5 Day Taranaki Wave Classic Trip - The Best Windsurf and Wing Foil Surfari in Oakura, New Zealand
New Zealand Windsurf and Wing Foil Surfari
The Taranaki Wave Classic trip is the biggest and oldest windsurfing event in New Zealand. With around 80 entries in the last few years and a lot of non-windsurfing partners attending, you can be sure to make new friends! So come on a four-night Taranaki Wave Classic trip for a windsurf, wing foil wave weekend holiday, the undisputed wild west that is Taranaki. With its 270° exposure, the Taranaki coastline offers great wave-sailing conditions in nearly any wind direction. This trip is all inclusive, meaning you don’t need to do a thing except book the trip and turn up!
Highlights
- Sailing location and advice
- Weather conditions knowledge and advice
- Taranaki Wave Classic event entry fee
- Accommodations within walking distance of the TWC base
- Suitable for intermediate to expert wave-sailing windsurfers and wing foilers
- Breakfasts, packed lunches and dinner included
- 4 nights accommodation
Skill level
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Styles
Accommodation
The Water Nomads accommodation in Taranaki is a big private house over 2 levels. Upstairs are 3 bedrooms, the main living area, a big dining table, and the kitchen where our private chef prepares the meals for you. Downstairs are 3 more bedrooms and another smaller kitchen and living area. All the bedrooms have comfortable Queensize beds. All linen and towels are provided.
The accommodation is within walking distance of the Taranaki Wave Classic (TWC) base, and just across the road from Oakura Beach. You will enjoy the large living spaces and comfortable bedrooms.
Program
You are taken on a fully catered wave-sailing windsurf / wing foil adventure to participate in the “Taranaki Wave Classic” event. If you don’t have the right gear, or simply want to try something different. Maybe you wish to try the latest offerings from Severne or Starboard, AXIS or PPC? Water Nomads can provide, by prior arrangement, board and gear rental on site.
Itinerary
The Taranaki Wave Classic Trip itinerary is pretty relaxed, and the flow is usually dictated by the wind forecast.
The first evening there is no fixed schedule. Access to the accommodation will be from 4pm. Everyone is travelling, and arrive as their schedules allow. Some take the day off with the plan on being up early for a Taranaki session, or looking to get a session in on the journey. Others arrive late post work. Early arrivers can opt to sort themselves dinner, or pitch together for a local takeaway meal enjoyed at the accommodation.
The following day's breakfast is agreed upon, usually between 8-9am. The fresh coffee stops when you stop drinking it. Your lunch is provided individually packed to give you the freedom should you wish to spit up, or just enjoy at your leisure. The evening meal starts when everyone is refreshed and ready. This is usually agreed around 7pm.
The last day finishes when you are ready to leave, again you have your packed lunch. Play hard, or enjoy a sweet session on the way home.
Your trip is self-drive
They respect your independence throughout the surfari so you are provided with a hearty lunch individually packed each day.
You are provided with spot location, weather condition advice, and Water Nomads maintain contact with you even if you choose an alternate location to explore. You are not treated like a school group nor do they guide your every movement. They ensure you are at the right place at the right time. It is however ultimately your judgement on your ability to sail in the presented conditions.
Where can you sail
The Taranaki Wave Classic Trip sails at a variety of great spots with very specific wind conditions that offer epic wave-sailing. You don’t need to be a superhero wave sailor to participate, as this is not a competition, but rather a huge social event, with everyone having fun and sharing tips. No heats, no judging, just go out and sail, surf or SUP until you drop!
Waitara Beach
Their favorite go-to reef break with a gentle lagoon entry. One of the best locations in the country for intermediate sailors wanting to venture into the waves. At the same time seasoned advanced wave hunters can be riding stunning long reef breaks nearly all day!
Weld Road
Just south of Oakura is a beautiful black sand beach providing a little something for everyone. Wingfoil, windfoil, windsurf, SUP or surf with gentle swells and rolling breaks close to your accommodation.
Further down the Surf Highway Coast
Legendary and a favorite for any seasoned wave sailing windsurfer. The coarse sand (i.e. big bouldery bays) can be intimidating, but with a few tips from Water Nomads you can be riding some of the best breaks in the world!
Skill set
This trip is suitable for intermediate to expert wave-sailing windsurfers and wing foilers. To have fun on this trip, you should at least be able to:
- Be competent and confident water-starting
- Be sailing in footstraps and harness
- Be able to get back to where you started from
Due to the nature of the sailing locations, Water Nomads can usually find sheltered areas for less experienced people. At the same time, more experienced people can be out blasting and playing in the rolling swells and waves. They will point you to the best spot for your skill level.
For keen surfers: Famous breaks such as Stent Road are only about 30 minutes drive from your accommodation.
Please note: Water Nomads currently do not offer lessons or tuition on this trip. If you’re not sure if this trip suits you, please don’t hesitate to send an inquiry.
Location
You will stay in Oakura, New Zealand.
Taranaki
Due to its latitude and the influence of the Taranaki volcanic mountain cone, Taranaki has the country’s best swell and wind exposure to the prevailing frontal weather systems. In spring, the maximum day temperatures vary between 14°C and 18°C though it often feels warmer in the sun if you escape the wind. The average sea temperature of Taranaki Coast in spring is approximately 15 °C.
For comparison, it is much the same as Christchurch summer or Auckland winter sea temperatures.
In spring (September through November) the wind is reasonably reliable with Southeasterly through Southwesterly and Northwesterly. As a rule of thumb you will either be experiencing a Westerly frontal system or an Easterly frontal system. With a coastline exposure of 270 degrees and Mount Taranaki to accelerate the wind, it’s difficult not to have wind/wave/water time.
Due to the nature of the Taranaki Bight, it can be difficult finding wind conditions and water states to suit everyone's expectations. This is where Water Nomads' expertise will pay dividends on any given day.
If there is a day of light conditions, there is always a surf/SUP-surf possibility on any one of the famous surf breaks of the Taranaki Surf Highway.
Food
You will be provided with the following meals:
- 4 continental breakfast
- 4 individually packed picnic lunches
- 2 dinners with complimentary glass of wine
- 1 Sunday social dinner and drinks (as included in the TWC entry)
Your wholesome catering
It starts with a continental breakfast, artisan bread and fresh brewed espresso coffee to your taste (or tea!).
A hearty lunch is individually packed to allow you freedom to eat when you please.
The day finishes with a wholesome meal provided by the private chef including a rich desert and a lot of tall stories around the table!
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Coffee
- Tea
- Alcoholic beverages
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
- Whole food
- Other dietary requirements on request
Things to do (optional)
Your action photographer
Water Nomads take professional action shots of you on the water which are available to purchase at discounted rates.
What's included
- Taranaki Wave Classic event entry fee
- Sailing location knowledge and advice
- Weather conditions knowledge and advice
- 4 continental breakfasts
- 4 individually packed picnic lunches
- 2 dinners with complimentary glass of wine
- 1 Sunday social dinner and drinks (as included in the TWC entry)
- 4 nights accommodation
What's not included
- Airfare
- Airport transfers
- Transport to and from the surf spots
- Professional action photos
- Equipment
- Other meals
- Personal expenses
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Auckland Airport
245 km
Transfer not provided
New Plymouth Airport
23 km
Transfer not provided
Wellington International Airport
256 km
Transfer not provided
Arrival by plane
Please book your flight to arrive at Auckland Airport (AKL), Wellington International Airport (WLG), or New Plymouth Airport (NPL). Rental cars are available. Please send an inquiry for more information.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 14% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through BookSurfCamps.com. All major credit cards supported.