North Island, or South? We can’t tell you, but we can
tell you this place exists, and it is magnificent.
PHOTO: SCOTT
The land of the long white cloud
also happens to be land of the
long, luscious wave. All of which
are seriously underrated.
Maybe it’s the cold water, harsh
winds, and large fluctuations in
tides that are keeping the surfing
hordes away. Maybe it’s the fact
that New Zealand surfers don’t
like to brag too much about their
home breaks.
“The Kiwi surf culture is you
have to go overseas to score
waves,” says resident photographer
Cory Scott.
“But we’ve seen waves that blow
spots on the CT out of the water and
there is nobody out.”When it comes to scoring in New
Zealand, you’ve got to be flexible
and prepared to rack up some
driving miles to score the waves.
“New Zealand is so
temperamental,” says Cory.
“Surf sessions don’t last four
or five days. You’d usually get two
great days and then your best bet is
to move on.
“The good thing is you can cross
from the east coast to the west coast
anywhere between two-and-a-half
to six hours. So if the winds are
blowing onshore on one side for a
few days, you should pull the pin
and head to the other side.”
Two of the more popular surftowns also happen to be located
on different islands, with Gisborne- home to the likes of Ricardo
Christie and the Quinn brothers –
on the North Island, and Dunedin
on the South. Both have a healthy
mixture of pointbreaks, beachies
and reefs, but both are also uniquely
different from each other.
“Gisborne is probably the surfing
capital of New Zealand. The water is
warmer and surfing is much more
common,” said Cory.
“But if you enjoy the elements
and surfing on your own with just
a sea lion or walrus with you, then
Dunedin is the way to go.”
So what’s the best way to do it?
Give yourself two weeks off work in
autumn, get a campervan, and hit
the road. Not only will you see some
of the most amazing scenery of your
life, there will be tonnes of waves
along the way. But remember to
respect the locals.
“Be friendly and talk to people
when you’re paddling out, especially
if it looks like a quiet local spot,”
Cory said.
“As surfers, the best way to enjoy
the environment is to get around
in a van. Just abide by the rules and
don’t go leaving rubbish.
“If a local comes along and says
you can’t stay there, then respect
their wishes and move on.”North and South Islands
NEW ZEALAND