Top Auckland On the Water

Cruise the waters of Hauraki Gulf Marine Park in search of whales, dolphins and penguins on a half-day tour from Auckland. You’ll board a spacious catamaran at Viaduct Harbour and hear expert guides share informative commentary about New Zealand’s natural wonders. During the whale and dolphin safari, keep an eye out for six types of whales that frequent these waters, as well as seabirds such as Australasian gannets, petrels and terns.

Get out of Auckland city for the night, away from the rowdy crowds and harsh neon lights, and experience a natural light party all your own on this intimate kayaking adventure. Paddle along Mairangi Bay, a short distance north of central Auckland, and have a close encounter with the bioluminescent plankton that live on the coast. Watch as they light up the beach at night, with only the sounds of the Hauraki Gulf and the native birds living nearby in the background.

Sail away on a harbor cruise in Auckland and enjoy a 3-course dinner during a memorable tour of Waitemata Harbour highlights, including the Sky Tower and Auckland Harbour Bridge. Set out aboard a sailing yacht from Viaduct Harbour and learn about Auckland and its iconic sights from your captain. As evening falls, dinner is served onboard while you sail.

Enjoy time aboard a sailing yacht on Waitemata Harbour. Your Auckland cruise sets sail from Viaduct Harbour, passing the Auckland Bridge, Westhaven Marina, and Devonport while you listen to informative commentary on the sights. Relax as you take in the views or help the crew sail the vessel—it’s up to you.

Take in the highlights of New Zealand’s largest city on this half-day tour of Auckland and benefit from an expert guide and a small group size. Admire views of Auckland Harbour and drive over the Harbour Bridge; gaze out over the city from the top of Mt Eden, and see spectacular views of the Mission Bay beaches—all in just half a day, with plenty of photo stops along the way.

Visit a pair of New Zealand's must-see attractions with this combo tour from Auckland to the Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Peek into Hobbit Holes, frolic in the Shire, and get a drink at the Green Dragon Inn on a guided tour of Middle-earth, followed by a Kiwi-style lunch. In the afternoon, explore Maori myths and history on a boat ride through mesmerizing caves lit by thousands of glowworms, and finish with a drive through some of the North Island’s most majestic scenery.

This small-group day trip from Auckland features the highlights and hospitality of Rotorua. Visit the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute of Te Puia, witness the thermal activity of the Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, and tour the city with a knowledgeable guide. Opt for additional free time to explore on your own, or upgrade for a private soak at the Polynesian Spa, a visit to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, or a Maori concert. You have the flexibility to return to Auckland or end with drop-off in Rotorua.

Visit two of the North Island’s most popular attractions in one day on this small-group tour from Auckland. First, hear behind-the-scenes stories from the making of "The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” films on a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set. In the afternoon, continue to Rotorua to explore the city and visit the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland where highlights include geysers, volcanic mud pools, and geothermal craters.

Explore the Waitakere Ranges rain forest and Auckland’s rugged west coast, including Piha Beach, during an afternoon tour with a guide who is knowledgeable about New Zealand flora and fauna. From the Arataki Centre, admire sweeping views from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Learn about Maori history, stroll the beach, and take a nature walk through a lush rain forest while you experience Auckland's largest regional park.

The fictional, yet globally famous, village of Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves rank among the most popular sites of interest in New Zealand. On this tour, visit both sites in one day—see the home of Bilbo Baggins and explore Waitomo’s subterranean caverns—and enjoy personal attention from your guide on this limited to 15 people.

Kayak across the sparkling waters of Waitemata Harbor and reach Rangitoto Island - Auckland’s youngest and largest volcano. A leisurely walk to the bush-clad island’s summit across offers panoramic views of the Auckland city skyline and its many surrounding beaches and bays. Enjoy a healthy and hearty barbecue lunch on the shore of Rangitoto before paddling back across the water to Saint Heliers Bay.

Beginners wanting a fun introduction to diving in one of northern New Zealand’s most beautiful and accessible marine reserves will enjoy this half-day intro course at Goat Island. Start in a classroom to learn important theory and safety protocols, then don your scuba gear and head into the water. Receive personalized attention from your experienced instructor as this is a small-group experience (max. 4).

Explore the Hauraki Gulf on this relaxing half-day kayaking tour. Private boats and kayaks are the only ways to access Browns Island (or Motukorea), which is one of the best preserved volcanoes in the Auckland Volcanic Field. After arriving here, head to the summit to see picturesque views and learn about the island's history.

Enjoy a paddle around Auckland’s popular Mission Bay. Get the essential kayaking skills from our kayaking instructors. Learn about kayak safety, kayaking equipment, tides, weather, navigation, rescue techniques, and more. Then get active in the water on one of our sit on top kayaks. Wear light quick-dry clothing as you may get wet.

Bioluminescence is like Pandora of “Avatar” and scenes in “Life of Pi” Escape with us to the most pure and otherworldly experience that natural New Zealand has to offer. See the plankton glow in the dark from your first paddle stroke on the bioluminescent kayak tour. As the night grows dark, step into your very comfortable kayak and get ready for a personal encounter with this remarkable phenomenon. Our professional guide will lead you to the best spots where the glowing algae accumulates. You will be enchanted by how every stroke of your paddles leaves behind a glowing swirl of bluish light, and fish light up their path like shooting stars in the water.

Head out to the Auckland landmark of Rangitoto Island on this evening kayaking tour. After crossing the Waitemata Harbour to Rangitoto, embark on a leisurely walk to the summit to catch the sunset over Auckland and the Waitakere Ranges. You’ll then paddle back in the dark with the help of your guide, taking in the city lights along the way.

Discover Browns Island's rich history near Auckland. Horses were swum across the harbor by early settlers, while Māori thrived with farming and fishing centuries ago, leaving behind remnants of pā sites. Even more intriguingly, remnants of the Sydney mud cockle were found within volcanic shell beds. In 1909, New Zealand's aviation history took flight as Alex and Claude Barnard launched a homemade flying machine from the island's peak, marking the nation's first aeroplane trials. Browns Island is a volcanic cone from an eruption 25,000 years ago, part of the active Auckland Volcanic Field. Now uninhabited, it's a recreational reserve turned wildlife sanctuary, home to native birds like tūī, pūkeko, silvereye, as well as unique wildlife such as skinks and geckos. For students and researchers, Browns Island offers educational opportunities in volcanology, geology, and environmental conservation, making it an ideal field study destination.

New Skills As you gain confidence in the water, you might want to start to pushing your limits and seeing what more you can achieve. With this in mind, it is important to expand your knowledge and understanding to keep safe in the water. Equalizing Pressure under the water increases as we descend so it is important to learn how to balance this pressure. Holding your Breath Increasing your breath-hold time takes practice - you don't have to be in the water to train! Clearing your Snorkel There are a few different ways of clearing a snorkel, once you crack the technique you'll be much more comfortable.

Experienced divers will love the opportunity to dive at the Goat Island Marine Reserve north of Auckland, which is a healthy and diverse marine environment. Spot a huge range of fish, including snapper, red moki, and different types of rays. Dive safely with a guide, who will point interesting things out to you. The water is shallow so you can stay underwater for longer.

If you’ve always wanted to surf, Omaha Beach is a great place to do it. It’s not far from central Auckland, so makes a great day trip for visitors to the city. Small groups (max. 12) mean instructors can tailor the lesson to your needs. Start with beach-based activities before taking your board into the ocean. Learn a range of essential skills, including safety, board use, and paddling techniques.

Try stand-up paddle boarding in popular Mission Bay, just 10 minutes from Auckland CBD. Enjoy a complimentary 10-minute lesson so you can enter the water with confidence. Get in a workout in nature. Paddle your way around the Bay, taking in sweeping views of Rangitoto Island and the pohutukawa-lined beach.

Auckland’s East Coast is known for its calm and consistent surf, and the sandy beach of Te Arai is the ideal spot for beginners. Learn the basics of surfing or hone your existing skills under the guidance of a professional instructor with this 2-hour surf class. Your private lesson can be completely tailored to your ability, allowing you to learn at your own speed and benefit from one-on-one instruction.

Take to the water and explore the scenic waterfront of Mission Bay with this kayak rental. Hire a single kayak for up to an hour and set out to paddle around the bay, enjoying magnificent views of Auckland Harbour. All equipment is provided and qualified instructors are on-hand to teach you the basics or help you improve your paddling skills.