KIA ORA WELCOME TO KIWI SURF EXPERIENCE

KAIKŌURA’S ONLY SURF & SUP SCHOOL

KAIKŌURA’S ONLY SURF & SUP SCHOOL

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Kia ora, I’m Dave

I live to surf and have fun, and nothing beats seeing someone catch their first wave! I’m the owner and head coach at Kiwi Surf Experience, Kaikōura’s only surf and SUP school, right on Kiwa Road across from the Mangamaunu surf break. As an NZQA SNZ Level 2 international surf coach, I’ll keep you safe, warm and having a blast, with quality boards and wetsuits.

My sons help out at the surf school too. They’re both experienced competitive surfers, so you’re in great hands in the water.

Come share my piece of paradise

From first-timer group lessons and one-on-one coaching to SUP sessions, board hire and stays in our surf cabins, I’d love to stoke you out and share the magic of Mangamaunu, where the mountains meet the sea.

Surfer riding a wave with the Kaikōura hills behind

Kiwi Surf Experience is located in Kaikōura on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island, where the mountains meet the sea – no wonder it’s one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s top holiday destinations.

WHAT YOU CAN DO…

It’s all about having the time of your life at one of the most beautiful spots in New Zealand.

SURFING LESSONS

GROUP LESSONS

PRIVATE LESSONS

sup (paddleboard)

THE KIWI SURF EXPERIENCE

Kia Ora From Kaikōura

From the moment you start your Kiwi Surf Experience, you’ll see the passion & enthusiasm we have for the unique NZ surf & beach culture. You’ll soak up the beautiful remote locations, super-cool local characters & of course, the surfing & stand up paddle boarding. Your Kiwi Surf Experience is sure to be the highlight of your time in New Zealand. We look forward to going surfing with you!

Kiwi Surf crew in the beach buggy on the stony beach at Kaikōura

EPIC LOCATION

Enjoy our remote, pristine & uncrowded surfing beaches with incredible mountains as your backdrop. With Kiwi Surf, you’ll experience the most celebrated lifestyle on the planet.

LEARN TO SURF WITH DAVE

Kia ora! I’m the owner, head coach & a full-time wave addict, and nothing stokes me out more than seeing you pop up and ride your first green wave at Mangamaunu. I’ll pick the best spot for the day’s conditions so you’re learning in safe, fun waves. You’ll get top-quality boards & wetsuits, fully qualified coaching and plenty of laughs in the water – total beginner or chasing your next level, I’ll have you grinning ear to ear. Let’s go get some waves!

Private surf lesson student standing up on a wave in Kaikōura

NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

With years of experience, Kiwi Surf has superior instructional techniques to assist all levels of surfers.

INSTRUCTORS

Fully-qualified Instructors with Level 1 Beginner & Level 2 Advanced Coaching Qualifications to ensure you surf at your best.

LOCATION

We’re on the doorstep of the wave-rich Mangamaunu coastline where we have skate park waves to suit your abilities with calm & uncrowded waves too.

EQUIPMENT

With a wide range of boards & wetsuits, we can ensure that you’ll get the best equipment to assist your surfing experience.

SAFETY

Surf safety & ocean awareness is our highest priority, so our instructors will ensure you have a fully safe & totally fun time.

FUN

We @ Kiwi Surf Experience will put you where the waves are to ensure you have the most fun & share the stoked we live for, super blessed.

What our surfers say

Real reviews from people who’ve surfed with us in Kaikōura.

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Savana R. profile picture
Savana R.
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This view is so incredible!! What an amazing place. We enjoyed our stay with Dave who was so nice and informative! The Airbnb was very clean and well kept. Such a dream set up! They also have two cute friendly French bull dogs running around. We will definitely come back and stay!
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M Pf profile picture
M Pf
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Amazing place! Nice and new boards and wetsuits👍😊
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Nina Schoderer profile picture
Nina Schoderer
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Best Spot to surf around Kaikoura! Really fair prices, great Boards and great advice on the conditions of the surf spots. On top of that you can enjoy stunning sunrises and sunset sessions as well as really warm and welcoming atmosphere at Daves place! Thank you!
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Sim Mi profile picture
Sim Mi
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Had two great surfing days here at Kiwi Surf Experience! Dave is the just a phenomenal guy. He drove us to the beach and made it possible that we could have a great sunset and a great sunrise sessions. He really goes out of his way to make sure you have a great experience. The facilities there are spotless and the surfboards are as well. Will definitely come back. Thank you so much Dave for making it possible for us to have the best surfing experience here in New Zealand!
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Darren Seidel profile picture
Darren Seidel
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Great experience with Dave and team. Everyone felt safe and rode some fun waves. Highly recommend.
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Will Seidel profile picture
Will Seidel
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Dave was great! We caught lots of waves and never felt unsafe. Would definitely recommend
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Thoob profile picture
Thoob
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Amazing surf experience!! Dave is an incredible guy, I recommend this place!
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Theresa Stefanie “TE” E. profile picture
Theresa Stefanie “TE” E.
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This place is absolutely amazing! The surfing is incredible (not just for us beginners) and great surf spots right on the doorstep. Dave the owner is such a lovely, laid-back guy. I can't recommend this place enough! We had the best time! Dave was so helpful, renting us boards, giving us great tips, and even letting us stay on the property with our self-contained camper for three nights. When in Kaikoura, make sure to swing by… 🙂

BOOK YOUR FIRST LESSON TODAY

Learn to surf or stand up paddleboard on the best waves the South Island has to offer with
professional surf coach Dave Lyons.

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