Te Arai Eco Pods & Glamping
- Architectural pods and glamping teepees behind the dunes
- Suits larger groups, up to 40 with glamping
- Walk to a long, uncrowded white-sand surf beach
- Fire circle, outdoor dining, starry nights
6 to 40 people | 1 to 4 nights
Small group surf camps
Your own surf camp cohort: Te Arai Eco Pods and glamping or the Mangawhai Surf Lodge, days built around surfing and beach life, evenings around the fire. From $139 per person per night.
The experience
A camp that fits in one photo
Small groups get what big camps cannot: everyone in the water at once, sessions shaped to your crew, and evenings that feel like your own private beach mission. Surf as the sun goes down, eat together, talk it over at the fire, then paddle back out at sunrise before the rest of the country wakes up.
- 6 to 40 people
- 1 to 4 nights
- From $139 per person per night
- Accommodation + activities included
- Optional catering
Who books this: senior classes, sports teams, prefect and leadership groups, youth and community groups, staff crews, and family missions. Tell us the goal (culture, celebration, progression or just time in the water together) and we shape the camp around it.
Two bases
Te Arai Eco Pods or Mangawhai Surf Lodge
Mangawhai Surf Lodge
- Lodge-style beds and shared spaces near the harbour
- Surf beach, estuary and village all close by
- Ideal for smaller teams, up to 20
Days fill with surfing at your level (our instructors run every session), plus paddleboarding, kayaking and coastal walks. Self-cater in the shared facilities or add our catering; both work.
Small group questions
What group leaders ask
What does a small group surf camp cost?
From $139 per person per night, including accommodation and activities, with optional catering. One to four night options for groups of 6 to 40.
Where do small group surf camps stay?
Two bases: the Te Arai Eco Pods and Glamping, or the Mangawhai Surf Lodge. Each location is chosen based on your group size, and activities are centralised at Mangawhai or Te Arai beaches. Both are amazing locations.
Who are small group camps for?
Groups of 6 to 40: senior classes, sports teams, student leadership groups, youth groups, staff groups and family and community crews. The camp is shaped around your group's goals.
Is it the same safety system as the school camps?
Identical: qualified, Police-checked instructors, stated in-water ratios, full RAMS available for your school, funder or committee. Details on the Safety & EOTC page.
What's the difference between the Te Arai Eco Pods and the Mangawhai Surf Lodge?
The Te Arai Eco Pods and glamping suit larger groups of up to 40 with our additional glamping options. The Mangawhai Surf Lodge suits smaller teams of up to 20 who want lodge-style beds, shared spaces and the surf beach, estuary and village close by. Tell us your group and we'll recommend the right base.
Should we self-cater or add your catering?
If you are a small group, self-catering is best: it is generally easy with continental breakfasts and BBQs and can reduce your overall costs. For larger groups of 30+, either self-catering or our catered option can work. Both locations have full-service kitchen facilities.
What does a typical camp day look like?
Morning energisers, breakfast, a surf lesson, lunch, then another surf lesson or an afternoon activity such as paddleboarding, kayaking, coastal walks or plain beach time. Evenings are yours: fire, food and an early night before the dawn surf. We shape the rhythm around your group's goals.
Bring your crew to the coast
Tell us your numbers, nights and preferred base, and we will send availability and a per-person price the same school day.