The 11 Best Island Kayak Tours in New Zealand

1.Sunset kayak tour to Rangitoto Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 168 reviews · from $153Our pick

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!”

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2.Donut Island Guided Kayaking Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 143 reviews · 2 hours · from $62Cheapest

Kayak from Whangamata Beach to Donut Island, a wildlife sanctuary with a turquoise lagoon, volcanic cliffs, local guides, and tea stops.

“Had a great time. The cave was amazing and the extra information on the culture and history of the island was a bonus. I would recommend.”

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3.Day Cruise & Island Tour – Snorkel/Wildlife/Paddleboard/Islands

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 121 reviews · from $90

Review of a 3.5-hour Bay of Islands cruise with two island stops, snorkeling, paddleboarding, wildlife viewing, and local guides.

“Outstanding day on the water. Small group tour was great. Friendly, helpful staff and awesome sights! A great way to see the islands. Highly recommend”

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4.Day sea kayak tour Rangitoto Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 79 reviews · from $153

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.”

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5.Sunset & Night Sea Kayak Tour to Rangitoto Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 60 reviews · from $138

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”

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6.Motukorea / Browns Island Sea Kayak Journey

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 35 reviews · from $122

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.”

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7.Sea Kayak & Summit Hike Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 31 reviews · from $144

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.”

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8.Browns Island (Motukorea) Sea Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · 4 hours · from $89

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”

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9.Goat Island Clear Kayak Rental

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 16 reviews · 1 hour

Paddle a clear kayak through Goat Island Marine Reserve, spot snapper and rays, and get practical advice on price, safety, timing, and value.

“Efter instrukser hvor langt vi fik udforske blev der holdt øje med os. Det føltes trygt da vi var der en dag hvor vanden var uroligt og vinden var aktiv. Vi kom tæt på de huler og vandfald der var. Smukt turkis vand. Vi lå stille nogle minutter og kunne se fisk under vores Clearyak og ved siden af. Herlig og smuk måde at opleve naturen.”

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10.Browns Island Motukorea Sea Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · from $94

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.”

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11.Half-Day Sea Kayak Tour to Motukorea Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · 4h 30m · from $116

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!”

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