New Zealand Surf Trip: Road Trip & Adventure in a Camper

Our Adventure Crew member Yanneck Konda is a professional snowboarder. But in the midst of winter (!), he was drawn to a road trip through New Zealand.

It is what it is: curiosity and the thirst for adventure outweighs logic and reason. So, Yanneck followed the SUNLIGHT and experienced what he describes as “the most impressive road trip I’ve ever taken in such a short time.”

As a snowboarding pro, work hours are clearly defined: ALWAYS! At least during the winter months (including May). This is specially true when you’re working on a massive film project and you’re not just traveling from Tux to Laax, but also to Japan and China—anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere.

No professional winter athlete would ever consider flying to the Southern Hemisphere’s summer. NEVER! Unless of course…

“For surfers, New Zealand is a dream destination for sure. Because there aren’t that many people at the spots. Half of Europe heads to France or Spain, which leads to crowded lineups. New Zealand has well-known spots too, but you can drive along the coast and simply look for where the waves are good. There were days when only two of us were in the water—that’s just what you’re always searching for.”

They traveled for two weeks, moving to a new location every other day. They wanted to see as much as possible—even though they would have loved to stay longer at pretty much every spot. Yanneck had never been to New Zealand before. The impressions were as numerous as they were overwhelming.

“Honestly, I didn’t have much of a picture of New Zealand’s flora, fauna, and culture beforehand. And then it was this incredibly intense mix of everything—as if someone had compressed my home region, the Allgäu, with Switzerland, France, and Spain into one country. You drive across green pastures just like back home, but 15 minutes later you’re by the sea with cliff coastlines reminding you of Spain. A bit further, the beach suddenly turns black, and you could be in Tenerife.”

The road trip takes them through suburbs with Texas vibes and hipster surf spots with Indonesian flair. There were places where people seem to live on burgers and fries, others where only flat whites and fusion cuisine mattered, all the way to urban multicultural density in city spaces. And there were always those “most incredible sunsets against the coastal relief.”

But what draws Yanneck so strongly to surfing that he’d actually trade his snowboard during peak season?

“I’ve been snowboarding and wakeboarding for so long so intensively. That has never been possible with surfing. Of course, I love my main sports and I also keep developing in them. But the learning curve isn’t as steep anymore. With surfing, I have a fresh ambition—it’s extremely mission-driven for me and I learn something new every day.”

Learning new things, seeking new experiences, living new adventures—that’s Yanneck’s thing. Cross-country skiing, golf, tennis, football—there’s hardly any sport he hasn’t already practiced intensively. But it’s about so much more.

“My sport brings me to special places. It’s about the culture, the food, and the surrounding lifestyle with the camper. Being on the road with friends, arriving, immersing yourself, cooking, campfires—you truly live in the moment.”

Travelling through New Zealand by camper
ROUTE & TIPS

Mount Maunganui Beach: South of Auckland on the east coast – a good starting point to get into the vibe. Plus: You’re right in the city, but you can park at the beach.

Lake Taupo: Overnight spot by the water; clear, cold lake. Cliff jumping just around the corner the next morning. Reminds you of the Croatian coast with its rocks and beautifully turquoise-green water.

Tongariro National Park: Volcano, proper mountains, sensational sunsets.

Forgotten World Highway: A road winding through incredible nature – no houses, no civilization.

Mount Egmont/Mount Taranaki: Overnight stay and hiking at/on the volcano with views stretching far across the land to the sea.

Mokau: Spontaneous surf spot on the west coast + my goodness, we had a super epic sunset there.

Drive to Raglan: Probably the surf hotspot in New Zealand. With a small stopover at the Bridal Veil Falls.

Piha: One of the most beautiful beaches ever, anywhere.

Muriwai Beach: Watch out for the sharks that are apparently raising their kids in the rocks. (We were spared). And as usual on the west coast: epic sunset!