Following the success of Kai Iwi Lakes and Kerikeri development camps, NZSUP brings you the 2026 Hahei Development Camp. This is a two day camp on the Coromandel Peninsula, based out of Hahei. It will be focused on SUP safety, learning to SUP surf, and skill building while bringing connection and fresh-air fun. Many thanks to Pub Charity Limited for making this event possible. Spaces fill fast, be sure to register today!

Hahei is the perfect launchpad for intermediate stand-up paddleboarders ready to expand their horizons and build open-water confidence. Based at the centrally located Tasman Holiday Park, where your coaches will be staying, this camp balances safety with progression, allowing flat-water paddlers to gently step up their skills in a supportive environment.

The program is entirely adaptive; coaches will tailor the instruction to your individual skill level and the daily weather conditions to maximize your learning. The local geography provides the ultimate classroom for this progression:

  • Cooks Beach: Located just minutes away, this highly sheltered spot offers flat water—ideal for checking skills, mastering technique, or escaping the wind.
  • Hahei Beach: The ultimate stepping stone. Its curved coastline allows coaches to choose different sections of the beach depending on the day’s wind and swell, creating a controlled environment to learn the basics of SUP surfing.
  • Hot Water & Tairua Beaches: For paddlers ready for a step up, these nearby ocean beaches offer the perfect opportunity to experience more challenging coastal conditions under expert guidance.

Whether you want to fine-tune your paddle stroke or catch your very first waves, this camp bridges the gap between flat water and the ocean safely.

Dates
2nd – 4th October 2026.
Camp setup and a casual paddle on the 2nd October 2026.

Location
Based out of Hahei, Coromandel Peninsula. See Accommodation and Camp schedule below for more details.

Costs
If you are not already a member of NZSUP, now is your chance to take advantage of a discount at registration and gain access to NZSUP’s member benefits. Click here to join.

NZSUP Membership
Adult
Student
Member
$100
$70
Non-Member
$150
$90

Above costs do not include accommodation or food.

Registration
To Register for the development camp, please click here. 

For full terms and conditions of the development camp, please click here.


This weekend is designed to give everyone time on the water to learn and connect with others in the paddling community. Expect a mix of structured sessions on flat water and in the surf. perfect for fine-tuning technique, trying something new, and getting inspired.

  • Take part in practical, on-water workshops with experienced coaches.
  • Meet other paddlers.
  • Take a board out for a sunrise paddle or cruise at sunset.
  • Learn from off-water chats.
  • Enjoy a relaxed, communal camping experience with good food and even better company.

Intermediate level paddlers – Someone who can comfortably paddle at least 1 kilometer on flat to slightly choppy water, demonstrating confident blade control, basic board-steering skills, and the ability to maintain balance in minor wind or wake.

Please note that U18 paddlers must be accompanied by an adult who must take responsibility for their wellbeing throughout the camp.

You don’t need to camp to come BUT you do need to book your own accommodation for the weekend. Many of the coaches and support crew will be staying at the Tasman Bay holiday Park Hahei. This will also act as base camp so we can meet and inform everyone about what is going on, times to meet, etc…

Book yourself at the campground or at a local Book A Bach or similar. Please remember you need to book your own accommodation.

Tasman Park Holiday Park – Hahei

Ensure all your equipment is packed and ready for camping and paddling.

There are eateries in Hahei and a local general store in Hahei so if you forget anything they may have it.

Talk with your teammates about shared meals and who’s bringing what. Car-pooling is encouraged—great for saving on fuel and easing campsite parking.

This is an indication only and will be modified as required by coaches depending on weather, participants and water conditions.

⛺ Friday, October 2
  • All Day: Turn up, Set up camp and settle in. 
  • Afternoon: Optional paddle in front of the Tasman Holiday Park (calm, flat water) if enough participants arrive early enough as sunset is at 7:30pm
 
🏄 Saturday, October 3
  • 9am start for Morning Workshops: Workshop include On and Off water sessions
  • 12:00 PM: Lunch and downtime.
  • 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Dry Workshop (Land) & Wet Workshop Sessions.
  • 5:30 PM: Organize dinner and enjoy some downtime.
  • Evening: Dinner and swim at Hot Water Beach (Optional). Bindy will have a few shovels so we can dig a hole to relax in
🚗 Sunday, October 4
  • 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Camp pack-up and check-out for campers.
  • 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Final on and off water workshops

You will need to bring your own equipment. This includes:

  • Paddleboard
  • Lifejacket – Unless SUP Surfing, every paddler must wear one a life jacket (we will have some that you can try out over the weekend). Belt packs are not permitted to be used.
  • Paddle
  • Leash – Both a coil leash and a straight leash with ankle strap.
 

If you need to hire equipment for the camp, please contact either: