Heading to NZ - perfect time of the year for a trip over that way. What island are you headed to? If you are going for only two weeks and want to take the scenic option then I would suggest you head to the South Island - there are loads of waves all along the east coast from Kaikoura in the north down to Dunedin in the South. There are so many good waves around the Catlans on the south side of Dunedin - your only problem will be finding some one to surf with and waiting for the swell size to drop. You can then head through Queenstown and Wanaka for some scenic beauty then to Milford Sound (an absolute must) and then up the West Coast where there are soo many waves and hardly any crew at all. Los of water moving on the wild west coast and winds from the SW may annoy you - although at this time of the year you could be very lucky and get offshores. Like the deep south there are so many waves on this wild and exposed area. You can finish your trip off with a trip over Arthurs Pass and back to Christchurch to fly out or if you have time head around the top and explore Abel TAsman national park and the Sounds.......beautiful.....did I mention all the vineyards you will drive through - that area is home of the infamous Sav Blanc and several lovely smaller brewers like Macs. Unreal. Don't forget the Pinot's when you go through Central Otago either!
If you go to the North Island then I think you want to play it by the weather. When you get there (probably Auckland) look at the weather map and make a call. I would recommend you stay clear of Raglan - great spot but the boys down there are not fond of SUP and u will be only able to get a few at Manu Bay which is super crowded these days but a top spot. I will annoy you and drop in a few shots of the waves I got at Raglan over xmas if you like.........
Back to the real stuff though - The north island is relatively small by Aust standards - so check the conditions and go for a drive. At this time of the year you will get east swell across the bay of plenty and all te way up the coromandle - the later having loads of great spots for SUP. You may also get yourself some waves north of Auckland on the east coast all the way to the top - if there is swell you will have a ball.....not too mention the mighty fine West Coast options - especially at te south end of 90 mile beach where when there is enough swell you will get rides longer than your legs can handle - enough said.....I reckon the best spots though are Taranaki on the West Coast - 4 hrs south of Auckland tops (you can hit Raglan on the way through) which has more waves than you can shake a stick at.........unbelievable set ups. Basically they are all points and reefs. A heavy local crew at some spots but there are so many it will not be an issue. Every road to the beach has good setups and some roads have 3 or 4 spots! Heaven. The SW wind though can kill you. If you make it that way make sure you find your way to "The Patch" - it would be unreal on a SUP and would save you the 30 min walk with your surfboard as you could just paddle!!!!
Gissy is the other spot - the whole east coast has great waves at this time of the year but from Mahia through to the top of the east cape you will find loads of waves and stuff all people - especially mid week now the schools are back.
Anyway if you need any other more specific details PM me and I will share - reluctant to give too much away - what I have just said is pretty common knowledge though.........so no dramas there!
Anyway here a few snaps from my trip back home in December.........Heaven!!!!!
By the way I hope you like going left as NZ has soo many sick setups!!!!!!
