Stand up paddleboarding (SUP) started in ancient Hawaii, had a modern resurgence led by surfers, and since has exploded as the world’s fastest growing water sport. The list of the top stand up paddleboarding destinations is evolving but one thing is certain: New Zealand is on it. For novices, flat water is ideal and New Zealand has countless bays and sheltered waterways with outstanding scenery. Stand up paddleboarding lessons and rentals are burgeoning to keep pace with demand. For those with experience, New Zealand has over 15,000 kilometers of coastline with a wide variety of water conditions and waves to choose from. It’s an exciting time to join New Zealand’s stand up paddleboarding movement. Similar to surfing, the sport meshes well with kiwi culture and it’s hard to find a surf shop that isn’t doubling down on SUP. This time it’s likely here to stay.
 

Best Places to SUP in New Zealand

Bay of Islands (North Island)
With warm weather throughout the year, hundreds of sheltered bays and inlets, and spectacular views, the Bay of Islands was made for stand up paddleboarding. Russell is great for beginners and it’s easy to cruise the surrounding waters and create your own Bay of Islands SUP itinerary.

Auckland/Bay of Plenty (North Island)
New Zealand’s eastern coastline generally has the calmest waters, and the areas north and south of Auckland have emerged as top-notch stand up paddleboarding destinations. One hour north of the city is Matakana and the Goat Island Marine Reserve. Less than three hours south of Auckland are Tauranga and Mt. Maunganui. All of the above are active in the New Zealand SUP scene.

Rotorua (North Island)
Rotorua offers some of New Zealand’s most unique stand up paddleboarding experiences. Instead of the usual coastal bays, paddling in Rotorua involves a mix of lakes, narrow channels, freshwater springs, and hot springs. Some of the best places to go are Lake Rotoiti, Lake Tikitapu, and Lake Tarawera.

Abel Tasman (South Island)
Bright yellow kayaks traditionally have dominated Abel Tasman, but there’s no reason that stand up paddleboards can’t coexist. The park has terrific weather and some of the most settled conditions in New Zealand. All told, there may be no better way than a paddleboard to explore Abel Tasman’s translucent waters, rocky outcroppings, and wildlife. 

Christchurch (South Island)
Stand up paddleboarding hasn’t made as big of a splash on the South Island due to the colder conditions, but when the sun is shining Christchurch is a great place to learn. It’s one of the few places on the South Island outside of Abel Tasman to offer SUP lessons, and once you become confident on flat water, paddleboard surfing is available too.
 

Paddleboard Lessons and Rentals

North Island

SUP Centre (Auckland)

  • Located near the Auckland city center
  • 4 different types of paddleboards to choose from
  • Soft roof racks available for easy transportation
     

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
     

Catlins Surf (Curio Bay)

  • Located at the Curio Bay campground near the beach
  • Rentals include instruction and all SUP equipment including wetsuits, lifejackets, and accessories
     

Seasons/When to go

Stand up paddleboarding, like other water sports, is most enjoyable in good weather. The summer months from December through March bring the warmest conditions; air and water temperatures in New Zealand decrease from north to south. The majority of New Zealand’s stand up paddleboarding activity is on the North Island, although there are plenty of places to explore on the South Island with less people in the water. 

Powered by Drupal

Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown has been dubbed the “Adventure Capital of the World” and the reputation is well earned. In close proximity are seemingly endless adrenaline-inducing activities such as bungee jumping, skydiving, jet boating, whitewater rafting, heli-biking...

Fiordland, New Zealand

When people imagine New Zealand, the scenery of the Fiordland Region often comes to mind. Situated in the southwestern corner of the South Island, Fiordland is dominated by the verdure of rainforests blanketed in ferns, the snow...

Fox Glacier's Best Hiking Trails

Many visitors to Fox Glacier pay for a guided walk on the ice, but there also are a number of free hiking trails that lead to excellent viewpoints. All of the trails listed below are within close proximity to the Fox Glacier...

Mueller Hut

There is a strong argument that Mueller Hut is the best public cabin in New Zealand. Perched at an elevation of 1,800 meters with 360-degree views of Mt. Cook and the surrounding peaks, the alpine scenery...

Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand

Located at the top of the South Island east of Abel Tasman National Park, the Marlborough Sounds are as easy going as anywhere in New Zealand. Most of the wooded hillsides and peaceful bays are inaccessible by road...

Best DSLR Cameras of 2019

Digital SLR cameras are among the best of the best: they have the largest sensors, the most megapixels, and the highest quality selection of lenses. We break down the leading DSLRs on the market from...

Best GPS Watches of 2024

For hikers and mountaineers alike, a quality GPS watch is a worthy addition to your gear collection. Built to handle the extremes, GPS watches have a distinct look with durable, scratch-resistant faces and large screens flanked by glove-friendly...

Best Hiking Boots of 2024

Hiking boots are critical to your comfort and performance on the trail, but this no longer means a stiff and burly model that will weigh you down. The trend is toward lighter materials that still offer decent support, and waterproof boots...

Best Mirrorless Cameras of 2020

The mirrorless revolution is in full swing. These impressive digital cameras pack large image sensors into compact bodies, offering some of the best image and video quality on the market with less bulk than a DSLR...