Top North Island Kayaking Tours - page 2

Usual Summer Schedule: 10am, 1pm & 4pm. Times may vary please check Your Kayaking/Paddleboarding can be dry, but bring a towel, change of clothes or wear swimwear (you may enjoy getting up closer to the waterfall than you plan) Bring a warm jacket, camera, sunscreen, sun protection, drinking water, nibbles etc in a small bag.

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.

Soak in the thermal spring-fed pools of Lake Rotoiti and paddle into a glowworm cave on a half-day kayak tour from Rotorua. With an expert guide, explore the tranquil waters of the mountain lake as you take in the stunning scenery in the Bay of Plenty region, and experience caverns and hot springs accessible only by water. Kayak equipment and a light snack are included.

Western Bay Scenic 2 Day Mountain Biking Tour Ride the Great Lake Trail on this 2-day Grade 3 mountain biking tour, a perfect way to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Great Lake Taupo region. You will be biking the 19.5 km Kawakawa section (Orakau & K2K) on Day 1 and the 21km W2K section on Day 2. The Great Lake Trail is one of the most popular trails of the New Zealand Cycle Trail network. You will be riding along undulating pumice trails through native forest and wetlands, where the landscape unfolds to reveal stunning views across the water to the majestic volcanic mountains of the Tongariro National Park. Dramatic scenery combines with serene lake views, powerful waterfalls, native bird song and incredible trail quality to deliver an unforgettable experience.

Paddle a kayak on beautiful Lake Rotoiti in the evening without the risk of getting lost in the dark or missing the best bits by going with a guide. Less commonly visited than nearby Lake Rotorua, Rotoiti offers a peaceful environment, with abundant birdlife, glow-worm caves, and hot pools that are only accessible by boat. Learn the Māori legends of the lake from your local guide.

Active travelers will enjoy this half-day kayaking tour along the coast of the Coromandel Peninsula. You’ll be picked up from Whitianga and driven to the starting point at Opito Bay. With a small group of like-minded travelers (max. 6) you’ll paddle along the volcanic coastline, stop at pretty beaches that you wouldn’t otherwise find, and check out hidden caves and small islands.

Explore the northeastern end of Lake Taupo by both land and water with a combo bike and kayak tour from Taupo. You'll start by biking from Acacia Bay to Kinloch along the W2K section of the Great Lake Trail on a 2- to 2.5-hour ride. Then enjoy lunch before hopping in a kayak to paddle from Whakaipo Bay to the Maori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay.

Kids and adults alike will enjoy this family-friendly rafting trip down Te Awa Kairangi (the Hutt River). After donning the necessary safety gear and listening to a safety briefing, raft down a mellow section of the river, with small rapids and gentle stretches. Admire the views along the way. If anyone in the family is feeling brave, you can jump from rocks and go for a swim.

A fascinating landscape of geothermal mud pools, hot springs, and serene lakes, Rotorua ranks among New Zealand’s must-see sites of interest. On this tour, paddle across magnificent Lake Rotoiti by kayak with your guide and soak up the mineral-rich waters in the Manupirua Springs hot pools. With entry fees plus round-trip travel from your Rotorua hotel included, enjoy a special experience in the heart of the Rotorua countryside.

Embark on a mesmerizing evening adventure kayaking across Lake Rotoiti, New Zealand's gem. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery and the symphony of birdlife as you paddle towards the mythical Glowworm cave, a spectacle of bioluminescence. After a sumptuous BBQ dinner at the secluded Manupirua Hot Pools, accessible only by water, surrender to pure relaxation as you soak in the therapeutic warmth of the natural geothermal springs. As the moon and stars twinkle above, witness the lake's magical transformation. This enchanting experience is a perfect harmony of nature's wonders, leaving you with cherished memories of tranquility and awe.

Explore the Riverhead Tavern Kayak Tour! Nestled by the tranquil Waitemata River, this historic gem is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and water adventurers. Paddle through serene waters, enjoy expert-led kayak tours, and embark on riverside picnics. Delight in waterfront dining, attend water-centric events, or stay in waterfront accommodations. The tavern promotes sustainable practices, preserving the river's beauty. Experience New Zealand's history and nature, crafting enduring memories along the Waitemata River's scenic beauty.

Swap your morning routine for a spectacular 'Sunrise Sea Kayaking Tour'. Experience the magic as we meet one hour before sunrise during dawn's nautical stages and journey through civil twilight. The "golden hour" awaits, capturing nature's finest moments. Embark on a sea kayaking adventure from Auckland CBD to Browns Island (Motukorea) and savor the beauty of the sunrise. Ideal for beginners, this expedition offers stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf and Waitemata Harbour. Keep an eye out for marine life, birds, and the possibility of encountering dolphins and whales while basking in the morning light. Sunrises offer renewal and inspiration, symbolizing fresh starts and the potential for growth. They invite inner calm and mindfulness, fostering tranquility, reflection, and gratitude. Sunrise experiences highlight nature's beauty, connecting you with the world and fostering appreciation. They infuse energy and vitality, awakening the senses and boosting mood. Embrace the sunrise!

This tour is ideal for adventurous visitors to New Zealand. This wilderness river tour is the closest to any city in New Zealand. Take in the cascading waterfalls and ancient native scenery while rushing through exhilarating rapids and rugged wilderness. There are over fifty exciting rapids to explore.

Our Eco Tour provides a fantastic 3.5 hours exploring the natural wonders of the Long Bay Okura Marine Reserve and surrounding native forests on foot and from a kayak. See and learn about some of the world’s most endangered shorebirds including the New Zealand Dotterel, Variable Oystercatchers, Caspian Terns, Royal Spoonbills, Bar-Tailed Godwits, and more. Hear about the amazing history of the area and see how early inhabitants used to live. Your local guide will pass on many stories and even teach you how to make bush scones and a cuppa. You'll kayak the amazingly diverse coast seeing open beaches, reefs, and estuarine habitats along with the wildlife that populates these areas. You will stroll through the beautiful forest and along the Coast looking at a range of natural wonders. For lunch, enjoy a cheese platter along with tea and scones at the historic Dacre Cottage. Canoe & Kayak was established in 1994, we have 30 years of local knowledge and stories waiting to be shared.

Experience Waiheke Island through a leisurely, eco-friendly sea kayaking adventure. Discover its stunning beaches, clear waters, and diverse marine life, including dolphins and orcas. Try ocean fishing and spot native birds along the coast. Explore Whakanewha Regional Park's Nikau forest and native vegetation, offering shade in summer and shelter from rain. Encounter a variety of flora and birdlife on well-maintained paths. Relax at Batch Winery with vineyards dating back to 1998, known for Chardonnay, Syrah, and Pinot Gris. Enjoy a three-course meal with stunning views of Hauraki Gulf and Auckland City. Poukaraka Flats campground offers glamping, providing all you need for a comfortable stay in well-ventilated tents. Discover Waiheke's slower island life through sea kayaking, fishing, delicious food, and sun-soaked relaxation.