Private 2 Hour Surf Lesson at Te Arai, Auckland

Stand on a wave by the end of your lesson

A private 2-hour surf lesson at Te Arai, Auckland's premier East Coast beach, with a qualified instructor who tailors coaching to your level. You'll learn ocean safety, paddling technique, and the popup, then practice riding waves on a sandy-bottom beach with consistent swells. Children from age 4 are welcome. All equipment and sunscreen are included.

The experience

Te Arai is a sandy-bottom beach on Auckland's East Coast with consistent waves that break far more gently than the west-facing breaks, making it the better choice for anyone picking up a board for the first time. A private lesson means your instructor builds the session around your experience, whether you're starting from zero or refining technique you already have. The 2-hour window covers safety and ocean awareness first, then paddling position and the mechanics of the popup, then time in the water riding actual waves.

All equipment is provided: surfboard, leash, wetsuit and rash shirt, plus sunscreen. Your instructor is qualified and experienced, and the lesson is structured so you're not watching a demonstration. You're in the water practicing each step. The private format means no waiting for your turn or adjusting to someone else's pace. The coaching stays focused on what you need to improve or learn that day.

Confirmation comes immediately after you book. Children from age 4 can join. Souvenir photos are available to purchase if you want a record of the session.

What’s included

• Sunscreen.
• all required equipment including surfboard, leash, wetsuit and rash shirt.
• qualified and experienced instructor.
• all taxes, fees and handling charges.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 13:30

AgesAdult (17 to 60 years) · Child (4 to 6 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

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.

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Aotearoa Surf School

Is this one for you?Book this lesson if you're learning alone or with one other person and want the instructor's full attention on your technique and progress. A private session means the coaching stays tailored to your level and pace, not split across a group.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 6 years). Children under 4 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.

What's the water like at Te Arai compared to other Auckland beaches?

Te Arai has a sandy bottom and consistent, gentle waves that break much better for beginners than the west coast beaches. The swells are reliable across different skill levels, which is why it's considered Auckland's top East Coast surf beach.

Will I actually ride waves in a 2-hour lesson, or just practice on the sand?

You'll spend time in the water riding waves by the end of the lesson. The instructor teaches safety, paddling and the popup first, then you practice taking off and riding on actual swells.

What if I already know how to surf? Can the instructor work on technique instead of basics?

Intermediate and advanced coaching is available. The private lesson is built around your existing skills and experience, so the instructor can focus on whatever you want to improve or learn next.

Do I need to bring anything, or is everything provided?

Everything is included: surfboard, leash, wetsuit, rash shirt and sunscreen. Bring only yourself and wear something you don't mind getting wet.