Heads + Ridge family pods · sleep 4 · water slide
Te Arai Eco Pods
Panoramic ocean views, space to roam, and a water slide that does half the parenting. One hour from Auckland.
Book Te Arai dates
Surf & Stay
Family Surf & Stay
The holiday where everyone actually does the thing. Beds for the crew, lessons for every level, and gear on tap from groms to grown-ups.
from $425 pp
4 to 5 people
Lessons from age 6
Te Arai or Mangawhai
What you get
One booking, whole crew happy
Family pod at Te Arai or big room at Mangawhai
One group surf lesson for the family
One private lesson to split how you like
Unlimited surfboard and wetsuit hire
Unlimited SUP and kayak hire
Kitchen, BBQ, space to roam
Two venues, one booking
Water slide or village bikes
Mangawhai room sleeps 6 · heart of the village
Mangawhai Surf Lodge
Big rooms, free bikes for the whole crew, and ice cream within pedalling distance. Teens approve.
Book Mangawhai dates
How it runs
Screens lose to waves
The group lesson
Everyone stands
One session, whole family riding waves. The eight year old will claim it was easy.
The private lesson
Aim it anywhere
The nervous one, the frother, or the parent quietly determined to out-surf the kids. Your call.
Everything else
Kayaks, dunes, BBQ
SUPs and kayaks on the estuary, sandy tracks, and a sunset debrief while the sausages cook.
Family album material
The week they'll remember
Press play
See it before you book it
Straight from Google
What families say
★★★★★
Our family of four stayed three nights in the glamping tent over Christmas and absolutely loved it. The fun of camping, but in comfort. My husband had his first ever surf lesson and is now catching waves.
★★★★★
Both our children did the group and private lessons. Great surf teachers, very patient and friendly. We stayed at the eco pods: beautiful night skies, fresh air and fantastic views. Great sleep for kids after surfing.
★★★★★
We stayed in the Kentia teepee, two adults and two young children, and really enjoyed it, especially the group and private surf lessons. Comfy beds, great facilities, beautiful surroundings. We might just make this an annual family tradition.
Questions
Family FAQ
What ages can join lessons?
Group lessons from age 6, private lessons from age 4. Instructors are ISA qualified, first aid trained and police checked, with target ratios of no more than 1:6 in the water.
What exactly is included?
Your stay for 4 to 5 people, one group surf lesson for the family, one private lesson to aim wherever it helps most, and unlimited surfboard, wetsuit, SUP and kayak hire. From $425 pp, with 2, 3 or 5 night options.
Where does a family of five sleep?
At Te Arai the Heads and Ridge family pods each sleep four, we can accommodate five in the Ridge pod, and glamping families take two teepees. At Mangawhai the Mangawhai room sleeps up to six. Simply choose your rooms when booking.
Is it safe for young kids?
Absolutely: the east coast is blue water, white sand and friendly beginner waves. Lessons run at beginner friendly banks with qualified instructors, and Aotearoa Surf has taught since 2002 with Qualmark GOLD certification behind every session.
What do the non surfers do?
Plenty. The water slide and tropical gardens at Te Arai, kayaks and SUPs on the estuary, sandy dune tracks, and the village cafes at Mangawhai. Nobody stands around holding towels for long. That said, you should join the lessons; you will be surprised how well you do and you will love it!
What about teens who want more?
Teens 14 and up can add a Surf Tour departure, and ages 8 to 15 love Ultimate Surf Camp when they are ready to go solo.
What is the cancellation policy?
14 or more days out: reschedule or refund. Under 14 days: reschedule or a 12 month credit. Under 7 days: no refund. 20 Dec to 20 Jan bookings are non refundable, however with notice a 12 month credit is available. Refund admin fee is 10% or $50, whichever is greater. Full terms are shown at checkout.