Youth Surf Camp
4 nights of pure surf fun. Catch epic waves, build confidence, and make lifelong memories.
Countdown Until Our Next Camp!
Local & International Students
The Youth Surf Camp is a surf-focused adventure for ages 13-18 (or anyone in High school) and for all surfing levels.
Designed for local and international students from beginners, to intermediates or those that have never surfed before.
Each day is centered around maximizing time in the water, with expert coaching and a focus on progression at some of Northland’s best surf breaks, including Te Arai, Forestry, Mangawhai, and Langs.
Campers will enjoy all accomodation, 3 meals a day, snacks, yoga, surf forecast, video analysis, water safety education, and a supportive environment,
This camp is all about surfing, learning, and growing both in and out of the water.
All transport included to, from and during camp.
All equipment is provided by Aotearoa Surf or surfers can bring their own surfboards and wetsuits.
Upcoming Camps:
- Tue 7 – Sat 11 April 2026
- Sun 5 – Thu 9 July 2026
- Sun 27 September – 01 October 2026
- Sun 22 – Thu 26 November 2026
- Sun 06 – Thu 10 December 2026
- Sun 13 – Thu 17 December 2026
- Sun 17 – Thu 21 January 2027
- Sun 11 – Thu 15 April 2027
The Youth Surf Camp are custom camps at our own accommodation Aotearoa Surf Eco Pods & Glamping, and are for all surfers or for those that have never surfed before.
- Smaller, custom dedicated surfing camp for all levels.
- Focused more on Surfing lessons at multiple beaches
- 4 night in shared Eco Pod or Glamping teepee
- Bus Pickup and Drop off service available from Auckland Airport, Remuera, Albany, Warkworth or you can Drop off and pickup your camper directly at our accomodation
- Aotearoa Surf will group sleeping quarters by same genders and similar ages and campers can request to be in the same room as their friends
- Full catering breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack times!
Video Analysis Coaching
Awesome footage and playback of your surfing!
We will work through your technique together identifying those small changes to make big improvements
- Wave Selection
- Timing & take off
- Position on the wave
- Body position
- Compressions and speed
- Turns & maneuvers
This is fun, educational and for all surfing levels
11 Te Arai Point Road
Facilities:
- Modern eco-friendly pods and Glamping teepees.
- Kitchen facilities and outdoors dining areas.
- Modern showers and toilets.
- Subtropical gardens.
- Stage featuring yoga deck and training equipment.
- Unparalleled, panoramic ocean views.
- Extensive outdoors spaces
- BBQ
- Waterslide
- Campfire
Please note: if your preferred camp is full, please contact us to get on the wait list should there be any cancellations.
Location
Eat. Sleep. Surf. Repeat.
The Youth Surf Camp is an exciting 4-night adventure designed for young surfers of all levels, making it the perfect opportunity for both beginner and intermediate youth to progress their skills in a safe and supportive environment. Beginner surfers will learn the fundamentals, from paddling techniques to catching their first waves, while intermediate surfers can refine their turns, improve wave selection, and build confidence in more challenging conditions.
With expert coaching, fun beach activities, and a strong focus on water safety, this camp helps young surfers grow at their own pace. Each day is packed with professional lessons, plenty of time in the water, and the chance to connect with like-minded surf enthusiasts. Alongside delicious meals and comfortable accommodations, campers will make new friends, create unforgettable memories, and develop a lifelong love for the ocean.
Multiple Surf Locations
Experience the best of New Zealand East Coast surfing around Mangawhai, with world-class waves at Te Arai, Forestry, Langs, and beyond.
A True Outdoors Experience
Surrounded by nature, our camp offers a unique opportunity for kids to disconnect from screens and reconnect with the outdoors. This connection to nature is not only refreshing but also fundamental in building confidence, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the ocean and environment.
Surfing
Split by levels. Surf lessons twice a day ensuring every participant is progressing and gaining ocean and surfing confidence. All equipment is provided by Aotearoa Surf.
Activities
We complement daily surf sessions with outdoor activities like yoga, fitness exercises, beach volleyball, and surf forecast analysis—all designed to enhance each child's strength, balance, and overall surfing skills. Evenings are filled with fun, from movie nights to campfire hangouts, creating the ultimate surf adventure.
Accommodation
Campers will stay in comfortable eco-friendly accommodations. Choose to bunk with friends or make new ones, creating a fun and social atmosphere that adds to the adventure.
Meals
Nutritious meals and unlimited fruit are provided. All dietary requirements such as vegetarian, gluten free and dairy free can be catered for. Please contact in advance to let us know about any allergies or special dietary requirements.
Getting to and from camp is easy.
When booking choose your preferred pickup and drop off point,
Getting to Camp
- 11:45 am Auckland Airport pickup
- 12:30 pm Shore Rd Reserve, Remuera
- 1:30 pm Albany Bus Station
- 2:00 pm Warkworth Bus Station
- 3.00 pm – Drop at camp
Getting home from camp
- 10.30 am – Pickup from camp
- 10.30 am – Walkworth Bus Station
- 11:00 am – Albany Bus Station
- 11:45 am – Auckland Airport drop off
- 12:30 pm – Shore Rd Reserve, Remuera
Please note: Booking flights? Plan with plenty of time before pickup & drop off times. Need help then contact us
Transport Options
Safety Assured
Aotearoa Surf has been operating since 2002 (23 years +) with an exceptional safety record. We’re Surfing NZ & Water Safety approved for surfing and paddle boarding and have a fully qualified and experienced team. We operate a target 1:6 surfer ratio – one instructor per 6 children dependent on age and ability.
Our surf instructors are highly trained and also surf lifesaving awarded, first aid certified. Our team has a lot of experience managing youth surf camps and large groups.
What to bring
- Bag
- 1x Sleeping bag or Duvet
- 1x Pillow
- 4x Changes of clothes
- 1x Swimwear and towel
- 1x Warm jumper & pants
- 1x Drink bottle and hat (essential items)
- 1x Head torch or torch
- Bathroom supplies, personal effects and any medication (all medication is handed over to camp staff)
- All equipment is supplied, however, youth are welcome to bring their own surfboard and wetsuit if they wish
Our Testimonials
What our clients are saying
Youth Surf Camp | April 2026
Youth Surf Camp | July 2026
Youth Surf Camp | October 2026
Youth Surf Camp | November 2026
Youth Surf Camp #1 | December 2026
Youth Surf Camp #2 | December 2026
Youth Surf Camp | January 2027
Youth Surf Camp | April 2027
Frequently Asked Questions
The Youth Surf Camp package includes twice-daily surf lessons, surfboards, wetsuits, all meals, accommodation, transport to and from camp, and supervision by our fully trained instructors. The camp also features beach games, team challenges, and evening activities designed to build confidence, friendships, and connection among students from all over the world.
Our Youth Surf Camp is open to young people aged 13 to 17 of all surfing abilities. It is ideal for both domestic and international students studying in New Zealand who want to experience Kiwi beach culture, learn to surf, and meet other young surfers in a safe, welcoming environment.
The Youth Surf Camp is held at our Eco Pods and Glamping site in Te Arai, Auckland, one of New Zealand’s most consistent and safe surf beaches. Campers stay at our on-site accommodation and spend their days surfing, learning ocean awareness, and exploring the beautiful Te Arai, Mangawhai, and Forestry coastline.
Each day includes morning and afternoon surf lessons, beach activities, meals, and evening events such as games, surf theory, campfires, waterslides, and surf sessions. Every moment is planned to keep campers active, learning, and having fun in a supportive, multicultural environment.
Safety is our number one priority. All instructors are ISA qualified, first aid certified, and surf lifesaving awarded. We maintain strict supervision ratios and only surf in safe, controlled conditions suited to the group’s level.
No surfing experience is required. Many campers are complete beginners, and we teach everything from ocean safety to standing on your first wave. More experienced surfers are grouped separately to keep them challenged and progressing.
Campers should bring swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, warm clothes for the evening, a hat, toiletries, and a reusable water bottle. All surf gear, meals, and activities are provided, so you just need personal essentials and your sense of adventure.
Yes. We provide healthy, nutritious meals and snacks throughout the camp. Our menus are designed to keep campers energised for long days in the water and can cater to most dietary needs with prior notice.
The camp is fully supervised 24/7 by our qualified instructors and camp managers. Staff stay on-site and are available at all times to ensure camper safety, wellbeing, and support. We create an inclusive, family-style atmosphere where every student feels safe, connected, and cared for.
You can view and book upcoming Youth Surf Camps on our website under Kids > Youth Surf Camp. Camps run during New Zealand’s school holidays and are popular with both local and international students, so we recommend booking early to secure your spot.
