Beaches, Points and Reefs

For many surfers New Zealand offers nothing less than a surfing paradise. First factor in more than 17,000 km of coastline ranging from long sweeping beaches to tiny, tucked-away coves; then add in a location which places it perfectly to receive quality long distance swell from every direction. The result is a whole which plants it well and truly on the world surfing map.

Surfing in Auckland encompasses all the things which make New Zealand a great surfing destination while adding a few of its own. The whole of the Auckland area lies on an isthmus with east and west coasts never far from each other – in fact just 2 km wide at the narrowest point. This means that if the surf is not happening on one coast it is possible to scoot across and check the other, allowing for a wide variety of wind, tide and swell direction maximisations.

The West Coast

Typically speaking the west coast delivers highly consistent surf, at spots such as Muriwai, Maori Bay and Piha, but you really need to know what you're doing here. Beach breaks may be in the main but don't let that lull you into thinking that means mellow. These beaches are full of rips - treacherous to the uninitiated - while surf tends to be of the hollow and heavy variety. The currents, and at times super-challenging conditions, catch people out on a regular basis creating plenty of dramatic material for the surf life-saving themed TV documentary 'Piha Rescue' filmed at west coast Piha.

However, much as the above may suggest otherwise, this doesn't mean you can't learn to surf here – quite the opposite. Both Piha and Muriwai have surf schools which operate directly from the beach, offering lessons and coaching not just for complete beginners but also for intermediate and advanced surfers. Tide, wind and swell direction all dictate surf conditions and the surf instructors connected to these schools are able to lead their pupils to the most non-intimidating spots for optimal fun learn-to-surf experiences.

There's plenty to do on the west coast once the surf energy has been exhausted or if it goes flat. A walk to Muriwai's southern end offers visitors great views of the cliff and off-shore rock-stack nesting gannet colony. There are bush and beach walks aplenty and also horse riding facilities, as well as a small choice of cafes and restaurants.

Piha's popularity and close proximity to the city has given rise to several places to eat and drink, a surf shop and a general store and even a shuttle service from city to beach which operates twice daily. A network of walking trails meander off into the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park and for those who still haven't had their fill of adrenalin fixes there are such things as canyoning on offer.

While on the subject of west coast beaches it would be impossible to ignore Raglan. Although not actually part of the Auckland region it is only a two hour drive south and with its range of left-hand point breaks which link when it gets big, Raglan is recognised in global surfing circles as a world-class spot. A vast range of activities and a wide range of eating, drinking and sleeping options are all on offer here.

The East Coast

The east coast beaches are far less consistent and can be flat for long periods, especially in summer. Although not true across the board, the breaks here tend to be more beginner-friendly and make excellent learn-to-surf locations.

The typically more sheltered east coast breaks are spread over a wide distance ranging from the Takapuna reefs, just 10 minutes from the city, to Daniels reef and Tawharanui's beach break in North Auckland – a 90 minute drive from Auckland's centre. The west coast beaches have their very own dramatic, black sand beauty but the east coast beaches are closer to most people's picture-postcard ideal of crystal clear waters and golden or white sands. The surf spots also tend to be less developed, offering less in the way of on-the-spot facilities – tending instead towards unspoiled environments surrounded completely by nature.

If you are looking for lessons and/or equipment hire you will find these at Te Arai. There are a huge range of things to see and do around this area which range from a beach walk with an alpaca at Te Arai to pristine swimming, diving and snorkelling at Tawharanui/Anchor Bay.

Auckland Surfing - Need To Know

• Kit - Auckland has a thriving surf community which means should you need to kit yourself out with board and wetsuit there are several options for hiring or buying along with any supplies you may need such as leash, wax, ding repair and so forth.
• Easy access - All of Auckland's west coast surf options are within a 30 - 45 minute drive from the city centre; the east coast options are anything up to 90 minutes away.
• Facilities – The most popular surf spots have a range of handy facilities which include eating and drinking options, lifeguards and surf shops.
• Surf schools – If you have never surfed before but always wanted to give it a whirl there are plenty of opportunities for doing this with lessons offered by a range of Auckland surf schools. www.surfingnz.co.nz has a list of all the Auckland based schools which have industry accredited coaches.

The Auckland region is vast and so too are the number of surf spots up for grabs. With its large number of named breaks along with many more secret spots waiting to be discovered, it would be impossible to mention all of them here - this is just the smallest tip of a very large iceberg.

Either get out there exploring or find yourself a copy of the excellent Wavetrack: New Zealand Surf Guide which rams an impossible amount of must-have surfing information into its small size.

A Ride On The Christchurch Gondola

Ever wondered what New Zealand's 'Garden City' of Christchurch looks like from above? Well, you’re not alone. Today thousands of visitors a year are taking the dramatic journey to the top of Mount Cavendish on the Christchurch Gondola, where they enjoy bird’s-eye views of the city’s central districts and sweeping panoramas of Lyttelton Harbour, Pegasus Bay and the mighty Southern Alps - glowing white with year-round snow on the horizon to the west.

From beginning to end, the lofty trip takes just 10 minutes, transporting visitors from the gondola base in Heathcote Valley to the summit station on the peaks of the nearby Port Hills. Along the way, eye-watering views of the surrounding region begin to unfold; the deep blue of the South Pacific; the sweeping green and brown hues of the Canterbury Plains; the rugged mountain tops of Banks Peninsula. There’s so much to take in, it’s hard to not feel awed by the time your swinging car reaches the top!

But, when it finally does, there’s still plenty to discover. While the much-loved Christchurch Gondola was first opened way back in 1992, it suffered massive water damage during the 2011 quake, unfortunately forcing it to close for refurbishment. However, the lift was reopened in early 2013, complete with a fresh line up of mountain top attractions – from the hands-on Time Tunnel exhibition to the all-new function centre and café.

The first of these, takes visitors on a ride through the metamorphic geological past of the Christchurch region, detailing the times when magma flows and roaring volcanic calderas were first forming the hills and valleys of Canterbury. It also includes a fantastic introduction to the earliest human history of the region, with sections of the exhibition chronicling the plight of the early Polynesian pioneers, the arrival of European explorers and the eventual establishment of Christchurch as a city. With such an immersive take on the past and animated displays to boot, this one’s the perfect place for families and groups with kids!

As another new addition to the summit station of the Christchurch Gondola, the Red Rock Café is also proving a hit. Here guests can sit and sip coffee while wallowing in the 360-degree views that dominate all around, while others will enjoy mulling over their recent purchases from the on-site souvenir shop on the comfy sofas or window-side seats.

But it’s not all laid-back and historical on the top of Mount Cavendish either, because the Gondola station also offers hikers and mountain bikers access to some of the best walking trails and cross-country tracks in the Port Hills area. These include the popular Crater Rim Walkway, which takes approximately three hours and encompasses some magnificent views of the the hilltop sheep pastures on the Banks Peninsula, and the old Bridal Path Walkway, which winds its way down the hillside to the base of Heathcote Valley.

Atop the summit the Christchurch Gondola can get breezy, so it’s recommended visitors bring ample clothing and protection, particularly during the colder months. A single adult ticket costs $25, a children’s ticket just $12 and a family ticket $65 (as of July 2014), while kids under five years old go free. Admission includes trips to the summit and open returns for all before 5.00pm. What’s more, getting to the gondola station in Heathcote is easy, with bus number 28 connecting it directly with the City Bus Exchange.

With its new lease of life and range of all-new attractions, this classic staple of the Christchurch skyline is once more asserting itself as one of the city’s veritable touristic must dos.

So, whether you come for the scenic walking trails or the panoramic views, the historical immersion or just for the ride, you can rest assured that the Christchurch Gondola rarely disappoints!