Family Surf & Stay
4 to 5 people, one booking: family pod or big lodge room, group lesson, private lesson, unlimited gear.
from $425 pp
See the package
Who it's for
Surfing for families
The holiday where everyone actually does the thing: six year olds in the whitewater, teens out the back, parents surprising themselves.
from $69
Lessons from age 6
Stay together from $425 pp
By age and appetite
Something for every crew member
Lessons + programs
2 hour family lessons from age 6 ($69 each for 4+ at Te Arai), holiday programs, after school blocks.
from $69
Book lessons
Camps for the kids
Ultimate Surf Camp (8 to 15) and Youth Surf Camp (13 to 18) when they are ready to go without you. Teens 14+ can join tours with a parent too.
from $495
See the camps
For the planning parent
Safe, sorted, actually fun
Every session runs with ISA qualified instructors who are first aid trained and police checked, at in-water target ratios of no more than 1:6, on beginner-friendly banks. It is the same crew that has taught New Zealand families since 2002 under Qualmark GOLD certification, rated 4.9 from 1050+ Google reviews.
Getting here is the easy part: Te Arai is an hour from Auckland, Orewa is 20 minutes, and camps offer Auckland Airport transfers so out-of-town grandkids can join too.
Straight from Google
What families say
★★★★★
Two adults and two kids, and a fantastic experience. Our guide met each of us at our skill level and we all learned quite a bit; he really took the time to help each of us refine our technique.
★★★★★
Perfect family stay in the modern glamping tent. My daughter loved exploring the tropical garden, and the surf lessons were the highlight. Will definitely stay again!
★★★★★
We took our three boys for a little winter getaway and had an awesome time. Loads of surf spots within ten minutes, board hire was easy, and the staff were super friendly and full of knowledge. We will definitely be back.
Questions
Families FAQ
Youngest age in the water?
Group lessons from 6, private lessons from 4. Younger siblings rule the beach, the slide and the kayaks.
We're mixed levels. Problem?
The normal case. We are expert at family lessons: the focus goes on the kids' initial confidence, coaching splits within the session, and the private lesson in the stay package is designed to get everyone confident riding waves.
Where do families stay?
Family pods or glamping teepees at Te Arai (sleep 4, water slide on the lawn) or the big rooms at Mangawhai Surf Lodge (up to 6, free bikes).
What does a family weekend cost?
Family Surf & Stay runs from $425 pp for 4 to 5 people across 2, 3 or 5 nights, with a group lesson, a private lesson and unlimited gear hire included.
What is there beyond surfing?
The water slide and tropical gardens at Te Arai, SUPs and kayaks on the estuary, dune tracks, and Mangawhai's cafes and ice cream within pedalling distance.
What do kids do when they outgrow family lessons?
Holiday and summer programs through every break, after school surfing through the term, then Ultimate Surf Camp from 8 and Surf Tours from 14. There is a ladder all the way up.
School holidays fill first
One booking, whole crew happy
Family Surf & Stay from $425 pp with lessons and gear included.
Check family dates