Guided Surf Missions in Aotearoa/New Zealand
surfers looking for a truly original experience
The North Island delivers uncrowded perfection
If you know how to unlock it
Aotearoa / New Zealand is one of the world's great surf destinations: thousands of kilometres of coastline , exposed to swell from every direction, with waves for every level. But here's the truth: it's also one of the hardest places to score without local knowledge.
The forecast changes fast. What looks perfect on the charts can turn onshore by the time you arrive. The best spots are not always easy to access , and conditions can change quickly. And with limited days in the country, every wrong call costs you: a wasted drive, a blown session, a day you can't get back.
The last thing you want is to spend your overseas holiday driving around guessing where to be, watching the swell window close, and feeling like you didn't crack it. You didn't fly to the other side of the world for that.
That is why we are here.
Most photos featured on this website were captured by Gianluca or friend and photographer Callaway Ramsey during our many surf trips around the North Island, documenting some of the best moments in our life. make your surf trip unforgettable
With everything taken care of, all you have to do is show up and let go. No logistics, no decisions, no noise in some of the most untouched nature on the planet. Aotearoa has a way of slowing you down, and when it does, something shifts. You breathe differently out here.
This is not just a surf trip. It is a chance to disconnect, recharge and come home changed. Most people who travel with us leave wondering when they can come back.
“Surfing in New Zealand is a modern version of what surfing used to be” John John Florence
"There are few places left in the world where you can paddle out in total isolation and experience such pure, unadulterated power. New Zealand is one of them" Kelly Slater
Photo by Carlos BunederWe have been driving these coastlines top to bottom for over ten years. When you're with us, you skip straight to the surfing: no searching, no second guessing, no wasted hours.
Time spent searching for the spot is time spent not surfing. We solve that problem before your trip even starts.
We'll take you to parts of this country you would never find on your own. Stunning coastlines, empty breaks, landscapes that you can’t believe are not famous . Surfing is the priority, but the full experience of Aotearoa is what we're really here to give you.
testimonies
We could tell you how good the experience is — but we’d rather let our guests speak for themselves. Here are a few words from surfers who’ve joined us on our North Island adventures.
Gianluca is one of a kind. Gentle soul, big smile, incredible surfer. I’ve spent years chasing waves around New Zealand with Gianluca and he has a remarkable talent for finding mystical waves and threading empty tubes. His connection to the land, to the local people, and to the ocean is truly something special. He’ll make you laugh and he’ll make you the best damn pasta you’ve ever had. You won’t regret going on an adventure with him.
Holden Trnka - Stab magazine editor
I went with Gianluca, a good friend of mine who decided to build his life on the beautiful island of New Zealand. He took me to the best spots, always chasing the best conditions. Somehow, we were always in the right place at the right time.
Thanks to his knowledge and experience, I got to discover some of the best waves I’ve ever surfed.
I’d 100% recommend him as a guide to anyone who wants a real surf trip with a real surfer: scoring epic, lesser known waves and living the full experience, not just the tourist version.
Federico Nesti - Former Longboard European Champion
Gianluca was my only connection in New Zealand and we based our entire road trip around the Surfline forecast for both coasts and his recommendation which route to take to score the best waves around the north island! With the volatility and ever changing weather in New Zealand, we would of had no clue where do go after Raglan if it wasn’t for him! In addition to all the spots around the country to chase waves, he also pointed me in the right direction for some of the best waterfalls, deserted beaches and hiking opportunities so my kids and wife were stoked too! Thanks again Luca we can’t wait to come back!!
Mikey- Owner of Costa Rica Surf Yoga
Gianluca is the expert when it comes to scoring fun waves in New Zealand. My wife and I travelled around the North Island for a short time and wanted to fit in as much as we could. Without Gianluca’s guidance and recommendations, we would have missed some of the best waves around the areas we were traveling through. There’s nothing worse than going to a new place and missing a surf session because you had no clue where to look or how to get there. Gianluca is super friendly and has become a local fixture in the Raglan community. If you’re going to New Zealand and want to make sure you’re looking in the right places for waves, Gianluca is your man!
Sebastian Moreno -Surf travel Advisor
The times I have spent on the roadwith Gianluca have been some of the most joyous moments in my life. Surfing and exploring remote waves in the most beautiful country I have had the privilege of visiting. SSA is more than just a surf trip, it’s an adventure.
Callaway Ramsey -Professional Surf-photographer
Our experience with Gianluca was honestly unbeatable.
From the first time we spoke with him about the trip, talking through what boards to bring and what kind of waves we could expect that time of year, you could already tell how much he knows and how much he cares about doing things properly.
Once we got there, it only got better. Gianluca is an incredible host, but what really makes the difference is the amount of work he puts in behind the scenes. He does deep, detailed research on the whole New Zealand coastline, constantly checking swell, wind windows, tides, always looking for the best possible combination. And if that meant driving, we drove. We were chasing offshore winds and pumping waves from one coast to the other.
New Zealand is huge, wild and not easy to read at all. Without someone like Gianluca, it would have been a lot of guesswork and too much hard work. With him, it just felt smooth, you knew you were gonna be on the right place at the right time.
We already had high expectations for New Zealand, but this trip went way beyond them. And that’s mainly because we did it with Gianluca. We’ll definitely be back!
Gudi and Mark- Serial Surf addicts
