Experience surfing in New Zealand

New Zealand is a real surfers paradise with a huge coastline to explore offering numerous secret spots, and vast areas of wilderness where you’ll find beaches with nobody else in the water. The surfing near the main urban areas and the more famous spots such as Raglan and Piha can have crowds. New Zealand has two very different coastlines the West Coast and East Coast, each having their own different characteristics. The West is reputed to be rough and wild, the East calmer and more picturesque, however Piha can produce pristine clean surf and Gisborne is renowned for powerful heavy waves.

New Zealand has quality surf year round, however, there is a large difference between the seasons. During the summer months New Zealand experiences calmer conditions with predominant north easterly weather creating consistent north-east swell for the north-east coast and smaller offshore clean conditions for the west coast. Between the months of December through April, New Zealand also receives tropical storms from the Pacific producing epic cyclone swell lighting up many areas that lay dormant for the majority of the year. Winter is a different proposition alltogether, where huge southerly storms in Antarctica produce large long period ground swells that wrap into protected points and reefs along both east and west coasts.

 

 

 

 

All of the New Zealand Surfing Adventures are 100% customised to the clients' wants that determine the type of waves and amount of travel involved. Ultimately, the direction of the surf trip is governed by the weather and the swell.

Base camp is at Piha Beach 50 minutes from Auckland International airport situated a 5-minute walk to one of the most consistent beach breaks in the world. The Piha eco-surf lodge is a refurbished simple but clean house with several sleep-outs situated in a pristine natural bush setting. Bedrooms and sleep-outs have shared bathrooms with hot water.

Shared kitchen and lounge area has cable TV and DVD as well as WI-FI internet. You can cruise down to the large garden pick some vegetables for the salad, get the organic chicken eggs and stroll backup to the lodge listening to the sound of beautiful native bird song. All other accommodation options booked in advance will be of high quality. There will be several exceptions due to remote locations of some of the surf breaks, in this situation your guides will always try for the best option. In remote areas one or two days may be spent in tents due to the geographic isolation, however all arrangements will be made to ensure you have a comfortable and pleasant sleep.

 

 

 

Food

There is no set menu on the surf adventures and the food is generally customised to the clients wishes. They try and keep meals comprised of fresh naturally grown produce full of both carbohydrates and protein to get you through a massive day of surfing.

Surf Breaks

North Island

Far North

The winterless north as it’s more commonly known is the ultimate surf destination offering New Zealand’s warmest and most humid climate, where boardshorts caneasily be worn throughout the summer months. With the east and west coasts being only 15 minutes apart, you double your chances of scoring waves. If the Pacific coast is flat and onshore, jump in the truck and no doubt there will be offshore waves on the Tasman coast.

Piha beach

A 50-minute drive from Auckland international airport is Auckland's 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.

Raglan

Is a sleepy coastal town home to three excellent left hand point break that peel mechanically over volcanic reef and boulders. Raglan is remarkably consistent with a large headland allowing large southwest swells to wrap 90 degrees and is offshore in the prevailing south westerly winds.

Gisborne

New Zealands most famous surfing destination, home to high quality powerful hollow waves. Gisborne is extremely consistent coping the full brunt of both southerly, easterly and northerly swells. Due to its remote location and relaxed atmosphere there is opportunity to score pumping waves with only a few local crew out. Gisborne is a great launching point for your surf adventure being the gateway to both the isolated Eastcape and fabled Mahia.

Taranaki

Taranaki is one of New Zealand’s better known surf spots due to its consistency and large range of breaks including reefs, bars, points and beachies. Taranaki has a swell window of almost 180 degrees so there is always a chance of finding somewhere uncrowded that’s pumping and offshore.

South Island

Kaikoura

Kaikoura is famous for its whale watching, spectacular snow capped mountains and epic right-hand point breaks. Kaikoura’s waves are intensified by deep ocean trenches and tidal upwellings. The majority of the surf breaks are located in a small geographic area and features its own micro climate in winter where mountains funnel down light offshore winds creating amazing glassy conditions uncommon in New Zealand. The water here can get cold so be sure to have a quality steamer and all the rubber accessories.

Dunedin

Dunedin is one of New Zealand’s finest areas for surfing and one of the least populated. Home to an amazing range of beaches, bars, points and reefs, if you’re keen to adventure there’s definitely something for everyone. Here marine life and cold temperatures add another dimension to your surf with snow often down to the water line and abundant seals, dolphins and the occasional shark. Be prepared to wear a lot of rubber as Dunedin gets cold but the reward is tenfold.

Experience Surfing in Fiji

G'day friends,

for your weekend read, we thought we'd share some of our knowledge of Fiji - surf breaks, seasons, recommended resorts for your stay and post some pictures and video.

Fiji is a great choice, whether you are on honeymoon, backpacking or with your family - unlike some real hardcore surfing destinations where a non-surfer would not have too much to do, Fiji offers plenty of activities to keep you entertained during your holiday and wishing you had stayed for longer. Be it fishing, diving, trekking, ocean rafting, exploring local villages or drinking Kava, this little island country will satisfy even the most active traveller.

When to travel there: The top season is from April to October with larger swell and predominately off-shore winds. The surf is generally outer coral reef and overhead high, can be challenging for inexperienced surfers. The rest of the year is a shoulder season with smaller and less consistent waves - good if you are beginner or lower intermediate, or if you prefer uncrowded waters.

What to bring: The water is warm all-year-round so you won't need too much rubber. You might want to consider a spring suit for some eastern islands in July-September, but just bring your board shorts for the rest of the year. Reommended surfboard would be a ‘hotdog’ short board and a larger semi-gun for the bigger days. Reef booties, tropical wax and sunscreen will also come very handy.

Where to stay: Countless options: we have hand-picked the best that is available. All resorts have either direct access to surf, or have organized surf transfers so you don't need to worry about anything once you arrive. Please see below the recommended places to stay for a family holiday, honeymoon or just a budget trip.

Surf breaks: In July 2010, the Fijian government officially deregulated the surf breaks, which means that the waves are no longer exclusive to local landowners, resorts etc. The main surfing areas are at the south and west coast of Viti Levu, the main island of Fiji: Mamanuca Islands (Cloudbreak, Restaurants), Viti Levu (Hideaways, Frigates) and Naninya Island (The Bombi, King Kong Left and Right). 

Family Holiday:

Beqa Lagoon Resort - a short distance from world class surf break Frigates Pass; Offers quality accommodation in 25 deluxe, private air-conditioned bures spread out beneath the lush tropical landscape. They have a great restaurant and it is also one of the best diving resorts in the world - Beqa Lagoon is one of the worlds largest barrier reefs. Fishing is equally awesome.

Fiji Hideaway Resort and Spa - winner of several awards for the best resort in the area. Out the front, the have a right-hand reef break, only a short paddle in front of Hideaway Resort - Hideaways. It’s a hollow, fast, ledgey barrel, but only good around high tide. Starts working at less than 3ft and holds up to 6ft plus. Year-round wave, although it is more consistent from May to October.  Recommended for experienced surfers only. They have a good kids club and offer accommodation in beautiful Beachfront Villas, Oceanview Bures, Frangipani Bures and 2-Bedroom Bures.

Matanivusi Surf Eco Resort - excellent family-friendly surf resort, just across the lagoon from excellent Viti Levu Breaks. It has 8 bures, designed by an award-winning Australian architect. Daily boat trips to the local breaks for surfing and snorkelling are included, longer trips to Frigates can be organized for an extra cost.

Plantation Island Resort - offering a wide variety of accommodation from Beachfront Bures to Hotel Rooms, this resort has great facilities, restaurand and kids club. It also offers daily boat transfers to more remote surf breaks like Namotu, Wilkies, Cloudbreak and Desperations.

Honeymoon or a Couple getaway:

Lomani Island Resort - a stunning adults-only property on Malolo Lailai island (in the Mamanuca group of Islands). Stay in a Beachfront Bure, or one of Deluxe or Hibiscus suites. It also offers daily boat transfers to more remote surf breaks like Namotu, Wilkies, Cloudbreak and Desperations. Lomani Beauty Spa will definitely please the ladies, they also have a 9-hole golf course and are close to dive sites.

Musket Cove Resort features beautiful bures and villas and the daily surf transfers to Namoutu, Wilkes, Desperations and even Restaurants and Cloudbreak can be organized with Small John, who is independent to the resort. You can also go hiking to secluded beaches with a picnic basket, or even charter a yacht or a motor cruiser. The resort has scuba diving for the more adventurous and resident instructors for those who want to take advantage of obtaining their certificate and dive on the renowned coral reefs.

Royal Davui Island is an exclusive adults-only island resort, situated in Fiji's spectacular Beqa Lagoon. They have 16 beautifully appointed fales (bungalows) surrounded by a lush tropical landscape. This ensures there are no more than 32 guests on the island at any one time ensuring supreme privacy and personalised service. Voted as "The Most Romantic Island Hideaway in the South Pacific, Caribbean and Atlantic" by Conde Nast, Royal Davui is the ideal location for your wedding, honeymoon, anniversary or just a beautiful luxury escape for couples.

Surf Breaks:

Mamanuca Islands Breaks

• Wilkes Passage - This fun right-hander is great for most levels of surfers & is best at mid to high tide. Like most of the breaks in the area, it works best with S - SW swell. The only access is by boat. Unfortunately, it is very exposed and prone to being blown out by the prevailing trade winds. Afternoon glass-offs, though rare, can be a truly wonderous sight as clean right hand barrels peel off mechanically into the safety of the deep channel.
• Desperations - A classic wave that doesn't really work until its 4-5ft but just keeps getting better the bigger it gets. A left and a right with length, speed and nice hollow sections.
• Namotu Left - A left that breaks all year round, best from October to April with lighter winds. When its under 6 ft, it will even suit longboards, but becomes very challenging over 6 ft. Namotu itself is a quality wave, but remember to kick off at the end of your ride - don’t fall into the trap of going for that final barrel section - no one gets out of it.
• Cloudbreak - The world famous WCT location is one of the best lefts in the world. With the new laws prohibiting the exclusivity of surf breaks, you can now surf this awesome waves any day you want. This is a serious wave though, and will definitely sort the crowds out when it gets over 6ft.
• Mini Cloudbreak  - Powerful, fast wave. The best wind direction is south-east. Best around high tide.
• Lighthouse – South of mini-cloudbreak, near the lighthouse. Unfortunately, this one rarely breaks, but when it does, it’s for pros or kamikazes only.  Hollow, fast and powerful with a right and a left.
• Restaurants – This is a good, fast left hand reef break for pros or kamikazes only. However, with the new laws prohibiting the exclusivity of surf breaks you can now surf this awesome waves any day you want.

Viti Levu Breaks

• Hideaways - Hideaways is a right hand reef break, only a short paddle in front of Hideaway Resort. It’s a hollow, fast, ledgey barrel, but only good around high tide. Starts working at less than 3ft and holds up to 6ft plus. Year-round wave, although it is more consistent from May to October.  Recommended for experienced surfers only.
• J’s – J’s is a hollow, fast wave that breaks from 2’ to 6’. It’s best around the high tide with winds from NE to W. It needs some west in the swell to run down the reef.
• Shifties – This wave has a deep water take off making the break a ‘not too threatening’ ride. This outside point of the barrier reef picks up all the swell and can be double the size of J’s and Vunaniu. It is powerful and thick. When everywhere else is flat, you can almost guarantee a 4-foot wave at Shifties. It can be surfed at all tides. Again, a wind of the north quadrant is needed.
• Vunaniu – Vananiu is a short wedging right which has a bowl section at the end, usually smaller than other breaks. This would be a good option for the kids. It does get good. It’s best at high tide
• Frigates - Definitely a world-class left that can rival Cloudbreak for power, size and consistency. Because of the gradual tapering of the reef, it can handle all swell sizes. The SE trade winds are offshore, so when the inside waves near Matanivusi are blown out, there is always the consistent Frigates. Because it’s out in the ocean, about 20 kilometres from Matanivusi, it picks up all swell. However, some west in the swell can make it a bit dicey. It definitely makes the end section stand up! Frigates is accessed by a number of resorts and can get crowded. However, once the swell gets up over 10’, there is a drop in the numbers tackling the waves. A longer board is recommended to tackle the big drops and strong offshore winds.

Naninya Island Breaks

• King Kong Left - This is a 40-metre long wave that has a take-off in deep water, reducing risk of coral scratches and is good for intermediate to advanced surfers.  The average size is 3 ft to 5 ft offshore, but it can hold up to 15 ft plus. It was named King Kong because of the famous 1935 movie which was partly filmed underneath the mountain Nabukelevuira. This mountain also has a moderating effect on the wind at the King Kong Left break so that it is still operating when other areas are blown out.
• King Kong Right - This is often 6ft plus face height. This is an exciting very fast tube for a more advanced rider. The trade winds are onshore for this break, but the summer wind (north easterly) is offshore. It is best early morning before the trade winds start, or late afternoon if the trade winds die down.
• The Bombi - 10 minutes from Naninya Island Resort by boat, can be seen from the resort deck.
• Middle Daku - Daku is the Fijian name for the beautiful sandy beach. In the middle of the beach, 60 metres from the sand, is a coral break. It breaks both right and left but the right is generally better. The trade winds are onshore/across this break but the summer wind (north-easterly) is directly offshore. It is also best early morning before the trade winds start.
• Little Daku - This break is often suitable for the less experienced surfer. This is also an excellent area to enjoy a free "getting started" surfing lesson by Naninya’s surf guide.