TE ARAI WATER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE
Gear for every tide: surfboards, paddleboards and kayaks from Mangawhai Heads to Te Arai
Mangawhai Heads Surf School rents surfboards, wetsuits, bodyboards, paddleboards and kayaks for periods from 4 hours up to 14 days, with pickup at Mangawhai Heads beach or optional drop-off.
Gear for every tide: surfboards, paddleboards and kayaks from Mangawhai Heads to Te Arai.
On the northern fringe of Auckland, Mangawhai Heads Surf School supplies the kit to chase Te Arai’s waves and sheltered estuaries—an unpretentious equipment hire service with a seemingly endless fleet of boards and long-term rental options for road trips across Auckland and Northland.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Boards and wetsuits for every level
An extensive inventory covers longboards, fishes, mini-mals, shortboards, softboards and bodyboards; wetsuits are available to rent alongside surf and paddle gear so you can suit up on arrival.
Paddleboards and kayaks with safety kit
Paddleboards (9–12 ft) and over 30 open-top kayaks are available; rentals include lifejackets, leashes and paddles, and staff will brief you on technique and local spots.
Short hires to multi‑day road trips
Rentals run from four-hour stints to two-week packages, and soft‑racks are offered for transporting multiple boards—setups designed to support multi-day exploration of Auckland and Northland surf spots.
What the day feels like
What it feels like to hire here
A quick online booking sets the process in motion: collect gear at Mangawhai Heads beach between 8:30am and 5:30pm or arrange a drop-off; whether you want a four-hour starter session or a fortnight of kit for a coast-hopping road trip, the operation outfits you with the board and wetsuit choice that fits your plan.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this hire setup suits
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring sun protection and a towel; paddleboards and kayaks include lifejackets, leashes and paddles when hired, and wetsuits are available to rent.
Soft racks are available for vehicle transport: surfboard soft-racks can carry up to 6 boards, paddleboard racks up to 4 boards, and kayak soft-racks up to 2 kayaks.
Collect or have gear dropped off at Mangawhai Heads beach; pickup hours are between 8:30am and 5:30pm daily, or call to arrange a different location.
Hires are offered from 4 hours up to 14 days with structured rates for multiple durations to suit single sessions or extended trips.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How do I book and can you deliver gear?
Book online to secure equipment; you can pick up between 8:30am and 5:30pm at Mangawhai Heads beach or arrange a drop‑off—call the operator if you need a different location.
What safety kit is included with paddleboard and kayak hires?
Paddleboard hires include lifejackets, leash and paddles; kayak hires include kayaks, lifejackets and paddles.
What are the hire durations and starting prices?
Rentals run from 4 hours to 14 days; example starting rates include wetsuits from $20 for 4 hours, surfboards $50 for 4 hours, paddleboards $60 for 4 hours, and single kayaks $50 for 4 hours.
Do you offer multi-day or long-term rentals for road trips?
Yes—long-term rentals are available for up to 14 days at tiered rates, and the operator encourages multi-day road trips around Auckland and Northland.
Can I transport multiple boards on my vehicle?
Yes—soft-racks are available: they will transport up to 6 surfboards, up to 4 paddleboards, or up to 2 kayaks on a vehicle, depending on the rack type.
Are rentals suitable for children and novices?
Rentals are offered for all ages; paddleboard hires come with a quick intro and tips to get you started, making them accessible for novices.