Panoramic ocean views · 1 hour from Auckland
Te Arai Eco Pods
Pods and summer teepees on a tranquil hillside over rolling green hills. Quiet nights, big views, five breaks a quick drive away.
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Surf & Stay
The Surf Experience
2, 3 or 5 nights of surf, sleep and salt. Solo, mates or a mixed crew: stay minutes from the breaks, get coached every day, use our gear whenever the mood hits.
from $425 pp
2, 3 or 5 nights
Te Arai or Mangawhai
All levels
What you get
Everything but the excuses
Ocean-view pods or village lodge, your pick
Surf coaching matched to your level
Unlimited surfboard and wetsuit hire
Unlimited SUP and kayak hire
Kitchen and BBQ facilities
Fully customisable length and add-ons
Two venues, one booking
Pick your basecamp
Heart of Mangawhai Heads · free bikes
Mangawhai Surf Lodge
Rooms named after the breaks, cafes on the doorstep, board storage and a wetsuit drying room that means business.
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How it runs
Your days, roughly
Morning
Coached surf
Wave check, wetsuits on, session at whichever bank is working. Coaching pitched exactly at your level.
Afternoon
Your call
Paddle the estuary, walk the coast, grab a board from the shed and go again. Unlimited means unlimited.
Evening
BBQ + sunset
Cook up, swap wave claims, plan tomorrow. Stay two nights and leave standing; stay five and leave a surfer.
Camp life
What a weekend looks like
Press play
See it before you book it
Straight from Google
What guests say
★★★★★
Truly stunning views from the bed! We stayed two nights and did the Surf Experience package. The beds were perfectly comfortable and the surf lessons were so good, we are now surfers!
★★★★★
I stayed ten days and took seven surf lessons. I had never surfed before, but the coaches always made sure we were safe and had fun. They were patient, gave us lots of tips, and I had the best time.
★★★★★
Took a break from hiking the Te Araroa trail and spent five days on the surf and stay package. Great coaches, great facilities, amazing views. It was the first time my wife ever tried to surf, and she gave it her all.
Questions
Surf Experience FAQ
How many nights should I book?
Two nights fits a weekend and gets you two solid surf days. Three is the sweet spot for real progress. Five is a proper surf holiday where the pop up becomes automatic.
Can I come alone?
Yes. Solo travellers are a big part of every Surf Experience. You will likely share lineups, dinners and beach time with a small mixed crew.
What level do I need to be?
Any. Coaching runs from first ever wave to turns and trimming, with ISA qualified instructors in the water at target ratios of no more than 1:6.
What coaching and gear is included?
A mix of group and private coaching across your stay, plus unlimited surfboard, wetsuit, SUP and kayak hire between sessions. The longer you stay, the more you use it.
Do I pick Te Arai or Mangawhai?
Yes, you choose at checkout: ocean view pods and glamping teepees on the Te Arai hillside, or the Surf Lodge in the heart of Mangawhai Heads with the shops a short walk away.
What should I bring?
Togs, towels and a warm layer cover most of it; bathroom essentials are supplied, and everything surf related is ours.
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.
from $425 pp, all coaching and gear in
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Live availability, instant confirmation. Choose your basecamp and lock the dates.
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