New Zealand

Getting there:
AIR NEW ZEALAND, www.airnz.co.uk
Flights from £612 return, London to Auckland via LA/Hong Kong

Getting around:
ACE CAR RENTALS, www.acerentals.co.nz
Rental cars from $25 per day (around £9)

NORTHLAND EAST COAST
Waipu Cove and Langs Beach
Just a couple of hours north of Auckland, before you hit Whangarei, the beach breaks of Bream Bay are a great place to get in the water on a north-easterly swell teamed with a south-westerly wind. Watch out for a sucky shore break at high tide, but at mid to low you can find some good banks and a there’s a right hand point at the southern end of Waipu.

Stay:
Waihoihoi Lodge, www.waihoihoi.co.nz
A women’s only eco-retreat tucked away on the hillside, offering stunning views over the countryside to the cove.

NORTHLAND EAST COAST
Ahipara
On the wild west coast, where Ninety Mile Beach stretches to the northern tip of New Zealand, you need a 4WD drive to reach some epic surf breaks off the beaten track. Shipwreck Bay fires off some of the longest left-handers in the Southern Hemisphere on a south-westerly swell, and there’s classic breaks scattered up and down Tauroa Point. Along Ninety Mile beach you’ll find a range of banks with fickle waves that increase in size as you move towards the swell magnet of The Bluff at the northern end.

Stay:
Ahipara Sunset Lodge, www.ahiparasunset.co.nz
A contemporary beachside apartment (sleeps 2-5) with views over 90-mile beach; owned by a surfing family who will point out the best waves.

Surf Coaching:
www.surfcoaching.com
Hailed as New Zealand’s top surf coach, Mark Shanks of Good Vibrations Surf School has been surfing the local breaks for 15 years.

Other Adventure Activities: www.ahipara.co.nz/adventurecenter
Quad-biking, sandboarding, kayaking, blo-karting,
mountain biking, fishing, 4WD trips

WEST COAST
Raglan
The series of point breaks that lie just west of this laidback coastal town (just outside of Hamilton) are some of New Zealand’s most consistent and popular surf spots. On a south-westerly swell Manu Bay boasts three classic breaks, and when the swell drops on the points, Ruapuke beach to the south, and Wainui Beach to the north can still pick up some decent waves.

Stay: www.surfdames.co.nz / www.sleepinglady.co.nz
If you want a bit of luxury and pampering on a girls surfing trip the Surf Dames Lava Lounge or one of the plush Sleeping Lady Lodges (sleep 2-12 and cater for couples, families and groups) are for you. If it’s just a budget bed you’re after then head to the main lodge (www.karioilodge.co.nz).

Surf School: www.raglansurfingschool.co.nz

EAST COAST
Gisborne
New Zealand’s hardcore surfing city, 6 hours from Auckland, is home to a plethora of breaks and a high concentration of the country’s top surfers. With a 180-degree swell window and an assortment of reefs, beaches, points and bars facing different directions, there’s always an uncrowded wave to be found. The main succession of breaks runs from North Makorori, along Wainui and back to town’s Waikanae beach. There are plenty of challenging breaks for experienced surfers – such as The Island that can be only reached by paddling, boat or walking at low tide.

Stay:
The Whales, www.whales.gisborne.net.nz
An exclusive beachside B&B hosted by the owner. A plush pad and plenty of creature comforts – ideal for couples that want to splash out on a bit of luxury.

Surf Coaching/tours: www.surfingwithfrank.com

SOUTH ISLAND ADVENTURE

Hop on a flight to Queenstown for at least a few days of adventures in the picture-postcard mountains. Queenstown is the mecca for adrenalin activities on a plate, but just half an hours drive in each direction will take to a couple of pure adventure stops a step further from the beaten track.

Arrowtown
At the foot of The Remarkables ski fields lies a historic village that works its magic year-round. Walk the Sawpit Gully track up into the hills, or take the winding trail up to the peak of the Remarkables for gob-smacking views. Check out the Chinese miners’ settlements, take a 4WD trip along the Arrow River, go panning for gold, sip fine Otago wines on the vineyards and jump off the original AJ Hackett Bungy.

Stay: Poplar Lodge, www.poplarlodge.co.nz. Super-comfy yet affordable accommodation with doubles and dorms.

Glenorchy & Kinloch

The area known as ‘the head of the lake’ and ‘the gateway to Paradise’ (Paradise literally being the name of a place), sits on the same lake (Wakatipu) as Queenstown, but has retained the ambience of a tranquil backwater for adventurous and active travellers. The staggering scenery, where much of Lord of the Rings was filmed, is criss-crossed by some of the country’s most famous walking tracks including the Routeburn, Greenstone and the Rees-Dart Track. As well as hiking there’s kayaking, mountain biking, horse-riding, the pure thrill of jet boating (the only noisy commercial activity permitted), and the option of just chilling out with awe-inspiring views at your fingertips.

Stay: Kincloch Lodge, www.kinlochlodge.co.nz.

A charming lakefront heritage lodge with a quality restaurant, smart Heritage rooms and affordable Wilderness rooms.