In teachers' words
School reviews & feedback
Every quote on this page is from a named teacher, team leader or principal at a real New Zealand school, published with their school's name. No stock praise, no anonymous stars.
240+ schools and groups on record
1,400+ Google reviews at 4.85 stars
4.8 / 5 average for instructor quality
9.4 / 10 average for camp professionalism
Colleges & intermediates
The big rolls
Schools moving hundreds of students through a single day, where logistics and supervision have to be right first time.
We have always enjoyed what you guys have done for us... Corne was awesome. He runs things well and work with kids really well.Todd Davidson, Mansfield House Leader Macleans College, roll 3,084
Overall, the camp was a highlight. It was incredibly rewarding to see the students surfing and absolutely loving the experience.Andrew van Stipriaan Takapuna Grammar School, roll 2,266
Watching the student surf for the first time, and loving it.Paul Field, Teacher Long Bay College, roll 1,960
The Glamping Surf camp was a hit with our Year 8s and at this stage, we're very keen to pencil in dates with you guys for 2027 and 2028 to run the same thing.Sydney Verrenkamp, EOTC Coordinator Diocesan School for Girls, roll 1,725
The students 'loved' the surfing aspect of the day very much and then the life rescue. I went to the days twice and enjoyed them very much.Cara Bergin-Stuart, Deputy Principal Northcross Intermediate, roll 1,505
Our Kids said it was the best trip of their primary school experience and were so glad it was their last.Mike Cox, Teacher Pinehurst School, roll 1,146
My Year 8 class was raving about their experience to me today and we have had wonderful feedback in the past.Katy Body, Year 7/8 Team Leader Carmel College, roll 1,103
Really happy with all the instructors and organisation.Mako Wilson Kaipara College, roll 728
Students thoroughly enjoyed the trip and the feedback was very positive especially being their first time on a surfboard. Parents enjoyed themselves on the trip and expressed how well organised it was.Samand Elise Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate
Even though it was hideous weather, it was freezing lol, my year 8's were in there doing it... Toby and Thomas were outstanding and so efficient and quick!Gemma Thompson, Team Leader Whangarei Intermediate School, roll 530
great instructers, awesome dayBrian Evans Wesley College, roll 337
We would love to book again for next year!! Aotearoa Surf had friendly staff dealt well with students.Stephanie Ready Sommerville Intermediate School
Safety, paperwork & organisation
What gets a trip approved
The part that matters to whoever signs off your EOTC paperwork.
What a breath of fresh air your RAMS are. It is surprising how unprepared some organisers are.Nick Roberts, Executive Director International Kaipara College, roll 728
Your instructors acted with calm professionalism and were always alert and following safety measures.Daryl Anderson Wellsford School
We had 32 students in the water at one time, and not once was I worried about their safety... Of the 96 students who participated, ALL of them experienced some success.Lisa Te Haara, Year 7/8 Team Leader Wellsford School
The teachers walked away from that camp saying that it was the best organised that any of us had been on (which is over 20 camps between us!)Sarah Blaney Chelsea School
It went well. The timing was just right, the instructors had a great rapport and felt safe.Craig Smith Hingaia Peninsula School, roll 420
The instructors were organised, clear in their briefing and supported each student to achieve success at each level of confidence and experience that the students came with.Carmel Bartlett Horizon School
Overnight camps
Two nights, three days, nothing left to organise
All of the activities fostered and supported a sense of teamwork... Catering was brilliant, removed the pressure from adults to organise, and accommodated dietary requirements really well. New and high quality gear; tents, stretchers, wetsuits, kayaks, paddle boards.Lysandra Stuart Glenbrook School
We were impressed with the whole thing and just how it made it easy for us as teachers to come along and enjoy the experience with our students.Middle College team Excellere College
Awesome camp and great adaptations to activities to cater for each year level... You have an awesome team! Thank you all so much for accomodating us, being flexible, and making us feel welcome.Dani Logan Ahipara School
Kids loved it all. The surfing and kayaking were definitely their favourites.Briony Hansen Red Beach School, roll 460
Everyone came over to introduce themselves (manager and owner) which showed their commitment to us having a good experience.Jelinda Adams St Mary's Catholic School Papakura
I believe that they were very professional and had great energy. Kayaking was great.Aimee Phillips, Director of Sport Saint Kentigern Girls' School
Primary & intermediate day programs
First waves
The instructors were so great at teaching the students the basics in such a short space of time, that the students picked it up so quickly in the water! We had so many students who had never surfed before surfing that day. It was incredible to see!Jess Lee, Teacher Oratia School
Aotearoa Surf has a special way of relating to children of a range of abilities and backgrounds. Students who were apprehensive or nervous to attend this day ended up having a great time and their confidence and attitude towards beach sport and surfing has improved.Natalie Epsom, Intermediate Team Leader Mangawhai Beach School
Our children absolutely loved the day. They showed resilience and bravery and surprised themselves with what they achieved. Every child was bursting to tell their families about what they had done.Maree Flashman, Year 5/6 Learning Leader St Mary's Catholic School Ellerslie
Us as teachers were amazed at how fast they picked up on the skills that were taught and how much fun they had while learning how to surf.Liz Elia, Senior Teacher Finlayson Park School, Manurewa
We would highly recommend this program to other schools because it's a well-structured, enriching experience that aligns with educational goals. Our tamariki learned surfing techniques, water safety, and environmental awareness.Angela Bell, Deputy Principal Warkworth School
The instructors were amazing, professional and energetic. They managed to get some of our reluctant students to get into the water and try it out... good value for money and would highly recommend to other groups.Matt Down, Deputy Principal Glen Massey School
The team at Aotearoa Surf were awesome with our students, making sure that everyone participated.Chris King, Principal Tomarata School
Our students, staff and parent helpers had a fantastic time and it was a really great opportunity for them to try something that many of them haven't done before. Organisation was fantastic and instructors, likewise, were superb!Jarrod Pihama Takanini School
Your instructors Ebbe and Bowen were awesome and super patient with me and my class. The kids were buzzing!Samantha Simons, Teacher Selwyn Park School
So fantastic to see students who didn't really want to try, standing on their boards so happySarah Te Huruhi School
Excellent day, perfect weather, lovely and casual flow, very calm and lots of reassurance for adults apprehensive about sharks etc, kids really enjoyed the day and were able to have a few turns.Alexia Jacobs, Teacher Te Kura Taumata o Panguru
The feedback from my team and the students was awesome. They said the day ran smoothly and the kids loved it.Sarah Betts, Team Leader Silverdale School, roll 614
How we collect this
We ask every school, and we publish what they say
After every day program and every camp we send a short feedback form. Schools rate instructor quality, safety and supervision, organisation and communication, student engagement, and the experience overall, then tell us in their own words what to keep and what to fix.
The averages at the top of this page come from those forms, and so do most of these quotes. We read the critical feedback just as closely: the beach games, the timings and the camp beds have all changed because a school told us to change them.
If your school has been out with us and we have not asked you for feedback yet, tell us and we will send you the form.
Add your school to this page
Book a day or a camp and see what your students say on the bus home.