"winter"

I'd hoped to find kite surfing here, after seeing some at the Oregon coast. As it happens, it didn't take long. Even in winter, about 6 blocks from home:

I've also been told about a local place that rents gear and gives lessons, which brings me to another item. Kiwis are absurdly friendly. It's fantastic. My running tally so far: days in NZ = 19, unfriendly kiwis = 0.