Surfsup

Mother Nature must have been a SUPer. It's the only explanation for how exquisitely designed Whangamata is for SUPing, or stand up paddleboarding. Not content with one beach to paddle, she carved out two. Still wanting more, she ran her hands along the coast, her fingers scooping the harbour in the north and estuary in the south. But still, she was not content. Finally, she moulded islands from the ocean floor, shaping caves and caverns perfect for inquisitive explorers. Mauro and Katrina get it, they love this place too. So when the opportunity to add Surfsup to their portfolio arose, they couldn't resist. Surfsup is Mauro's baby, while Katrina manages NZ Surf N Stay.

Surfsup offer guided tours to three parts of Whangamata, all with different difficulties. “The estuary is best for SUPing”, says Mauro. “At mid and high tide, the Otahu River is the perfect place for beginners, you can get off and walk in places. The harbour has quiet hidden beaches, but experience helps as there are currents and boats can be an obstacle. The tour to Whenuakura Island is the most difficult and can only be attempted in winds of less than 10 knots and at high tide.”

All tours can also be undertaken in a kayak, or selfguided with a short lesson on how to SUP. Surfsup also hire out paddleboards and kayaks by the hour, and the cost includes a life jacket. 101B Winifred Avenue, Whangamata. 021 217 1201, surfsup.nz