YourWave

YourWave is an open-air, inflatable standing wave near Lake Hawea, close to Wanaka on New Zealand's South Island, built and founded by industrial designer Ross McCarthy, who developed the system in his own backyard before opening it commercially in 2023. It's billed as New Zealand's first commercial surf facility, running on a patented inflatable air-chamber design rather than a poured-concrete pool.

The system pumps water over an inflatable, air-filled surface to produce a continuous standing wave adjustable from around 2 to 5 feet, with both left- and right-breaking options plus a mellow beginner face. It runs in deep water, so real boards with fins work the way they would on a traveling wave, and the operator runs it year-round in all weather.

Wanaka-area visitors and locals wanting reps on a real standing wave without a trip to a major city pool. Group sessions suit friends or family traveling together; the deep-water setup and board options make it workable for beginners through more experienced riders chasing turns.

A standard one-hour group session runs about NZD 99 per person (sources differ on exact group size, roughly 4 to 10 surfers), with standard board rental included and premium boards, wetsuits, boots, and gloves available to rent. A private buyout for up to 12 people runs about NZD 799 for the hour. Pricing is sourced from a third-party booking site rather than the operator's own published rate card, so confirm before booking.

Book ahead through the operator or a local booking platform, especially in peak Wanaka tourist season. Bring warm layers for New Zealand's variable weather even though the system runs year-round; boards and gear are available to rent if you're traveling light.