZ and today there are surf schools up and running at most premi-
er surf beaches. It's worth doing a bit of research before you arrive:
Surfing New Zealand
(
www.surfingnz.co.nz
)
recommends a number of surf schools on its website. If you're on a surf holiday in NZ,
consider purchasing a copy of the
New Zealand Surfing Guide
by Mike Bhana.
Surf.co.nz
(
www.surf.co.nz
)
provides information on many great surf spots, but most NZ beaches hold good
rideable breaks. Here are some of the ones I particularly enjoy on the North Island:
Waikato
Raglan, NZ's most famous surf break and usually the first stop for overseas surfies
Coromandel
Whangamata
Bay of Plenty
Mt Maunganui, now with a 250m artificial reef that creates huge waves, and Matakana Island
Taranaki
Fitzroy Beach, Stent Rd and Greenmeadows Point all lie along the 'Surf Highway'
East Coast
Hicks Bay, Gisborne city beaches and Mahia Peninsula
Wellington Region
Beaches such as Lyall Bay, Castlepoint and Tora
NZ water temperatures and climate vary greatly from north to south. For comfort while surfing, wear a wetsuit. In
summer on the North Island you can get away with a spring suit and boardies, while in winter you'll need to use a
2-3mm steamer.
Josh Kronfeld, surfer and former All Black
Parasailing & Kiteboarding
Parasailing (dangling from a modified parachute that glides over the water, whilst being
pulled along by a speed-boat/jetski) is perhaps the easiest way for humans to achieve as-
sisted flight. After a half-day of instruction you should be able to do limited solo flights.
Tandem flights in the North Island happen at Te Mata Peak in Hawke's Bay.
Kiteboarding (aka kitesurfing), where a mini parachute drags you across the ocean on a
mini surfboard, can be attempted at Paihia, Tauranga, Mt Maunganui, Raglan and Wel-
lington. You can tee up lessons at most of these places, too. Karikari Peninsula near Cape
Reinga on NZ's northern tip is a kiteboarding mecca.
Mountain Biking
The North Island is laced with quality mountain-biking opportunities. Mountain bikes can
be hired in Taupo and Rotorua, and both cities have bicycle repair shops.
