For those new to the sport of stand up paddleboarding (SUP), lessons are a great way to get out in the water and there couldn’t be a better venue than New Zealand. Below are SUP instructors on both the North and South Islands. For more information and places to go, see our guide to stand up paddleboarding in New Zealand.

 

North Island

Northland Paddleboarding (Bay of Islands)

  • Based in the scenic Kerikeri Inlet
  • Offers a range of lessons from beginner to multi-day courses
  • Also organizes guided trips and custom tours
     

Blue Adventures (Matakana)

  • 1 hour north of Auckland near the Goat Island Marine Reserve
  • Focuses on beaches with flat water for learning the basic techniques
  • Flexibility depending on wind directions and tides for the day
     

Elements Watersports (Tauranga)

  • Lessons in the calm waters of the Inner Tauranga Harbour
  • From beginner to SUP surfing
  • “Twilight Paddleboarding” on Thursday evenings
     

East Coast Paddler (Mt. Maunganui)

  • Mobile instruction throughout the Bay of Plenty region
  • Lessons from learner to advanced
  • “Cross SUP” classes combining paddleboarding, swimming, running and bodyweight calisthenics
     

Rotorua Paddle Tours (Rotorua)

  • Explores New Zealand’s interior waterways
  • Unique selection of lake tours, freshwater spring tours, and hot pool tours
  • SUP options for all abilities
     

Raglan SUPBoarding (Raglan)

  • SUP instruction in the Raglan Harbour and inner bay
  • From beginner lessons to 3-hour guided tours
  • “Down Winder” one-way trips including drop-off and pick-up
     


South Island

Abel Tasman Paddleboarding (Abel Tasman)

  • Based at Little Kaiteriteri Beach with trips throughout Abel Tasman
  • A number of guided trips including Split Apple Rock
  • Family and custom tours available as well
     

Golden Bay Kayaks (Abel Tasman)

  • Located at the quieter northern end of Abel Tasman
  • Guided trips on Tata Beach with the Tata Islands as a backdrop
  • Hourly hire includes safety instruction and advice on technique
     

Christchurch Paddleboarding (Christchurch)

  • One of the few places on the South Island to offer SUP instruction
  • Lessons from beginner to advanced at Lyttelton Harbour, the Estuary, and Pegasus Lake
  • Great place to learn paddleboard surfing in the summer
     

Watercooled Sports (Dunedin)

  • Located in the Dunedin Harbour
  • Lessons include 1 hour of instruction and a 1 hour freedom rental
  • SUP fitness classes every Tuesday morning
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