Hydro Building St Clair Dunedin New Zealand

Hydro Surf Our Philosophy

Hydro Surf, established in Dunedin 1985 is now one of the oldest and last ‘original’ surf shops in New Zealand, starting in an era where equipment was still made at home in the workshop. Staying in business for all these years is not easy, particularly up against the cold harsh conditions we face being the closest to the South Pole. We have only been able to achieve this by staying true to our own passion for surfing and commitment to running a business focused on catering for the varied and challenging needs of the environment around us. Our collective knowledge garnered here over 40 years has proven to be very useful throughout New Zealand and is highly sought after with special inquiries coming in all day, every day, from all four corners N, E, S and W. We are 100% locally owned and operate from a small site, but our extensive offering instore and online of specialised, quality surf equipment and exceptionally styled, functional clothing and accessories is second to none. This is because our knowledge of and involvement using, trading, and development of surf products and brands is un parallel anywhere in New Zealand. Got a question, fire away?

Our trading labels include, but are not limited to:
Wetsuits – Xcel, O’Neill, Rip Curl and Patagonia
Clothing – RPM, Deus, Brixton, Rollas, Stussy, Neuw, Rhythm, Rusty, RVCA
Accessories – Burton, Otis, Bellroy, Reef, Vans, Havaianas, Aloe Up, Surf Ears, Rip Curl
Surfing Hardgoods – FCS, Gorilla, Solarez, Gath, JS, Rusty, Lost, Torq, Softech
Skate – Globe, Blind, Enjoy, Darkstar, Deca, SDS

After operating from several site locations across Dunedin, In September 2015, Hydro transitioned through a complete cycle and re-located to our original building at St Clair Beach where we started over 30 years ago. Adding to the turn full circle, Hydro is now also managed by the founding owners’ youngest son, Leroy Rust.

The Hydro Building The Esplanade St Clair Beach Dunedin New Zealand

The Building

Over the past 90+ years thousands have enjoyed The Hydro. In the 20’s as The Hydro Grand Hotel, stylish dine and dance parties and weddings at the Hydro Tearooms in the 30’s & 40’s, then courting and chocolate sundaes at the Candle Light Coffee Lounge during the 60’s and 70’s.

We purchased the building in 1985 and restored it and opened Hydro Surf, Dunedin’s first surf shop. Today it also boasts Dunedin’s finest Italian Restaurant The Esplanade, and a set of magnificent Hydro Esplanade Apartments for vacations overlooking the sea.