Learn to Surf Retreat on New Zealand's East Coast

Te Arai is a quiet stretch of New Zealand's North Island east coast — no crowds, clean waves, and a mix of point breaks and sandbars that the instructors can match to whatever you're ready for. The five lessons are scheduled around the tides and conditions, so you're not paddling out when it's flat or blown out.

Each lesson is two hours with certified instructors who've taught everyone from kids to corporate groups. The focus isn't just on standing up — though you'll do plenty of that — but on understanding what the ocean is doing: how to spot rips, when to paddle out, where to sit in the lineup. By the end of the week, the idea is that you could rent a board somewhere else and not feel lost.

Outside lesson times, you've got boards, paddleboards, and kayaks to use whenever you want. The property has a yoga area and a stage for events, though this package is surf-focused rather than yoga-heavy. There's a supermarket five minutes away for groceries, and a few cafes in nearby Mangawhai if you want someone else to cook.

The school runs beach clean-ups and uses eco-friendly products — sustainable wax, reef-safe sunscreen — which matters when you're spending this much time in the water. The instructors clearly care about the coastline, and that rubs off on the way they teach.

What's included

- 5 nights accommodation in a private eco-pod - 5 x 2-hour surf lessons with certified instructors - Unlimited use of surfboards, wetsuits, paddleboards and kayaks - Ocean safety and wave reading instruction - Free wifi - Free parking - Access to shared kitchen facilities - Panoramic ocean views from your private deck

What's not included

- Airport transfers - Flights - Meals (self-catered, supermarket nearby) - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Vehicle rental (required for this retreat)