General Info

New Zealand is 38º degrees south of the equator and has a population just over the 4 million mark. New Zealand is part of the British Commonwealth with a government system very similar to that of England. Our Prime Minister’s name is John Key, we spend New Zealand dollars, drive on the left-hand side of the road and really enjoy beating Australia in any sporting contest.

Gisborne is celebrated as the first city in the World to see the sun. Urban population is approximately 35,000. The economy is based on agriculture, horticulture and tourism.

Taranaki may not be as warm and sandy as Gisborne but she more than makes up for it with wave energy and with that fabulous mountain dominating the scenery. City population is 45,000 with another 55,000 out in the country. Dairy farming and mining for natural gas are the big money earners.

This is an easy, safe and friendly country to travel in. You can drink the water, understand the locals and ride summer waves until it’s time to move on.

Air/Sea Temps
Air temperatures for both Gisborne and Taranaki from Oct – March can range anywhere between an evening, early morning low of 10º up to 30º C. in the afternoon. That equates to between 50º- 85º F. Sea temps for both coastlines will fall somewhere around 15º-18º C. 60º- 65º F.

Wetsuits
A ¾ steamer is recommended and if you’ve got room, tuck in your spring suit too.

Board Transport
Flying in or out of Gisborne with a board any longer than a 7’4” may pose a problem. If you are wanting to bring your long board it may have to get here by road transport or possibly on a later flight. Let us know if this is the case and we will make arrangements. You will be more than welcome to use our sticks until yours arrive.