Sydney, Tauranga or Dunedin?

[LukaTheMan]

Hello all. I am here on a new account as the old one doesn’t work(lukathegrom).

I’ve been living inland but managed to surf here and there so I’m a shortboarder working on progressing my turns from little cutbacks and gutless snaps to some more critical stuff and barrel hunting. It’s just about wave count now.

Since I’m off to Uni somewhere I can surf, I’ve ended up with offers in these three places.
The question I have is on what you guys think would be the best out of these three options for getting the best all around surfing?

The warmth of Sydney appeals to me but I have heard of localism and big crowds, whereas Dunedin seems to shed the crowds in exchange for cold cold water.
I know very little about Tauranga's surf scene.

Anyone with experience in one or more of these places able to chip in? Thanks and glad to be back on here

[jaffa1949]

There are quite a few Universities in Sydney depending on which one you get enter you will find some have an almost impossible commute. to surf as some unis are on the western edge of the city. Newcastle and Wollongong north and south of Sydney respectively have more access to less crowded beaches , though Newcastle is on the western sedge of Newcastle, Wollongong is closer to some fine beaches.
Each Aussie beach has a pretty good local crew but not necessarily completely unwelcoming
Sydney Uni and University of NSW are the closest to the southern Sydney beaches. Most have surfing clubs within the social network of the Uni.
Dunedin has some fine beaches requiring some serious rubber.

Google earth the locations of each Uni, see the proximity to the beaches, consider your personal transport to the beach, Dunedin is simple compared to driving in Sydney which almost equals the entire population of NZed driving to their favourite beach.
A very important factor, check out the rental market in all, Sydney will almost destroy you if you can even find a place!