This area is the lowest latitude destination in the Southern Hemisphere, so it is very cold. The south island, like the west coast or Dunedin, has few quality beachbreaks but many right-handed pointbreaks suitable for hardcore surfers. The South Island, also called Te Wai Pounamu has 3,200km of coastline and small population so don’t expect a lot of crowds. Archaeological remains indicate that Moa hunters inhabited the peninsula 900 years ago. For the Maori this is a place of great historical significance. The hills of Scaward Kaikoura Range extend south towards the coast leaving a narrow stretch for railways and road access. The fishing settlement, bird and seal colonies spill out onto the rocky shorebreak, where pods of dolphins and occasionally whales can also be spotted. Even if there are no waves in the country, Kaikoura is one of the best places to stay. Around you will find constant pointbreaks, which break on rocky beaches. Leave now for this exciting surf trip to New Zealand!
Clerence River is more than a right that works with all tides and with small swells from S-SE. Sandy Bay is one of the few beachbreaks in the area. Usually works at low tide and with S swell; receives offshore wind when NE winds are blowing onshore at all other spots.
On the north side of Mangamaunu there is Blue Duck Stream where beachbreaks can be surfed, they are not affected at all by the tide level. The best wave is undoubtedly Mangamaunu , a nice right pointbreak. The fresh air coming down from the mountain creates offshore winds that blow every morning and during the winter they could last all day despite the prevailing NE wind. Large NE-E swells are the result of epic conditions, while S-SE swells create more currents. For those who want more powerful conditions, Meatworks reefs at low tide are recommended. Kahutara could be Mangamaunu’s twin, without her strength and inferior constancy. It holds waves up to 13 ft and it is an excellent right that breaks over a reef of gravel and boulders. Pegasus Bay is well protected from S swells due to the Banks Peninsula; Gore bay is a very popular spot in the summer which offers the possibility to surf many peaks along its 5km length. High tide, SW winds and large SE-S swells wake the point in Port Robinson accessible through the farm land. Motunau Beach works at high tide. Waipara Beach in Midshore Bay is a left point but difficult to access as it is located in a private area and it is under a cliff. The Christchurch city area offers a variety of beachbreaks such as New Brighton , the center of ‘beach’ culture and also the only beach with a webcam. If Summer Bar is working well, most surfers check out Taylor’s Mistake , which is a bit more exposed to swells from E-NE and picks up some waves near the beach. Continuing south there are safe beaches of varying exposure such as Raupo Bay and Hickory Bay which are the most consistent. You can park your car at the farm gate before walking 15min to Magnet Bay , which has been surfed since the 1960s.
Tariff per person, starting from:
| Departure | Point Break Backpackers | Dusky Lodge and Backpackers | Leithfield Beach Motor Camp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double | Double | Double | |
| From 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020 | € 179 | € 189 | € 125 |
Notes
New Zealand is heavily exposed to swells. The west coast receives SW-W swells while the east coast receives SW-SE swells. Between March and October, Canterbury receives 3-10ft S-SE waves that last through the summer. The prevailing NE winds create onshore wind situations during the summer, while the winter is dominated by the SW. The tides have reached a level of 5ft maximum.
How to get there : A visa is required for almost everyone. Main entry is Auckland, Air New Zealand is a surfer-friendly company. The full price to fly from Aukland to Christchurch is $ 188 and the duration is approximately 1h20min. Christchurch is the only airport on the South Island: BA, Air Pacific, Singapore Quantas, Japan. Kairorua is 170km from Christchurch, it takes about 2h 1/2 by car. $ 13 boarding fee.
Getting around : There is an excellent intercity bus service and an efficient railway line called the Coastal Pacific. It is convenient to buy a car for stays longer than three months. The cost of renting a car starts at $ 27 / day (with Omega). Renting a “motorhome” is perhaps the best way to visit all of New Zealand. Gasoline costs from $ 0.76-0.90 / l. You drive on the left.
Accommodation and Food : The 4 categories are Hotels / Motels, Self Contained Hideway, Backpackers, Camping Grounds / Motor Camp, B&B, Home Accommodation, Farm Accommodation. The Surfwatch Lodge in Mangamaunu costs $ 52 / double. The Topspot backpacker costs around $ 20 / double for a cheap room. Kaikorua means “eat the shrimp”. A typical meal costs from $ 10.
Climate : The climate of this area is largely dependent on the Southern Alps in the western part. The climate can change quickly so you need to be prepared. Summer temperatures are warm, from 18-26 ° C, often moderated by the cool NE breeze. Winter is cold with frequent frosts from 7-14 ° C. The NE wind prevails all year round, while SW winds are more frequent in winter. The water is cold.
Nature and Culture: Here you have the opportunity to spot whales, bathe in the natural pool of Hammesr Spring, relax in the French atmosphere of Akaroa. It is possible to ski in one of Canterbury’s 12 locations (eg Mont Lyford, trekking in the Mr Cook region, try flightseeing from Lake Tepako or enjoy the beauty of Christchurch, the garden city).
Dangers and annoyances : Shorebreaks on gravel and boulders can be scary at high tide with some swell, be careful when entering and exiting. Seals are common. Get ready for the cold. If you enter a farm property ask the owner, especially during the sheep season in spring.
Tips : Shortboards cost $ 400. Travel with Surf Experience in NZ, they offer 12 days of travel from North to South Island for $ 735 / person (in summer) for up to 5 surfers. Queenstown is the snow capital of New Zealand. Remember that Christchurch is only a 4 hour drive from Kamura on the west coast and from the breaks between Westport and The Greymouth.
Exchange rate 1 EUR = 1.08 USD; 1 € = 1.51 NZD; 1 EUR = 1.41 AUD
Exchange rate variations (more than 3%) will lead to an adjustment of costs. They will be communicated within 20 days of departure.
The tariff does not include
Duration: 8 days / 6 nights
from € 242 - Excluding flights
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Premio Turismo responsabile Italiano 2011
