FAQ
Everything people ask before they book, in one salty place. Can't find yours? Ask us directly or call +64 9 431 5760.
Booking + who can come
Do I need any surf experience?
No. Every camp, tour, stay and lesson is coached by ISA qualified instructors and split by ability. Most first-timers stand up on day one.
What ages do programs cover?
Private lessons from age 4, group lessons from 6, holiday and summer programs 6 to 16, Ultimate Surf Camp 8 to 15, Youth Surf Camp 13 to 18, Surf Tours 14 and up, Surf Sistas women 14 and up, and the Womens Wellness Retreat is 18 plus, or 14 plus when surfing with mum. Surf & Stay takes every age.
How do I book?
Instantly online: lessons and day programs through FareHarbor, Surf & Stay through our booking site, and dated camps, tours and retreats from their pages here. Groups, corporates and schools enquire for a quote and hear back within 24 hours on business days.
Is gear included?
Always. Boards, wetsuits and coaching come with every program; camps add meals and beds; Surf & Stay adds unlimited board, wetsuit, SUP and kayak hire for your whole stay.
What happens after I book?
A detailed confirmation email lands instantly. From a week out, camps, retreats and tours get updates on surf, weather and what to bring, and during camps and tours there are daily email updates with an online photo album.
Can I buy a gift voucher?
Yes, and they get used: stays, tours and lessons all make good presents. Grab one through aotearoasurf.co.nz or send the enquiry form and we will sort it.
Getting here + what to bring
How do I get there without a car?
Surf Tours include return transport from Auckland Airport, the CBD, Albany or Warkworth. Ultimate Surf Camp runs free bus transfers from Remuera and Albany, with a $100 return airport option. For Surf & Stay we recommend your own vehicle. Full details in the getting here guide.
Where do you actually surf?
Home banks are Te Arai and Mangawhai in Northland, with lessons also at Orewa and Christchurch's Sumner. Tours and camps chase the best bank of the day across Te Arai, Mangawhai, Langs, Forestry and Waipu.
What should I pack?
Less than you think: togs, towels, sunscreen and a warm layer do most of it. The full lists, including the three things everyone forgets, live in the packing guide.
When is the best time of year?
There is no bad season, just different wetsuits. Summer for warm water and long evenings, autumn for the cleanest banks, winter for empty lineups. The seasons guide breaks it down.
Do programs run year round?
Yes. Lessons run daily all year, after school surfing runs terms 1 and 4, holiday programs fill every school break, the summer program owns Boxing Day to late January, and camps and tours run dated departures September through May.
Weather, safety + cancellations
What if the surf or weather is no good?
Instructors make the call and adjust, move or reschedule sessions. Nobody learns in bad conditions, so we do not run them. Safety calls are always ours to make and always final.
How qualified are the instructors?
ISA qualified, first aid trained and police checked, operating under Qualmark GOLD certification and Surfing NZ recognition since 2002, with target water ratios published on every program page.
What is the cancellation policy?
It depends on the booking. Day programs and lessons: 5 days notice for a full refund, or reschedule free of charge. Camps and tours: 21 or more days out for a full refund or free reschedule (30 days for Ultimate Surf Camp), 7 or more days out for a free reschedule. Surf & Stay: 14 or more days out to reschedule or refund, under 14 days reschedule or a 12 month credit, under 7 days no refund, and 20 Dec to 20 Jan bookings are non-refundable. Full terms and conditions for every booking are shown at checkout and in our terms.
My kid has a medical condition or specific needs. Can they come?
Almost always yes; tell us at booking. Clearly-named medication and a heads-up to the team means instructors plan the right support before day one.
Do camps cater for dietary requirements?
Yes. Ultimate runs commercial caterers and the retreat is plant based. We ask for all dietary requirements at time of booking and the kitchen plans around them.
Ask a human
Real people at Te Arai answer within 24 hours on business days.
Send a question Call +64 9 431 5760