ORIENTATION

Getting there: The Awarua Guides hunting cabin is accessed via helicopter from Glenorchy, near Queenstown.

Where to stay: The best way to experience and surf this part of Fiordland is riding shotgun with Warrick Mitchell. An Awarua Guides adventure (awaruaguides. com) includes a flight from Glenorchy, delicious meals and a comfy bed, either in the hunting cabin or one of his surf safari tents.

Type of wave: Deepwater Aframe reef break, with leftand righthanders.

Best conditions: The Austral autumn, into early winter, is most consistent; midwinter is cold, but surprisingly good.

Nearest town: Queenstown is less than 80km away as the crow flies or a 15minute helicopter ride.

Things to know: Warrick is as much a teacher as he is a host, inviting guests to go lunging for lobster and gut fish.