Hey dude,
Was there last summer for a few months. I think you can expect to sail a lot of if you have the time.
Obviously you need a car to get to the spots.
There is a dude there who rents gear, really friendly guy, his name is Spencer, but if your there for any longer than a week I would have thought just take your own. Its often possible to take it on the Air NZ domestic flights contrary to their website...
If you go to the TWC I am sure you will meet a good crew.
Prob best to get on here as they guys were pretty helpful:
deepfried.tv/Al