NORTHLAND SEASON 2025
Trip Report
Winter is coming to and end in New Zealand and so is our Northland 2025 season. Here is an overview of our highlights of the last 3 months.
Unsettled weather has been a recurring theme this year, with sun and rain playing a game of tag and the wind swinging around the whole compass rose within a couple of days. Yet, these changeable conditions have worked in our favour. The frequent weather systems crossing Northland provided us with plenty of windy days, allowing us to get on the water at all our favourite spots almost every day – from Tokerau to Rangiputa, and even Maitai Bay!
While our Surfari bookings have been a bit quieter this year (the cost of living crisis is understandably biting and so many of us are noticing it), we still had some fantastic trips during which we met old friends and made new ones. Those that could join us for a Northland Surfaris did get rewarded with excellent conditions. If you do consider joining us next year in Northland, have a look here, the Northland Surfari dates for 2026 are already published!
The upside of having fewer Surfari trips was that we had more time to go and adventure ourselves. Even after four years of travelling up and down the country, we are still discovering new gems in New Zealand. This winter, we spent time exploring the stunning Kai Iwi Lakes, the Whangarei area, and the Hokianga Harbour—all of which we thoroughly enjoyed.
Wingfoiling Kai Iwi Lakes
The Kai Iwi Lakes are a set of fresh water lakes north of Dargaville and only 2.5km off the westcoast of New Zealand. The water is beautiful clear, with white sandy beaches and grassy rigging areas. We had heard of some people winging and sailing on those lakes, and though we have been there before, we haven’t managed to get there when there was enough wind. This year the weather forecast lined up nicely and we timed it to get there with a howling westerly wind at the coast, which made for beautiful 15-18 knots on the Kai Iwi Lakes. And I must say, what a stunning place to foil! When there is a strong westerly wind at the coast, I can highly recommend to give it a go. The wind at the Kai Iwi Lakes is about 10-15knots less than at the westcoast.
Wingfoiling Kai Iwi Lakes: The images don’t do the location justice, but taking photos was not in the forefront of our mind – we just wanted to be out there!
Hokianga Harbour:
After leaving the Kai Iwi Lakes, we kept on cruising up the westcoast along SH12, taking in the sights of the Kauri Coast. We enjoyed hanging out for a few days at the beautiful Hokianga Harbour, enjoying some of the local walks and catching a fish or two for dinner. While it was very tempting to get on the water (some reasonably windy days) we erred on the side of caution: the tidal current is super strong, and we weren’t really keen to be swept out of the harbour mouth at an outgoing tide (you would need wind against tide to have any fun). The big whirl pools the tide created would have been interesting on the foil too…..
Matariki Northland Surfari
Rangiputa delivered, and our small, stoked crew of wingers was rewarded with beautiful conditions. The day was all about progression and community. We spent hours trading tips, with Jon teaching us how to nail the Heineken jibe and Richard showing us the secrets to getting airborne. The energy was infectious as we cheered each other on. But the best part? Watching Jeff’s journey from a total beginner to a natural on the board. His progress from zero to (almost) hero was incredible to see.
Inaugural Northland XL-Surfari
Our new 5 nights format for our XL-Northland Surfaris proved to be a winner: Not only did we get a wide variety of conditions, but it was also nice to settle into a bit of a holiday groove. While the 3 day Northland Surfari Trip is great as a long weekend get-away, the XL Surfari is a short holiday.
Once again our handsome accommodation that overlooks Doubtless Bay and the Karikari Peninsula is a premium spot to hangout in the evening, indulging on the wholesome meals by our talented caterer and sharing tall tails of the day over quiet wine.
Every day kicked off after breakfast and we had everything from 10 knots to 35 knots, all the gear we had did get used. Gavin (title picture), holding up the windsurfer front, managed to use his smallest sail. The surprising thing was, that was the first time he had ever used it! What a blast!!!
Wingfoiling Whangarei
I’m not sure why we always bypassed Whangarei in the previous years. I guess it is because we are always on a mission to go up North or return South…… Well, this year we took the time to actually spend some time there, and it didn’t disappoint.
Not only is the Bream Head walkway absolutely spectacular, Whangarei is also spoiled for choices where to get on the water. Especially the north side of the harbour offering countless bays and beaches. We ended up joining our friend Brendan in Parua Bay. Thank you Brendan for the introduction to the spot and your hospitality!
We are still going to be north of Auckland for a few more weeks, in Waipu precisely. If you are up that way, get in touch, would be fun to hang out and get on the water together!
Looking to travel New Zealand? Check out Water Nomads for Watersports Rental and Surfari Trips!
