Most popular
Our most-booked package for a reason. Three nights in a self-contained beachside holiday unit, three group surf lessons and all the gear you need — the simplest way to roll out of bed and into the lineup.
What is a surf camp?
A surf camp is more than a place to sleep and a few hours of surfing. It’s a few days to disconnect from your normal routine, spend more time outside, meet people, learn something new and experience life by the ocean.
Who this is for
This is the one for the solo traveller or a couple of mates who can’t make a fixed camp date and want to rock up on their own terms. It’s built for first-timers dipping a toe into the ocean for the very first time, and for improvers who’ve caught a few waves and want to clean up their pop-up. If you’re curious about surfing the Coromandel — its easy beach breaks, its hidden corners, its salty small-town rhythm — and you want the freedom to explore without a rigid timetable, the Classic is your door in.
A look at the Surf n Stay Classic
Surf N Stay combines
Boutique, beach-focused accommodation.
Qualified coaches, lessons and equipment.
Activities and experiences around Whangamatā and the Coromandel.
A relaxed, social environment where travelers can meet other people.
What’s in the Surf n Stay Classic
You’ll stay in one of our boutique, beach-focused holiday units — self-contained, light-filled and a 300-metre barefoot walk to the sand. Think crisp linen, a kitchen to cook your own breakfast, a deck to dry your wetsuit on, and just enough Kiwi beach-shack charm to make you feel at home. Linen and towels are provided; just bring your jandals.
Three two-hour group surf lessons with our qualified Surfing New Zealand coaches, max six surfers per instructor. We start in the forgiving whitewater and progress you toward catching unbroken green waves over the three days. Boards and wetsuits are yours for the whole stay, so you’re free to paddle out between lessons whenever the ocean calls.
Between sessions, Whangamata is yours to explore. Wander the main street for a flat white and a pie, walk the estuary to the harbour mouth, or take a short drive north to the untouched beach break at Opoutere. Our crew will point you to the best sunset spots and the fish-and-chip shop by the marina.
With a relaxed, social base and small-group lessons, you’ll naturally meet other travellers from around the world. Evenings often end on the deck comparing wipeout stories and swapping surf forecasts — no pressure, no schedule, just good company by the ocean.
At a glance
Good for: First-timers and improvers who want a no-fuss surf trip with everything sorted.
A typical day
No two days at the beach are ever the same, but here’s the rhythm your Surf n Stay Classic stay tends to find — a loose shape you can lean into or bend to suit the swell and the weather.
7:30 am
Wake up in your beachside unit, boil the billy on your own deck and watch the swell roll in. No alarm, no rush — you’re on surf time now.
9:00 am
Meet your coach at the main beach for a two-hour group lesson. We start in the whitewater, nail the pop-up on the sand first, then paddle out together.
11:30 am
Stroll up the main street, refuel at the local café, and let your arms recover. Your board and wetsuit stay with you for the whole stay.
2:00 pm
Paddle back out on your own, or drive north to Opoutere for a walk along the untouched beach break. Your call — the gear is yours.
6:30 pm
Fish and chips by the marina, then back to the deck to compare wipeout stories with the other travellers and check tomorrow’s forecast.
More Surf n Stay packages
Prefer to stay without lessons? Browse our self-contained holiday units in Whangamatā.
Surf n Stay Classic — your questions
Still have questions about the Surf n Stay Classic? Send us a message — we’re happy to help.
Lock in your Surf n Stay Classic and let us handle the rest — the unit, the boards, the coaching and the good times.
