WHERE TO PADDLE · AUCKLAND KAYAKING TOURS
Good auckland kayaking tours fill up weeks ahead and the best ones go first. Below: the 14 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Paddle Auckland’s dark coastal waters as bioluminescent plankton glow beneath the stars on this guided small-group kayak tour.
“Really enjoyed the evening, Paul and Conrad were knowledgeable and were keen for us to find the bioluminescence.”
Paddle Auckland’s Long Bay at night and watch bioluminescent plankton sparkle, with friendly guides, safe kayaks, and a small group setting.
“Awesome experience with the bioluminescsnt water, great team and super easy to kayak, no need for skill.”
Kayak across Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour, hike Rangitoto at sunset, enjoy a Kiwi BBQ, and paddle back beneath the city lights.
“Incredible! Even in the rain this was a spectacular experience! Definitely want to be in kayak shape to cross the channel! But 100% worth the trip! The guides were super friendly and knowledgeable. My husband and I loved every minute! Just a heads up even though they provide jackets— it’s best to pack warm! And bring a change of clothing if you don’t want to stay wet during the hike. Hope this helps!”
Paddle from Auckland to volcanic Rangitoto Island, hike its summit, enjoy a Kiwi BBQ, and return by kayak on this active half-day tour.
“We were lucky to have perfect weather for this daylong adventure. Be sure to be prepared to row for between 2 and 3 hours total (round trip) and hike for an additional hour on some steep inclines. But the views are great and the day was wonderful. The food they cooked was delicious and felt so welcome after the hike.”
Kayak to Rangitoto at sunset, hike to its summit, enjoy a Kiwi BBQ, then paddle back under Auckland’s stars.
“Great fun..felt safe at all times ..would recommend this trip especially night trip. Guide was knowledgeable and has good people skills ..well done”
Paddle Auckland waters at night to see glowing plankton, with a guide, safety gear, and a 50% refund or repeat tour if it stays dark.
“We really enjoyed the activity. We can recommend it, thank you.”
Kayak from Auckland to Motukorea, hike an ancient volcanic island, enjoy hot drinks, and return with sweeping Hauraki Gulf views.
“Our tour guide is Elle. A french girl. She is a very nice person. We feel nervous at the beginning as this is our first time doing kayaking. She provided extensive information about safety before we start which is helpful. We recommend this to anyone want to challenge yourself. Unforgettable experience.”
Kayak across Auckland’s Waitemata Harbor, hike Rangitoto’s volcanic summit, enjoy a Kiwi barbecue lunch, and return by sail.
“It was a very pleasant day with beautiful weather and the excellent tour guide, Eric. We really enjoyed kayaking to the island and hiking up to the top. We definitely want to join the trip again, with our daughter next time.”
Paddle Auckland’s night waters as bioluminescent plankton spark blue beneath your kayak, with guides, gear, safety, and starry skies included.
“Great experience !!!! we love it. !!!!!! A good activity for family and friends. The staff is very attentive too . We recommend.”
Paddle from St Heliers to volcanic Browns Island on a beginner-friendly four-hour tour with harbour views, wildlife, and guided island walks.
“Excellent day on the water kayaking with Ben and Hailey, panoramic views on the island”
Paddle Auckland Harbour at night, with Sky Tower, Harbour Bridge, marina views, snacks, and a small group of up to eight people.
“I had an amazing time on this night kayaking tour! Seeing Auckland lit up at night from the water was absolutely beautiful and such a unique perspective of the city. The guides were fantastic—fun, knowledgeable, and made the whole experieRead more”
Paddle Auckland Harbour after dark for skyline views, Harbour Bridge lights, expert guidance, small groups, tea, and a brownie treat.
“Wonderful tour guides. They made us feel safe, comfortable and ensured that we enjoyed the experience. It was a unique and awesome experience!”
Paddle from St Heliers to volcanic Browns Island, explore Māori and aviation history, and spot wildlife on this four-hour Auckland kayak tour.
“We did not make it to the Browns Island as plan. We were novice and inexperience with the kayak that were used. The tour is probably more suitable for people with some kayaking experience in the sea but the tour guide Chris was friendly and helpful.”
Paddle from Auckland to Motukorea Island, hike an extinct volcano, and enjoy Gulf views on a friendly small-group sea kayaking tour.
“This activity was amazing!! Our guide, Daniel was so kind and informative. He was such a big help in getting us set up in our kayak and getting to go. The kayak ride was about an hour there and back, and it was smooth water so it wasn’t difficult. The island was GORGEOUS. We hiked to the top of the volcano and the views were truly spectacular. It’s a small and beautiful island with the greenest grass I’ve ever seen. I definitely recommend this tour!”
Pick a coast, a cave, a river or a tunnel.
