Aotearoa Surf Film Festival

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Arts & CultureMultiple cities
DatesDates TBA · Usually SpringCheck locally before booking
DurationSpringEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forPerformance, exhibitionsSince launching in 2013 with around ten
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: NZD
CategoryArts & CultureFestival type
The story

Aotearoa Surf Film Festival in Multiple cities

The Aotearoa Surf Film Festival is a touring programme of surf feature films, documentaries and shorts screened across New Zealand's surf regions over roughly twelve weeks each summer. Founded in 2013 by filmmaker Nick Stevenson, it now presents around 26 shows a year in cinemas, halls and outdoor venues, reaching more than 5,000 people annually.

In 2013, filmmaker Nick Stevenson put together a small touring programme of surf films to screen around New Zealand, working with roughly ten shows, most of them sourced from overseas because homegrown surf filmmaking was still a niche pursuit.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Since launching in 2013 with around ten mostly international shows, the festival has grown alongside New Zealand's own surf filmmaking scene to around 26 screenings a year, reflecting a genuine expansion of homegrown surf film production rather than simply growth in audience demand

02

The mystery stays covered

Its touring format takes films directly into New Zealand's surf communities, from large free outdoor screenings that draw thousands in places like Takapuna to intimate cinema nights in smaller coastal towns such as Kaikoura and Whangamata, meaning the festival's character shifts significantly from stop to stop

03

The city starts moving

Films are judged on cinematography, storytelling, surfing content, innovation, environmental message and soundtrack, giving the festival's programming a set of stated values around environmental consciousness alongside pure surf spectacle

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Founded by surf filmmaker Nick Stevenson in 2013

Water and renewal

Living ritual

the festival is built around New Zealand's strong regional surf communities and increasingly showcases homegrown surf filmmaking alongside international work

The sacred route

Living ritual

reflecting the growth of the country's own surf film production

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually Spring

Getting around

Choose the specific local site for Aotearoa Surf Film Festival first, then plan transport around that route.

What to wear

Casual, beach-community clothing is standard; outdoor screenings held near the coast call for a warm layer once the sun goes down, since most shows run into the evening.

Safety

At Aotearoa Surf Film Festival, agree on a meeting point and plan food, water and the return route before crowds thicken.

Where to stay

For Aotearoa Surf Film Festival, stay near the part of Multiple cities you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Tickets/cost

Official ticket link is available. Confirm access rules before booking.

Language/currency

NZD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map36.85 S, 174.76 EOpen in Google Maps

Multiple cities, Nationwide, New Zealand

Nearest airportCHC — Christchurch
TransportChoose the specific local site for Aotearoa Surf Film Festival first, then plan transport around that route.
Stay areaFor Aotearoa Surf Film Festival, stay near the part of Multiple cities you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Multiple cities via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Multiple cities, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for festival season.Compare faresFestival gearCasual, beach-community clothing is standard; outdoor screenings held near the coast call for a warm layer once the sun goes down, since most shows run into the evening.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for New Zealand and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Aotearoa Surf Film Festival?

Aotearoa Surf Film Festival is listed for Multiple months · Spring. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Aotearoa Surf Film Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Multiple cities, New Zealand. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Spring is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Multiple cities, Nationwide, New Zealand

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLasff.co.nz
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually Spring
Source statusOfficial source linked
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