LAKE CLEARWATER CAMPING SURFARI
3-Day Wingfoil & Windsurf Camping Trip at Lake Clearwater
Start / End
Lake Clearwater Camp
Duration
3 Days
Meals
Self-catered
Transport
Self-drive
Group
8-10 max.
Difficulty
Advanced beginner +
What is the Lake Clearwater Camping Surfari?
The Lake Clearwater Camping Surfari is a 3-day, low-budget wingfoil and windsurf camping trip in the Canterbury High Country, from $450 NZD. It’s self-catered and self-drive, based at Lake Clearwater Camp, with small groups of 8–10 and gear-focused days rather than accommodation or meals. It suits advanced beginners and above, and is well known for reliable Northwest and Easterly thermal winds.
The stunning Lake Clearwater is less than 2 hours drive west of Christchurch and is well known for its fabulous windsurfing and wing-foiling. The strong Northwest wind funnelling down the mountains or the more gentle Easterly thermals coming up the valley on sunny summer days make it the perfect playground for windsports.
Lake Clearwater Surfari Trip is a low budget camping trip – bring your own accommodation, breakfast and lunch, we take care of the rest!
Highlights
Off-Grid, On Purpose
No power, no wifi, no work - a real kiwi bach village frozen in time.
Wind That Actually Shows Up
Reliable Northwest and Easterly thermals, often gusting past 30 knots.
Camp Right On The Launch
Pitch your tent or van metres from the water - rig up and go whenever it blows.
Warm, Flat, Beginner-Friendly
20° water and glassy conditions in Easterlies - ideal for building confidence.
Budget Surfari, Real Adventure
From $450 - the most affordable way onto a Water Nomads trip.
More Than Wind Days
Mountain bike, hike, or SUP the mirror-calm mornings before the thermal kicks in.
One Big BBQ Night
A hearty BBQ dinner with wine under the stars, stories included.
As Remote As NZ Gets
Ashburton High Country, 2 hours from Christchurch - properly off the beaten track.
Who Is This Trip For?
- This trip is suitable for any advanced beginner, intermediate, advanced and expert wingfoil and windsurfers.
- Wind conditions can be anywhere from 12-35+ knots.
- Water state can be anything from buttery-flat to choppy, this is dependent on the wind strength/direction.
- This trip is suitable for beginners, the ability to gybe and tack is not required however you must be confident with your deep water starts, be able to taxi back to your start point, and manage rapidly changing conditions including potential self-rescue.
If you’re not sure if this trip suits you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
What is Included?
Lakefront Campsite - bring your tent or camper.
BBQ dinner - Friday or Saturday night depending on forecast.
Professional coaching to advance your wingfoil/windsurf skills.
Local expert spot knowledge and weather advice.
Extended activities avaliable - hiking and mountainbiking.
Professional photographs for purchase or social sharing.
Surfari Trip Date
15 - 17 January 2027
Booking Closed
19 - 21 February 2027
Available Now
Surfari Trip Price
3 Day Package
- $450 NZD per person.
3 Day Family Pass
- $1100 NZD per family including 2 adults and 2 children*
* children 5 – 15 years min/max. and are full responsibility of parent/guardian.
Secure payment via Stripe using a credit card or your favourite digital wallet.
Equipment Rental Add-on
- $450 NZD for 1 windsurf or wingfoil board + 3 wings / sails for the whole duration of the trip (if required, by prior arrangement only).
What Our Guests Say
I have been a follower of Water Nomads for the past few seasons, as a newcomer to the sport. Their safaris look amazing so I was thrilled when this one came up at Lake Clearwater, with advice that it would be suitable for beginners (being able to sail/taxi upwind a pre-requisite however as the walk of shame is from way down the other end of the lake!). I have learned so much on this trip with the benefit of consistent wind and warm and 'flat' water. The tips and bits of advice from Heidi and Bevan along the way have contributed immensely to my learning journey. I left feeling inspired and longing for more. I will definitely be back next year and highly recommend. Oh and lest not forget the scenery and tranquility of the high country. Something for everyone.
I was a part of Water Nomads trip on lake Clearwater and truly recommend that to every wind sport geek. I enjoyed the atmosphere there, where you can feel like a part of a family, not to mention about awesome BBQ served by Baven and Heidi.
Will definitely go again.
What a great experience with Heidi and Bevan. The location and organisation was superb - lots of information at every stage. Lots of free and sounds advice on many levels - location, biking and of course sailing. Food was delicious and plentiful. I highly recommend these guys if you want to get out in what NZ has to offer and want awesome support to do so. Thanks again. Mike.
What to Expect
Lake Clearwater with its village of traditional kiwi baches (=small holiday houses) sits in a wide tussok covered valley and is a jump back in time: There is no electricity and no communal water supply. All the baches are off-grid, using solar power for their limited electrical needs and collecting rain water.
The Lake Clearwater campground is a classic kiwi campground right at the lake front with easy launching access. It is very low key, offering a cubicle to hang up your solar shower and basic but clean toilets. Bring your own campervan, motorhome, caravan or tent.
Water Nomads can also assist you booking a batch if camping isn’t your thing, though be warned – they are pretty basic too!
A wholesome BBQ meal including a variety of salads (vegetarian options available) will be provided by Water Nomads on either Friday or Saturday evening (depending on the wind conditions). This includes a rich desert and a lot of tall stories around the table!
We offer a non-alcoholic drink or a complimentary glass of wine with dinner.
Dinner will be served in the hall of the campground.
Lake Clearwater is as far away from civilisation as you can drive. It is the perfect place to unplug (literally). There is no drinking water (bring your own for the duration of your stay), no electricity and no hot showers at the campground.
Be prepared for a jump back in time!
Bevan will be taking professional action shots of you on the water which are available to purchase at discounted rates.
Watersports Conditions
Lake Clearwater and the surrounding Ashburton Lakes offer a fantastic high country experience and an awesome adventure playground. The thermal winds arrive often early afternoon, leaving plenty of time in the morning to enjoy some none wind-based activities. Explore the surroundings or just relax with a good book and soak up the views.
Lake Clearwater lies in a wide mountain valley. The 2 dominant wind directions are Northwest (coming off the mountains) and East (blowing like a thermal wind up the valley).
On sunny summer days, the Easterly thermals are super reliable and usually come in around 2pm with 15 knots, sometimes they build up to 20 knots wind strength. With the campground and launch spot being towards the eastern end of Lake Clearwater, the water is nice and flat in Easterly winds, perfect for learning or practicing new tricks.
The Northwest wind coming off the mountains is a different beast. It develops when there is a low pressure system off the West Coast off New Zealand. It is a warm and usually dry wind (unless some showers are actually making it across the mountains) funneling down from the Main Divide. Wind speeds can often exceed 30 knots!
In late February / early March, the weather tends to be more settled and we expect to get mainly easterly sea thermals at Lake Clearwater.
Of course, water sports are our main goal!
The Northwest wind can blow any time of day or night, wind from the East acts more like a thermal breeze and kicks in after 2pm, giving you time for other activities in the morning.
The mornings are often incredibly calm and the lake is just like a mirror. Perfect for a cruise on your SUP or kayak across the lake to the island.
There are countless MTB trails around Lake Clearwater and the surrounding area, ranging from flat and easy to steep and gnarly. A short loop around the lake or a 5 hour mission up the range? It’s up to you!
Don’t forget to bring your bike!
Go for an easy stroll around the lake or hike to the top of Mount Guy and get rewarded with stunning views!
There is a good variety of walking and hiking tracks around Lake Clearwater, ranging from 3 – 8 hours. Some of them you can start right from the campsite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lake Clearwater Camping Surfari
The Water Nomads Lake Clearwater Camping Surfari is pretty relaxed, and the flow is usually dictated by wind and weather.
We will be there from Wednesday midday onwards. There is no fix program, but if there is wind, we will be on the water. If there is no wind in the mornings, we might suggest to go for a bike ride or a hike – it’s up to you if you wanna join or not.
Water Nomads group size is limited to 10 guests, though there might be other people on the campground.
Lake Clearwater is located in a mountain valley, close to the Main Divide. These mountains help to keep most of the rain away, resulting in a semi-arid landscape. Due to it’s altitude, it doesn’t get as hot as in other parts of the country, but expect warm sunny days, with the temperature droppping in the evening.
Lake Clearwater is a lot smaller and shallower than most other South Island Lakes, hence the water is usually a lot warmer. Expect a water temperature of about 20 Degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit).
In the summer months of January to March the wind is very reliable at Lake Clearwater. As a rule of thumb you will either be experiencing a Westerly frontal system (bringing a Northwesterly blowing down the lake) or an Easterly thermal system (starting up early afternoon).
Most of the Ashburton Lakes are either too small or are a nature reserve with no windsurfing / wingfoiling allowed. Lake Clearwater is perfect positioned in the valley to capture the best wind.
The journey from Christchurch Airport to Lake Clearwater is 150km which is a 2 hours drive time. For the last 10kms the road is not sealed.
No, dogs are not allowed at Lake Clearwater and the surrounding area.
We recommend to bring at least 5 liters per day per person of drinking water. This means you are not using that water for washing or doing dishes.
Lake Clearwater has no facilities. There are no shops, cafes or rental facilities.
There is a small General Store in Mount Somers Village (30 kms) which will cover the basics. The next bigger supermarket is in Methven (60kms).
3 days from $450 NZD
57 Reviews
3 days from
$450 NZD
Deposit $150 NZD on booking
