January 31, 2026 1 min read

RECEPTION follows three surfers, Greyson Messier, Saxon Wilson, and Tommy Coleman, alongside filmmaker James Sarandis as they journey across the South Island of New Zealand in a campervan, that they weren’t old enough to get insurance for.

The goal? Find waves where the crowds are not.

With little prior knowledge and a book full of misleading information about New Zealand’s ever-changing coastline, the crew set out with the hope of finding the empty, picture-perfect lineups the South Island is known for.

RECEPTIONcaptures the idea that the road less traveled is worth the effort, uncertainty, and commitment it takes to step outside your comfort zone in search of waves.