New Zealand Surf n Snow Tours (Auckland)

ABOUT THE SURF CAMP

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LOCATION AND SURFCONDITIONS

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We have our own exclusive lodge (Ahipara Surf Lodge) which is absolute beachfront located at the base of ‘90 Mile Beach’. The advantage of our location is that we have the pick of three different coasts to surf at (west, north and east). Directly in-front of the house is a beautiful sand bottom beach break which is just perfect for beginners to intermediate and long board surfers. You will surf in un-crowded conditions and the tours frequently have the beach to themselves! Hard to believe, but it’s true.

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CAMP CHARACTER

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New Zealand Surf’n’Snow Tours (NZSST) has been operating since 2001 making us the largest and longest running surf tour company in New Zealand.

With a firm belief that there is always room for improvement NZSST continues to evolve and bring to its customers the best possible learning environment around. NZSST are passionate about the surfing culture and strive to pass their knowledge and their love of the ocean to all those who choose to surf with us.   

NZSST has a very solid team of surf instructors who have been with the company for years. The NZSST staff are not just qualified but highly experienced and professional due to the large number of students being taught every year. This high turnover of students enables them to continually develop and re-define their teaching skills allowing for a more improved lesson with an inevitable better outcome for the students.  
All our surf guides are fully qualified ISA Surf Coaches. They have their First Aid Certificate, National Lifeguard Award and/or Bronze Medallion awards. NZSST always maintains the ISA safety ratio of 8 to 1 and prefers to run on a 6 to 1 basis.

 Unlike other surf schools NZSST is fully mobile. We are able to find the best learning conditions on any given day on all our surf trips. Knowing which beach will have the most ideal waves has become an art that NZSST is proud of.

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CAMP OPERATOR

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Judd Stratful
Managing Director
I have been surfing for over 20 years. Growing up on the west coast of Auckland, the rugged west coast beaches were my playground. There were no surf schools back then and we certainly learnt the hard way. Once the surfing bug affected me I knew I needed to merge both work and pleasure into one.

From this came the creation of NZ Surf n Snow Tours back in 2001. Having struggled for my first year when learning to surf and seeing beginners still do the same it made perfect sense to set up NZ's first surf school. Those first few lessons and the right equipment really do make the world of difference when you're learning to surf. Giving people the right tools and instructions was my main goal and of course sharing my passion for surfing.

Rangi Harawira
Head Surf Coach for our 5/12 Day Surf Tours
I have been surfing for approximately 20years. I grew up in Auckland and the west coast was where I learnt to surf and respect the power of the ocean.. I learnt the hard way “follow me bro” is what my mates would say what a crack up.

I love to show people that surfing is more than just a sport , it’s a really good way to keep fit whilst at the same time having a whole lot of fun and getting a tan. lol

I have tonnes of energy and still feel like a kid when I’m with my mates or with my groups and I try to do my best to look after you all.

I have worked for NZSST for 9 years now as the head coach/guide and love it.
I have met so many awesome people and made friends from every corner of the globe.
I really hope to see you on one of tours so you can experience the real NZ - KIA ORA.

Boycie
Surf Coach – Rangi’s 'wing man' - 'The Dynamic Duo'. He will make sure you leave Ahipara with a smile as big as his.
Kia ora koutou, my name is Boycie Tawhara, I am a fulltime Beach-Bum but prefer the title 'professional surfer'. I have a background in sport and fitness, youth development, event management, education, outdoor recreation, and adventure tourism. I teach a womens muay thai kickboxing class, coach a bunch of youth sports teams, and coordinate large scale entertainment and sporting events.

I live in Ahipara, an amazing beachside surf-town that is home to a world class surf break called 'Shipwreck Bay'. I have lived and surfed here for the past 15 years, and I own the local Ahipara surf school 'NZ Surf Bros', so yeh im a hardcore local Maori surfer boy who hooks you up with the best surf conditions everyday, and ensures that your Ahipara surfing experience is second to none.

ACCOMMODATION AND CATERING

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ACCOMMODATION

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dormitory style at Ahipara Surf Lodge (bedding provided).
Upgrades available: Twin $25 per night/per person, Double $50 per night/per room

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CATERING

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fresh meals daily, yummy sunset BBQ's.
Vegetarians no problem. (Lunch on Monday and Friday while in transit is at your own expense)

 

SURF COURSE AND ACTIVITIES

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SURF COURSE DETAILS

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5 Day Surf Tour Surfari – The Search!

Departs every Monday and returns Friday from October to June

Group size: Maximum 10 surfers (plus 2 Surf Instructors)

This is by far the ultimate surfing adventure! Let us take you on a truly unforgettable experience.

For 8 months every year since 2002 we have been running 5 day tours from Auckland up to the sub-tropical climate of the “winterless’ north. You simply will not find a better organised surf tour in New Zealand. This tour is often described by customers as being the best thing they have done while travelling through New Zealand. This is something we are very proud of which makes this our most popular trip.

Most of our customers are beginners but many intermediate and experienced surfers take this trip because we find the best waves to suit all abilities.
For the new surfer, having experienced surfers on board is a bonus as it will greatly improve your surfing skills just by hangin with them. The only drawback is that your vocabulary will change and words like ‘pits’, ‘gnarly’, ‘A frames’ and ‘going off’ will start rolling off your tongue.

Daily Itinerary
Tangaroa and Tawhirimatea, (the gods of the ocean and the elements) ultimately dictate our itinerary. Surfing is all about tide and weather conditions hence the flexible nature of our trip. We base ourselves in Ahipara and head out every day chasing the best waves northland has to offer.

Day 1(first surf)
The search begins! We depart Auckland and head to the far north to our beachfront pad, Ahipara Surf Lodge.  The drive is approximately 4.5 hours. On-route the bus will make a few pit stops to pick up some lunch on the way.
Once settled in to our accommodation we normally head out in-front of the house (Ahipara Surf Lodge) and surf until sunset. (1 surf).

Day 2(2 surfs)
We will find the best waves in Northland. This could mean driving on the beach to get you to secluded surf locations. Dinner, drinks and/or a movie (Endless Summer 2 is a classic) to complete the day followed by a much needed sleep.

Day 3 (2 surfs)
If the conditions suit, we could be off for a dawny surf at sunrise. This for some is regarded as the highlight of their surf tour. Being in the water as the sun slowly rises (giving the ocean an orange tinge) is an unforgettable experience.  After a well deserved breakfast we may cover the theory lesson this day. This is also the time to ask all those questions about anything surfing related.

Day 4 (2 surfs)
Expect more of day 2 and day 3. Maybe a sand-boarding mission or a hunt for the tasty green-lipped mussel! By evening our surf pilgrimage will bring us home for our final night at Ahipara Surf Lodge.  Surf photos and videos are studied and pointers are given.

Day 5(1 surf)
You won’t believe how quickly the week has gone by! You’re body aches and you can’t stop smiling. You’re hooked on surfing and the addiction has begun. It’s time to leave... kicking and screaming back to the concrete jungle, Auckland. We either surf out in-front of the lodge for one last wave or we chase the swell on the east coast as we make our way home. We arrive in Auckland late Friday afternoon around 5pm.

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SURF MATERIALS

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We provide
5 days surfing (8 surf lessons)
4 night's accommodation, dormitory style at Ahipara Surf Lodge (bedding provided)
Upgrades available: Twin $25 per night/per person, Double $50 per night/per room
3 fresh meals daily, yummy sunset BBQ's.
Vegetarians no problem. (Lunch on Monday and Friday while in transit is at your own expense)
Surfboards, wetsuits, and accessories
Daily Surf Lessons (we are normally in the water for 2 hours per surf)
All transportation. Pick-up and drop-off from central city Auckland
Surf safety, learn about rips, holes and undertows, how to identify them, escape them and use them to your advantage. You will also learn the difference between offshore and onshore winds, afternoon sea breezes, tides, and surfing rules. Video analysis (subject to availability) Beach activities.

What to bring
Personal items, sunscreen, sunglasses, towel, camera, party funds and lots of energy.

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OTHER ACTIVITIES

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Ahipara is an adventure playground! You can swim, walk along the beach, play golf, go fishing, go mountain biking, sand boarding or take a quad bike tour. To be honest surfing twice a day will burn you out. If you have the energy or want to take a day out from surfing there are plenty of options.

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SURF COURSE DETAILS

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12 Day Surf Tour Surfari – Go Semi Pro!

(Departs every Monday and returns Friday from October to June).

The 12 Day Tour is essentially an extension of our 5 day surf tour. We've had so many people do back to back tours and comment that they would like to stay longer! Now you can save money, stay longer and live the dream!

Some of our 5 day customers don’t realise how much fun our surf tours can be. They were really seeing signs of improvement when suddenly it was time to go back! 5 days of surfing and having fun will go much quicker than you think, so why not book in for longer and really immerse yourself in the freedom of surfing in paradise. By day 4 things are starting to click. Your muscles have become tuned into the workload that’s asked of them, you’re starting to understand the ocean and how she moves. Surfing takes time so give yourself more! Book for 12 days, don’t wait until after 5 days and try to upgrade. Most of our trips book out so we recommend you book your 12 days well in advance!

How does it work?
You join our normal 5 day tour departing Monday and instead of coming back on Friday you have 2 free days (Saturday and Sunday) at Ahipara Surf Lodge. You will then meet up with another 5 day tour on Monday and return the following Friday. On Saturday and Sunday you can surf in front of the lodge or take a day or two off from surfing and enjoy the comforts of home. Food is provided and you are free to cook up what-ever you like.

Most of our customers are aged between 20 & 35. The minimum age for this tour is 18 years as you may have the lodge to yourself during your free 2 days (Sat & Sun).

MORE INFO, HOW TO GET THERE & FAQ

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 SURF CONDITIONS

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Breaks directly at the main spot and at nearby spots
Directly in-front of the house is a beautiful sand bottom beach break which is just perfect for beginners to intermediate and long board surfers

Seasonal conditions
In summer, the air temperature can reach around 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit). The average water temperatures Auckland north are around 22 degrees Celsius ( 74 Fahrenheit).

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REGION / SURROUNDINGS

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Characterization of surroundings/region
Some of the surf locations we include on our 5 Day Surf Tour & 12 Day Surf Tours (North of Auckland).

Shipwreck Bay
Far North East Coast
Gisborne
Mahia Peninsula
Mangamaunu
Christchurch
Dunedin
Papatowi
Westcoast
New Plymouth

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JOURNEY

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Ways to get to the camp
All transportation. Pick-up and drop-off from central city Auckland

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FURTHER INFORMATION

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What is included in the price?

5 days surfing (8 surf lessons) 4 night's accommodation, dormitory style at Ahipara Surf Lodge right on the beach (bedding provided). Upgrades available: Please enquire. 3 fresh meals daily, yummy sunset BBQ's. Vegetarians no problem. (Lunch on Monday and Friday while in transit is at your own expense) All the necessary gear: Surfboards, wetsuits, and accessories Daily Surf Lessons (we are normally in the water for 2 hours per surf). All transportation. Pick-up and drop-off from central city Auckland. Transport to different surf beaches from the Lodge. Surf safety, learn about rips, holes and undertows, how to identify them, escape them and use them to your advantage. You will also learn the difference between offshore and onshore winds, afternoon sea breezes, tides, and surfing rules. Video analysis (subject to availability) Beach activities.
Who will be your guides?
All our guides are internationally recognised ISA surf coaches and hold a level 1 endorsement. They have been trained in surf safety and hold a current first aid certificate for your safety.

When is the surf season?
New Zealand has one of the longest surfing seasons in the world. We start from the September through end of May. Wetsuites are great to keep you warm even in the cloudy weather. You need waves for surfing, not a perfect sunshine! Summer rocks (September to March in New Zealand). Nevertheless, autumn (April and May in New Zealand) has one of the best surf conditions for the beginners.

Where do we pick you up from Auckland? Where is surf tour taking place?
We have downtown location we pick all the eager surfers on the way to Ahipara. You will receive all the necessary information with a booking.

Where is Ahipara?
It is a small surf town located in the Northland, 5.5hours drive north of Auckland. Close to famous Cape Reinga, on the southern end of Ninety Mile Beach. It is close to any other region activities, i.e. dune riding or beach horse back riding. Ahipara has a rich Maori culture and it is definitely a must-visit for a kiwi experience."

PACKAGES & PRICES

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5 Day Surf Tour Surfari – The Search!

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Departs every Monday and returns Friday from October to June
Group size: Maximum 10 surfers (plus 2 Surf Instructors)Kontrollzentrum

Price

NZD $700 all inclusive
NZD $699 (Surfers Special if you have your own board and wetsuit)
$699 with Return Surfers Voucher - we have so many happy customers doing return trips that we offer a $100 discount. Please ask your guide for a Return Surfers Voucher. Remember to book early to avoid missing out!

SELF DRIVE OPTION - Use your own vehicle
NZD $699 all inclusive
NZD $599 (Surfers Special if you have your own board and wetsuit)

5 days surfing (8 surf lessons) 4 night's accommodation, dormitory style at Ahipara Surf Lodge (bedding provided). Upgrades available: Twin $25 per night/per person, Double $50 per night/per room 3 fresh meals daily, yummy sunset BBQ's. Vegetarians no problem. (Lunch on Monday and Friday while in transit is at your own expense) Surfboards, wetsuits, and accessories Daily Surf Lessons (we are normally in the water for 2 hours per surf). All transportation. Pick-up and drop-off from central city Auckland Surf safety, learn about rips, holes and undertows, how to identify them, escape them and use them to your advantage. You will also learn the difference between offshore and onshore winds, afternoon sea breezes, tides, and surfing rules. Video analysis (subject to availability) Beach activities.

 

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12 Day Surf Tour Surfari – Go Semi Pro!

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Departs every Monday and returns Friday from October to June.

Essentially an extension of our 5 day surf tour.

Price
NZD $1699 all inclusive
NZD $1499 (Surfers Special if you have your own board and wetsuit)

SELF DRIVE OPTION - Use your own vehicle
NZD $1499 all inclusive
NZD $1299 (Surfers Special if you have your own board and wetsuit)