Family Surfing Lesson Mount Maunganui: Learn Together

Your kids learn to stand and ride in shallow water with a Surfing New Zealand-certified instructor watching the whole family.

A family surfing lesson in Mount Maunganui for ages 10 and up, with certified instructors, boards, wetsuits and sunscreen included. Groups stay under eight so each person gets personalized tips. The lesson runs 90 minutes: a safety briefing and paddling practice on the sand, then guided practice catching waves in shallow water. Minimum four family members per booking to qualify for the discounted family rate.

The experience

The lesson starts on the sand with a safety briefing and step-by-step instruction in paddling and standing on the board, so nobody enters the water without knowing what to do. Your Surfing New Zealand-certified instructor then guides the group into the shallow water where the actual learning happens. Each family member gets encouragement and real-time tips as they paddle out and catch waves. Because groups max out at eight, the instructor can watch each person and adjust the coaching to what they need in that moment.

All equipment comes with the lesson: surfboards, wetsuits and sunscreen. Bring swimwear, a towel and enthusiasm. The 90-minute session fits into a morning or afternoon without eating the whole day, and Mount Maunganui beach sits right next to the break, so there's no travel time once you arrive. The location is widely regarded as the safest place to learn to surf in New Zealand, with the kind of gentle conditions that let beginners actually progress instead of just survive.

The minimum group size is four people to lock in the discounted family rate, and the lesson suits anyone from age 10 with basic swimming ability. Kids and adults learn side by side, which is the whole point. You're building something together in the water, not sitting on the beach watching someone else's family have the experience.

What’s included

• Surfboard and wetsuit for each participant.
• sunscreen.
• instruction from a Surfing New Zealand-certified guide in English.
• personalized coaching in a small group of up to eight people.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 11:00 and 13:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (10 to 17 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by House Of Surf

Is this one for you?You're booking a shared lesson where your whole family learns to surf together in the water, not a private one-on-one session. The small group size, max eight, means the instructor can give each person real attention, which matters when kids and adults are learning at different paces. If you need a private lesson or one-on-one coaching, look for a different option. If you want your family in the water together with expert eyes on everyone, this is built for that.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

1 verified traveler review

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 17 years). Children under 10 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can my 10-year-old actually stand up on a board in one lesson?

The lesson teaches paddling and standing on the board step-by-step on the sand first, then guides practice in shallow water where the conditions let beginners progress. Whether your child stands up depends on their balance and nerve in the moment, but the instructor's job is to get them as close as possible and build the skills that make it happen.

What if some family members are experienced and others have never surfed?

The lesson is tailored for all skill levels, so experienced surfers and complete beginners work in the same group. The instructor adjusts coaching to each person's level, which is easier to do in a small group of eight or fewer.

Do we need to bring our own wetsuits and boards?

No. Surfboards, wetsuits and sunscreen are all included. Just bring swimwear, a towel and sunscreen if you want extra protection, though sunscreen is provided.

How long is the actual lesson, and when does it start?

The lesson runs 90 minutes total, including the safety briefing and sand instruction. Specific start times depend on the session you book at checkout.

Is Mount Maunganui beach easy to get to without a car?

Public transportation options are available nearby, and transportation options in the area are wheelchair accessible, so you have choices beyond driving yourself.