Shipwreck Bay Strandstudio, zu Fuß zum Surfen

You're in the bay, looking at the Wreck. You can't get much closer than this. This is quintessential Kiwi beach living. Studio 1 sits on our beachfront property right on Shipwreck Bay (Te Kōhanga), with the surf right off the front lawn. Wake up, check the waves from the deck, grab your board and go. Kids and dogs welcome.

THE STUDIO
Studio 1 is the biggest of the studios. About 50 square metres inside with a queen, a fold-out sofa bed and a cot available. It's set up for two adults and two kids, and there's room to run around with the beach right there.

Inside you've got a proper full kitchen, WiFi, a washing machine and everything you need for simple beach living. Outside there's a second kitchen in a large covered entertaining area, with a dining deck looking straight down the bay, and a private courtyard to retreat to when beach life gets a bit much. Proper indoor-outdoor flow. You'll cook, eat and sit out there most of the time.

It's a beach place, not a hotel. Comfortable, clean, and set up for people who come here for the ocean. There's one off-street park right by the door.

THE BEACH AND THE SURF
The beach is right off the front lawn. You're on the beach in under a minute without touching your car.

Grab your board and go. If you don't have a board, I'm sure I can find one for you, and there are paddle boards here too. If you've never surfed, this is one of the best places in the country to learn. Sand bottom, long gentle lefts, and I'm happy to get you started. If you have surfed, you already know what Shipwrecks is: Peaks, Mukies 1 and 2, Blue House and the Wreck, some of the longest left-hand point breaks in the world, right at the gateway of the property. Get it on a good day and you'll need a calendar to time your ride.

YOUR HOST
I'm Les. I've lived here my whole life. I surf, paddle board, dive for crays and paua, and fish, and I know every spot on this coast. Want the best wave for your level, a feed, or a beach for the kids? Ask me. I'm around most days, and if I'm not, there's always someone to call.

THE AREA
Four or five minutes puts you in Ahipara village: a great little café, dairy, bottle shop, gas station, decent takeaways, horse trekking on the beach, quad bike and blokart hire, and a golf course. Fifteen minutes more and you're in Kaitaia for the banks, Pak'nSave, pharmacies, Hunting & Fishing, a couple of surf shops and plenty of cafés. Ninety Mile Beach starts right here at the bay, and Cape Reinga, Spirits Bay and the far north are an easy day trip. But honestly, most people who stay here don't leave the bay much.