New Zealand Surfing Adventures (Auckland, New Zealand)

ABOUT THE SURF CAMP

LOCATION AND SURF CONDITIONS

 All adventures are based at our boutique sanctuary which has one main lodge and three tranquil eco units in a magnificent forest setting with bird song, a crystal clear stream and organic garden. A piece of paradise awaits you. Relax in a totally private and magical setting, stroll to the beach for a surf, take a guided yoga session, have a day of detox juices or just cool off in the stream. Piha Eco Sanctuary is only 5 minutes easy walk to Piha beach for a surf, swim or sun bathe, there are a range of quality cafés and bars, forest walks to amazing water falls and rivers. Or you can just enjoy the peaceful environment. This secluded property has it all, chill out around the outdoor fire at night, enjoy the organic garden and hens, play on the lawn and walk through bush to the sunset perch.

CAMP CHARACTER

 Piha Beach is located on Aucklands west coast, a beautiful rugged coastline that offers consistent quality and often very hollow beach breaks. Winter brings constant south west storms that can last for a week, while summer offers smaller cleaner offshore conditions. Piha’s black sand beach is set amongst rugged cliffs and dense bush valleys resulting in an inspiring and magical backdrop while surfing. South Piha has a quality left hand bar break which can be very hollow and has long workable walls. North Piha’s river mouth can produce quality sandbanks with long rippable walls and inside barrel sections, while caves at the far north of the beach can have amazing tubing peaks. Piha is also a great place to learn to surf  or increase your surfing skill level. There are 5 different surf schools in the local area that cater for group lessons, equipment hire and individual coaching.

CAMP OPERATOR

 Nick ‘spoons’  Towner  - Director and Surf Guide

After wrapping up his PhD which investigated the sustainable development of surf tourism in the Mentawai Islands, Nick needed a new focus in life so put his energy into setting up a lifestyle business venture.  NZ Surfing Adventures is really a combination of Nick’s passion for surf adventure around the globe and as well as here in NZ and his educational background in surf tourism. Nick has over 15 years experience in surf travel between both the North and South Islands meaning that you will always be scoring pumping uncrowded waves on New Zealand’s vast coastline. Nick’s intimate knowledge of both surf and weather conditions alongside his qualifications in surf instruction make him the perfect person to guide you on your adventure in beautiful New Zealand.

ACCOMMODATION AND CATERING

CATERING

Breakfast
Homemade Toasted Muesli - with natural yoghurt and fresh fruit
Classic Bacon & Egg Buttie - Free farmed bacon and free-range fried egg served with rocketfuel sauce
Surfers Big Breakfast  - Free range eggs on toasted multi grain with kranskys, NZ Freedom farmed bacon, Portobello Mushrooms, Roasted Tomato & a Hash Brown

Lunch
Baguettes - Severed with a variety of fillings
Kiwi BLAT – Freedom farmed bacon, lettuce, Avocado and tomato.
Classic kiwi gourmet pies – (Anguspure Steak and cheese,Pepper steak, Gourmet beef, bacon & double cheese, thai green curry chicken, butter chicken)

Dinner
Mexican Burrito – Prime NZ beef and chilli beans served in a fresh tortilla wrap with lettuce, tomato, sour cream, guacamole and sweet chilli sauce
Slow roasted rosemary and garlic butterfly lamb  - Served with basil pesto, vegetable & feta salad
Ultimate Surfer’s Steak Burger – 200g Sirloin steak with melted cheddar, fried free-range egg, tomato, lettuce, red onion, aioli & relish.

SURF COURSE AND ACTIVITIES

MORE INFO, HOW TO GET THERE & FAQ

Piha Beach is located on Aucklands west coast, a beautiful rugged coastline that offers consistent quality and often very hollow beach breaks. Winter brings constant south west storms that can last for a week, while summer offers smaller cleaner offshore conditions. Piha’s black sand beach is set amongst rugged cliffs and dense bush valleys resulting in an inspiring and

magical backdrop while surfing. South Piha has a quality left hand bar break which can be very hollow and has long workable walls. North Piha’s river mouth can produce quality sandbanks with long rippable walls and inside barrel sections, while caves at the far north of the beach can have amazing tubing peaks. Piha is also a great place to learn to surf  or increase your surfing skill level. There are 5 different surf schools in the local area that cater for group lessons, equipment hire andindividual coaching.

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).

Crowd factor and local people

New Zealanders in general are extremely friendly open people. Localism occurs at several of the surf breaks that are in close proximity to larger towns

SURROUNDINGS / REGION

Characterization of surroundings/region

A trip with New Zealand Surfing Adventures will include any number of the following regions:

Northland

The ‘winterless north’, known for its beautiful empty white sand beaches, crystal clear water and NZ’s warmest climate. The Northland region is made up of hollow beach breaks, the longest left hand point in New Zealand, a series of right hand barreling bar breaks, numerous world-class reef breaks and exposure to swells from every direction.

Raglan/Taranaki

The rugged West coast of the North Island is home to our most famous break, Raglan, consisting of 3 left hand points and 2 amazing beach breaks. The Taranaki coast is made up of over 50 world class reef breaks and point breaks that stretch around the coast.

Gisborne

The Gisborne area is one of the sunniest places in New Zealand making it a prime agricultural region full of farms, orchards and vineyards. It is of course one of New Zealand’s top surfing destinations, home to high quality powerful hollow beachies, reefs, points and river mouths.

Marlborough

Marlborough has several rocky peninsulas where the Southern Mountains meet the Pacific Ocean. In the waters off the peninsula, a complex marine system provides an ideal place for getting 'close to nature'. Marlborough is famous for epic right hand point breaks that are intensified by deep ocean trenches and tidal upwellings.

South Coast

Otago is a region of natural beauty overlaid with a fascinating cultural history. The South Coast’s small surfing population and diversity of breaks mean you are bound to get some time to yourself on one of the beach, bar, point or reef breaks in the area.

Activities and facilities

Scuba, free diving and fishing - Northland is home to the best free diving, scuba and fishing New Zealand has to offer. The guides at NZ Surf Adventures are experienced free divers and fisherman with an extensive knowledge of the diving/fishing areas on the coast. We offer land-based fishing adventures at your request and an introduction to spearfishing/free diving for the beginner and experienced free diver. Boat fishing charters targeting marlin and other big game fish and scuba diving trips can be organized depending on the client’s preference are available at an extra cost.

Stand up paddle surfing- Northland’s east coast is home to numerous protected beaches and river bars creating long peeling clean walls which are perfect for the SUP. If the west coast has swell stand up paddlers can try and get the longest wave of their lives at one of the seven legendary sand bottom point breaks.

Black Water Rafting – Black water rafting occurs in regular clear old water, but it's black because it's flowing along the floor of a cave. You can choose slow and calm waterways or high-grade rapids for the more adventurous. Whatever the level, black water rafting is a unique experience and only found in New Zealand and Belize.

Learn to surf- Raglan is not only a world class point break but is an amazing place to learn to surf. The mellow sandy beach breaks located on the inside of the points are ideal place to catch your first wave or improve your technique in hope of graduating to surf the points! There are also opportunities to learn to stand up paddle board in the harbour. The team at NZSA can arrange board rental, wetsuits and private or group lessons with fully qualified instructors.

Waitomo Caves - Under the green hills of Waitomo lies a labyrinth of caves, sinkholes and underground rivers. The caves were carved by underground streams pushing through soft limestone over thousands of years. Many have amazing stalactites growing down from the ceiling and stalagmites growing up from the cave floor, pointy cones of layered rock formed over centuries by dripping water. The cave walls are decorated with galaxies of native glow worms. The Waitomo caves are a must-see for international travellers.

Wine tasting and winery tours - The fertile plains and sunny climate create the ideal environment for growing and making world-class wine. With high sunshine hours, fertile clay loam soils and some of the most acclaimed winemakers in the country, Gisborne is famous for producing exceptional Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Viognier, Pinot Gris, Merlot and Malbec. A visit to local wineries after a long day of surfing is a relaxing way to round off an amazing day in Gisborne. Hawks bay is a short drive from Mahia and Gisborne and is home to the world famous New Zealand Syrah, Shiraz and Merlot varieties’ and is well worth a visit if you consider yourself a wine lover.

Maori Culture – Gisborne is one of the centers of Maori culture in New Zealand where their people’s magnificent sprit and traditions have been well preserved. NZSA can organize opportunities to get involved in local cultural activities where you can expect to be emotionally stirred. Performances are fun, educational, entertaining and an experience for people of all ages.

Seafood - Your New Zealand culinary experience wouldn’t be complete without getting amongst some of Marlborough’s bountiful seafood. There are lots of fresh delicacies to try. Local specialties include grouper, cod, mussels, paua (abalone) and of course the town’s namesake – crayfish (lobster). If you want to gather it yourself the NZSA boys know where to dive on the coast, so after surf, seafood can be collected and prepared for feast later that night.

Whale Watching - Off the coastline is a marine environment rich in nutrients attracting giant sperm whales, which can be seen all year round making Marlborough one of the most popular whale watching locations in the world. In addition to the sperm whale a number of different species of may also be seen including dolphins, seals and a wide variety of sea birds including the Royal Albatross.

Dolphin Swimming – Swimming with dolphins is like no other in the world - you don’t swim with several dolphins but in pods of up to several hundred strong. This open ocean experience is unforgettable!

Wildlife watching – Natural spectacles and unique wildlife encounters are two of Southland’s biggest draw-cards. There are few places in the world that have the range of wildlife viewing experiences including: the majestic Royal Albatross colony, and the rare Yellow Eyed Penguin.

Nightlife- There's a party atmosphere in Queenstown any night of the week, so get out to the bars and clubs and enjoy it! After a long day snowboarding settle in for the evening at a cosy wine bar or a friendly pub, or gear up and go bar-hopping in central Queenstown, discovering the best and busiest clubs on the way. Dunedin is the definitive student party town, making nightlife here fun and easygoing with a large selection of live music to choose from.

Snow and NZ’s Adventure capital - Queenstown/Wanaka in a 2-3 hour drive from most places in Southland making it the perfect place to score surf and snow on your adventure. There is some of NZ’s best skiing and boarding in this area and there are 4 ski resorts within an hour from Queenstown/Wanaka. There are a range of epic tourist attractions in Queenstown from the shot-over river jet boat rides, para-gliding, bungee jumping, white water rafting, mountain biking and many more.

Queenstown and the Central Otago region is home to New Zealand’s world famous Pinot Nior wine. The central Otago area has an abundance of amazing wineries and eateries surrounded by mountains and rivers and it is essential for any traveler to try the wines from this region. The night life in Queenstown is awesome and is filled with travelers from all over the world and just over the hill Wanaka is a little more chilled and relaxed if you’re that way inclined.

Trout Fishing - Southland offers some world’s finest fly fishing for wild brown and rainbow trout. The Otago and Southland tributaries are full big fish in small water; and the classic backcountry rivers of the Southern Alps where trophy rainbows and browns sway in pools as clear as mountain air. The Team at NZSA can service make your angling dream come true by organising a day of large wild trout, professional guides, custom flies and gourmet lunch.

JOURNEY

Ways to get to the camp

All transportation provided – Pick up and drop off Auckland International Airport.

PACKAGES & PRICES

PACKAGE A - The Searcher - from NZ$ 1520 per Week / Person

This Glamping (glamorous camping) package is for the keen surfer who’s less worried about 5 star accommodations and more concerned about the waves. The team at NZ surf adventures has a full outdoor camping set up, outdoor furniture, large communal outdoor tent, portable cooking facilities (bbq, gas cookers). Your meals will not be compromised as we have epic portable cooking equipment and butterfly lamb roast, spare ribs and any other food you can imagine can be provided with this package. We provide full mattresses and bedding (excluding pillow) and all camping equipment. This option allows us to camp at the more isolated spots in NZ and you will wake up right in front of the surf. Where possible we will provide fires to keep you warm after those long winter sessions and espresso coffees, hot chocolates’ and even mulled red wine to keep you toasty throughout the night. The NZ climate and the winter camping equipment mean that this option is available all year round; however when wet you will be accommodated indoors local accommodation with optional private rooms with communal cooking facilities. NZ is a super safe country to camp in, crime in campgrounds is very rare in addition our car and trailer is secure and lockable to store valuables in.

Package Includes:

- Airport transfers (1 per group)
- Accommodation
- 3 x Healthy meals plus nutritious snacks and drinks
- Four wheel drive transport
- Full time surf guide
- Skin diving/ Fishing gear
-Camping Equipment

 Searcher Prices

PACKAGE B - Classic - from NZ$ 1980 per Week / Person

The Classic package is also a fully catered surf tour with your surf guide as your chaperone for your every need just at a lower cost than the deluxe package. You will receive the same 1st class service and meals as the deluxe package, the only difference is the accommodation is usually in boutique bead and breakfasts and modern apartments. Optional extras from the deluxe package can be purchased and customized to the client’s preferences.

This package includes:

- Airport transfers (1 per group)
- Accommodation in modern apartment
- 3 x Gourmet meals plus nutritious snacks and drinks
- Four wheel drive transport
- Full time surf guide

North Island

Surf Northland/Gisborne/Taranaki – Classic

7 Day

- 4pp NZ$1.980,00
- 3pp NZ$2.100,00
- 2pp NZ$2.350,00
- 1pp NZ$3.100,00

PACKAGE C - DELUXE - from NZ$ 2680 € per Week / Person

Deluxe - The luxury package is not just a surf tour – it is a fully catered surf trip with a surf guide as your chaperone for every need. We provide 1st class meals with 1st class service and 1st class accommodation to ensure that you relax and enjoy your holiday and maximize your time in NZ. The only thing you need to worry about is which adventure to choose first. All accommodation on the deluxe trip is safe and secure and a standard of 4 star hotels and modern fully furnished apartments are used during our stay. Wireless internet access and Sky (cable) television is provided at these locations. Professional photo packages are included in the deluxe package to give you something to take away from NZ and remember the awesome time you had. Surf/snow instruction and feedback is included if required to ensure our clients are getting the most out of their trip and progressing with their surfing and snowboarding. The surf guides will literally take care of everything from drying your wetsuit to serving you NZ roast lamb and pouring your wine. The deluxe package includes gourmet menu options (breakfast, lunch and dinner) which can be chosen by the client prior to arrival.

This package includes:

- Airport transfers (1 per group)
- Accommodation in luxury apartment or private villa
- 3 x Gourmet meals plus nutritious snacks and drinks
- Four wheel drive transport
- Full time surf guide
- Professional photo/video package
-Surf/ Snow coaching if required
- 1 complementary bottle of NZ wine

Surf Northland/Gisborne/Taranaki – Deluxe

7 Day
- 4pp NZ$2.680,00
- 3pp NZ$2.700,00
- 2pp NZ$2.950,00
- 1pp NZ$4.300,00