SURFARI TRIPS NEW ZEALAND

When you choose one of our Surfari trips you’ll enjoy the company of Water Nomads and a small group of like-minded travelling companions from around the world. We include everything from accommodation, meals, snacks, spot advice and pre-trip departure info. Additional to that you most likely will get some nice action shots of you. The maximum group size is 10, sometimes less, depending on the trip.

Click the “Book now” button on the specific trip you chose and let us know of any specific requirements you may have. We will then send you a booking confirmation and request of payment. If you have any questions do not hesitate to hit the Contact Us button, we’re here to help.

For domestic payments, NZ bank transfer is the best for us, but you can also pay by credit card (3.5% fee applies – via Stripe) or cash by arrangement.

For international payments, we will send you a secure credit card payment request by email through Stripe (3.5% fee applies). If your preference is via international bank transfer, please get in touch with us and we can help you work out the best options (you must cover any transaction fees).

Yes, all taxes are included. The price you see is the price you pay. 

Our Surfari Trips run all year round, however the location of our trips varies by the season to make the most of the prevailing wind and weather conditions. Our winter trips (Northland) run from June through to August, our spring trips (Taranaki and Great Barrier Island) run from September through to November and our summer trips (Canterbury Lakes) run from January through to February. Autumn (fall) is generally the calmest period for wind, ideal for surfing.

It is our aim to ensure that we incorporate as many inclusions as possible in your trip to minimise any out-of-pocket expenses while you are away. Our Surfari Trips are fully supported which mean they include accommodation, meals, snacks, local knowledge and advice. Gear hire is not included in the trip price, though you can hire our premium brand sailing equipment (board, foil, wing, sail, harness, etc) for the duration of the trip, or longer. Some trips include transport, others are self drive, please refer to the individual trips.

Our Surfari Trips are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness. If you are unsure, we recommend that you Contact Us to discuss the physical requirements that can be expected or any medical limitations you may have.

Yes, you can bring your own boards, foils, wings, sails and everything else you might need. We are happy to guide you on the expected conditions to help you with your gear decisions if you are unsure.

Yes you can! Please get in touch with us prior to the trip, so we can make sure we bring the right gear for you. You may also extend the rental for a longer term and continue enjoying the area if you wish. Check out our Watersports Rental for more information.

Generally, on a Water Nomads Surfari Trip you need your own vehicle to get to the accommodation and get around (self-drive), unless stated otherwise.

Example: Our Northland Surfari and Taranaki Wave Camp are self-drive, where as the Great Barrier Island and Canterbury Lakes Surfaris have transport included in varying degrees. Check out the Surfari Trips pages for details.

For most of our trips we have a carefully selected range of 3 star family type homes central to our trips primary water activities. Luxury accommodation will be 4-5 star. A description and images of the accommodation are provided on each Surfari Trip page.

Yes, to book a twin share room you must book and pay together with the second person you’re sharing the room with.

If you do not have a second person to book with, you are unable to use the twin share option.

Yes, we can cater for a variety of dietary requirement. Whether you are vegetarian, vegan, dairy free, or have specific allergies, we will accommodate you.

Please advise when you’re booking so we can prepare. 

Yes, partners are most welcome. All our accommodation cater for, and offer comfortable double room occupancy. However the conversation around breakfast and dinner will tend to steer toward wind conditions and fantastic post session analysis respectfully. Sometimes gear talk has been know to happen also.

There is always plenty of non-watersport activities if ones partner needs to breakaway from the group. Usually ride sharing to the beach with other guests can be arranged so your partner can have the car… Feel free to Contact Us if you need help being convinced its a good idea, or, you would like more information about the areas we will be at, so you can convince your partner.

Northland has beautiful beaches and walks to explore, being winter the living space in the accommodation is very comfortable if the weather isn’t favourable for a good book.

Taranaki is the Surf Highway, so an amazing coast to explore. Mt Taranaki has epic day hiking. New Plymouth has a great bike park, and also has so much to offer culturally, in the arts and amazing gardens blooming in spring!

Canterbury Lakes is possibly our pick for partners. In the height of summer in the Mackenzie Country and Lakes is breathtaking. There is access to mountain bike hire in Twizel, where you can do parts or all of the Alps to Ocean cycleway. Visit Mt Cook Village, go hiking in the National Park, or salmon fishing in the canals. The list is huge!

Remember, our Surfari Trip group is always small, fun and always inclusive.

Many of our Surfari Trips are suitable for families with youths over 16 years old. Non-sailing partners are also welcome on our Surfari Trips as most of our trip destinations have many local activities outside of water-sports, also the accommodation is always comfortable for everyone.

No, our trips will happen regardless of the forecast. After all, a forecast is just a forecast, it will likely change.

Our Surfari Trips are timed to maximise the best local weather conditions.

See our Terms and Conditions  for further details.

Yes, Kitesurf/foilers are welcome on our Surfari Trips. However, the needs and desired conditions of a Kitesurfer are slightly different to a wingfoiler or windsurfer. Some locations we frequent can have restricted launching options, so either a very high skill set is required, or the acceptance you may need to launch in a different spot completely to the rest of the group.

Northland is the most kiteboard/foil user friendly of our trips, all locations are easy launch and favourable ride conditions for all. Check out our Featured Location for Northland.

Taranaki for wave kitesurfing is amazing, however the south coast launching can be hair-raising with mostly large beach boulder access. There are sandy beach launches, but that comes with a power shore break. Definitely not for the novice. Check out our Introduction to Taranaki and our Spot Guide to wavesailing Taranaki.

Canterbury Lakes is possible also, though launching locations are in general tricky with many trees, powerlines or land features to consider. High experience would be required. You can check out our Spot Guides to Lakes Tekapo, Pukaki, Ōhau and Aviemore.

If you are unsure, please Contact Us, as we are happy to discuss access and conditions in more depth.

Each Surfari Trip page has a description under the “What skill set” to see if the trip would suit you. If you’re still unsure, Contact Us on what conditions you like and we will suggest the Surfari Trip you are most likely to get the most out of and enjoy.

Sign up to our newsletter and get any newly added Surfari Trip directly to your inbox and be the first to know. All Surfari Trip dates will be listed on our website under each trip.

If you would like to make a group booking specific to your needs, check out our Custom Surfari Trip.

Yes! You can arrive late or depart early. You can leave the group at anytime and return during the Surfari Trip. You just need to communicate your intensions with Water Nomads during the Surfari Trip.

Note: you won’t be reimbursed for any portion of the trip unused. Refer to our Terms and Conditions for more details.

No, we currently don’t teach or instruct wingsurfing, wingfoiling or windsurfing on our Surfari Trips. We do provide helpful tips and advise about the most appropriate spot and conditions for the day depending on your skill set. Not everyone on the trip needs to necessarily end up on the same spot.

Water to start your Wingfoiling journey? Check out our directory for Learn to Wingfoil in New Zealand.

Most of our guests tend to hang out on the same spot during the day. Though if you have a different skill set or want / need different conditions, we can advise you which spot will work best for you. To assist with this flexibility, you are provided with an individually packed lunch so no-one misses out.