The 7 Best Surf Lessons in New Zealand

1.2 Hour Surf Lesson – Te Arai Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 119 reviews · from $50Our pick

Meet Aotearoa Surf School at Te Arai Beach for a two-hour lesson covering safety, paddling, ocean awareness, timing, and the pop-up. Your instructor provides the board, leash, wetsuit, rash shirt, and sunscreen. Lessons suit beginners through advanced surfers, with groups capped at 12 and pickup offered.

“We booked four days of private lessons with Maya and couldn’t have asked for a better instructor. She handled different levels with ease — from beginner to intermediate — and was wonderful with our 7-year-old daughter who was just starting. Thanks to her great advice and sharp eye, we all got up and caught waves. Big thanks to Maya!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Group Surf Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 79 reviews · 2 hours · from $56

Meet Raglan Surf School at the red truck and wooden trailer in Ngarunui Beach carpark for a two-hour beginner lesson. You’ll learn board handling, wave reading, paddling, standing up, and surf safety before heading into the water. Instructors such as Holly, Ollie, Sarah, and Buddy have helped beginners build confidence and catch their first waves.

“We had an awsome day. Sarah and her Buddy Are great teachers. They know how to teach beginnend to stay quickly on the Board for a few seconds😀. You feel, that they love their Job. Thanks a lot for this great experience!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Auckland: Group Surfing Lesson with Muriwai Surf School

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 34 reviews · 2 hours · from $41Best value

Spend two hours learning surfing at Muriwai Beach, about 40 minutes from Auckland City. A qualified English-speaking instructor covers equipment, beach safety, standing technique, and wave selection before helping you catch rides. Groups are limited to 10, with a board and wetsuit included. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water.

“Jacob was amazing and really helped me as someone who has never surf in my life. He explained very well & gave great assistance. I had an amazing time.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Queenstown: White Water Surfing Along the Kawarau River

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 30 reviews · 4h 30m · from $164

Ride a bodyboard through up to 12km of the Kawarau River, tackling grade 2 to 3 rapids, standing waves, whirlpools, and underwater currents. Serious Fun Riverboarding supplies transport, a 5mm wetsuit, helmet, life jacket, wet shoes, board, snacks, and an English-speaking guide. Expect about 1 to 1.5 hours in the water.

“So much fun and the guides took such good care of us. What a fun unique experience.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.2 Day Surf Lesson Package

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 6 reviews · from $98

Meet the Raglan Surf School team at the red truck and surf trailer in Ngarunui Beach carpark. Over two consecutive two-hour lessons, you’ll learn surf theory, practice in the water, and receive ongoing help from English-speaking instructors. The package includes your board and wetsuit, with groups limited to six people.

Check availability →Read our full review

6.2 Day Surf Lesson & Rental Package

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 5 reviews · 2 hours · from $74

Meet Raglan Surf School at Ngarunui Beach for a two-part introduction to surfing. An English-speaking instructor teaches board handling, waves, paddling, standing up, and safety in a group of up to six. The next day, use the included board and wetsuit to practice on your own.

“2ème jour conditions météo non favorable au surf (absence de vagues)”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Private Surf lesson 2:1

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $81

Meet the Raglan Surf School team at Ngarunui Beach for a private two-hour lesson with one coach and one or two students. You will receive a wetsuit, board, and focused instruction suited to your level, from first-time basics to stronger surf skills. Bring swimwear and a towel.

“Very skilled and friendly instructor. We had never done this before, but got good help so we managed to get up in the end :) Recommended for anyone who wants to try surfing!”

Check availability →Read our full review