Surfing Waves

I will be going to New Zealand at the end of Feb and want dedicate 5 days to surfing diffrent breaks. Is it better to go through a tour service or just rent a van?

Good timing. I'm off to the south island in July to work on my dissertation. I hear the water's just a little colder in winter. As for whether to go with a tour or not I'd say yes, it may just be me but I think a little local knowledge is always helpful. That and you always get to meet some pretty cool people on tours.