Single Fin Mingle: Driven by Archibalds
Archibalds are stoked to officially join the wave as Friends of the Single Fin Mingle for 2025.
Set amongst the surf-rich suburb of Sumner, this year’s festival is set to celebrate even more adventure, culture, and of course, surfing. The Single Fin Mingle stands as New Zealand’s largest surfing event, and with that comes the responsibility not only to the sport and its competitors but to the people and communities who that help it continue to thrive year after year.
Archibalds & Single Fin Mingle
Much like the Mingle, Defender was built for adventure and designed to explore every facet of life. As well as navigating near and far over the rugged terrain of New Zealand, our Archibalds’ guests are consistently absorbing themselves into other areas of exploration, such as art, film, and music festivals, making this a perfect partnership.
Throughout The Mingle, Archibalds and Defender will be present at all key events, including the opening ceremony, art festival, surf film festival, surfing competitions, music festival, and more.
- Opening Ceremony
- Art Festival
- Surf Film Gala
- Surfing Competitions
- Music Festival and more.
Desireé De Router (Archibalds Events Coordinator) delivers four Defenders to Mahalia and Ambrose McNeill (owners and operators of Single Fin Mingle).
“With Defender’s spirit of adventure and deep ties to surfing culture – both modern and nostalgic – combined with the Mingle’s geographical setting, this collaboration was a natural fit for Archibalds and our Defender brand. Defender takes us beyond the road, making it the perfect vehicle for discovering local surf spots and embracing the adventure that comes those memorable journeys. Having legends of the ocean Zye Norris and Matt Cuddihy showcase this spirit of adventure through a special screening of South to Sian is an exciting connection to the ethos of the Defender brand. We’re excited to enhance our presence in the seaside village of Sumner – where many of our guests call home – and join the Mingle’s infamous Street Party, align this iconic marque with live music, and party with an aspiring audience.”
South to Sian: an exclusive Archibalds screening
To mark this new friendship with the Mingle, Archibalds and The Single Fin Mingle, will be hosting an exclusive screening of South to Sian – an epic surf odyssey featuring legends of the ocean Zye Norris and Matt Cuddihy.
South to Sian Synopsis
In a time where there are fences around everything, and we are denied the instinct of self-preservation, it is difficult to find a place free from rules and restrictions, but not yet impossible. What began as a three-month trip to a collection of surf breaks off the beaten track turned into a two-year odyssey of exploration, injury, companionship and 4,000km of two-wheeled, single-finned escape from the real-world burdens of modern life. Harrison Roach and Zye Norris pack their bags, a diverse quiver of boards, two bikes and a 50-dollar tent into a 1970s Land Rover and embark on an epic quest from the southern reaches of Bali, through the Indonesian archipelago to Northern Sumatra’s isolated Lagundri Bay. Be sure to check out the trailer.
Friend of Archibalds: Matt Cuddihy
This partnership is more than just an event and a brand coming together, it’s about embracing a shared lifestyle and spirit. Rather than simply placing a few Defenders on display, we encouraged exploration, to get outside and take the road less travelled. And that’s exactly what Matt did. Watch Matt’s journey on Instagram or on Facebook.
With his gear easily packed, he set off for Magnet Bay on Banks Peninsula’s South Bays. Gravel, ruts, roots, none of it a deterrent behind the wheel of the Defender. Designed to handle the toughest terrain, the Defender didn’t just get Matt there, it became part of his first Magnet Bay experience.
This is what the Defender is about; going beyond the expected, embracing the elements, and finding freedom in the journey.
Defender Drives in Sumner
Our team will be hosting a series of Defender test drives from Sumner’s promenade on Friday, 2nd April 2025. This stunning Sumner location provides the perfect setting to experience the Defender in its element, with direct access up the valley to Banks Peninsula. Offering proximity to nature’s playground – or should we say, Defender country – it’s an opportunity not to be missed. Bookings are essential.
