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Bioluminescence Kayak Tour - Est. 1994
Auckland, New Zealand
- 2 hours
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
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.
- No experience, no problem: learn how to kayak from your qualified guides
- Don’t risk dropping your camera in the sea: free digital photos of your adventure included
- Don’t worry about tight quarters and accidental collisions on this small group tour
What's Included
- All kayaking and safety equipment
- Stable sea kayaks or sit-on-tops are used
- All tuition from our experienced qualified kayak guides
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Waiake Beach, Tāmaki-makau-rau 0630, New Zealand
Due to uncertainty around weather and tides, our Bioluminescence tours start from a few different locations near Waiake Beach, Auckland. An email will be sent out confirming the meeting location of the tour within 12 hrs of start time. Please check your Junk just in case.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
Canoe & Kayak Adventures
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 24 travelers
Operated by Canoe & Kayak Adventures
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Traveler Photos
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Featured review
Becky_P
The our guides were friendly, knowledgeable and patient. It was easy to find meet up spot, and all communications were timely and informative. We took the Auckland Tranport (bus) to get there, and then an Uber back to hotel.
It was easier than I thought to kayak the bay, and we had a beautiful evening. Calm water, dark sky to see the stars, and beautiful galaxy bioluminescence by our boats, oars and hands that mirrored the night sky. I would recommend having sleeves that you can push up so you can play in the water without wicking the sea up your sleeves.
You do get wet, so be prepared for that!
Very memorable and I highly recommend!
Reviews
5.0
77 reviews
GauharDossova, Apr 2024
Thank you so much 😊 It was very unique experience. The sky full of stars and the ocean full of sparks ⚡️ I ve never seen this beautiful things in my life
Specials thanks to our guide, Sam, he was very helpful. I came with jeans, which is not allowed, and he gave me some extra clothes to put on, so I can change 🙏
Rita_S, Apr 2024
spent the evening kayaking and looking for luminescence. We had perfect weather but plan to get wet as it is a wet entry. 3 doubles per instructor so you have plenty of personal time with your knowledgeable guide. they supply the boats, vest and waterproof jackets which was much appreciated. How much luminescence you see is totally dependent on nature but the guides know their territory so you're bound to see some (though it's not overwhelming so if you've done this before it's probably not worth doing again). We had a great time. Took an uber to/from the beach area which was $40 NZ from the tower/casino area.
Paige_B, Apr 2024
This was such a fun experience. You don’t need to be an avid kayaker to enjoy this activity. Our tour guides were wonderful. Plus this was easily accessible on the train if you’re coming from Auckland city! 10/10 experience
Becky_P, Mar 2024
The our guides were friendly, knowledgeable and patient. It was easy to find meet up spot, and all communications were timely and informative. We took the Auckland Tranport (bus) to get there, and then an Uber back to hotel.
It was easier than I thought to kayak the bay, and we had a beautiful evening. Calm water, dark sky to see the stars, and beautiful galaxy bioluminescence by our boats, oars and hands that mirrored the night sky. I would recommend having sleeves that you can push up so you can play in the water without wicking the sea up your sleeves.
You do get wet, so be prepared for that!
Very memorable and I highly recommend!
David_E, Mar 2024
Amazing time!
My daughter and I had an absolute blast and saw so many varieties of biolumenessance. The guides were fantastic, they provided not only expertise, but also jackets and gear.
Key takeaways:
1) the water is actually WARM!
2) you can easily uber to-and-from the launch site.
🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
cheryl_T, Mar 2024
I usually have positive experiences with Viator tours. This excursion is stated as weather dependent. On the night we were supposed to go (almost 4 weeks ago), the weather was cold, windy, and rainy. We received an email from Viator stating that due to poor weather, the trip was cancelled. They offered the choice of a refund or date change. We requested a refund due to schedule restrictions; however, almost one month later the refund still had not been issued. I called customer support to inquire and they verified that a refund had NOT been processed but that they would initiate it right away. Had I not called, I don't believe a refund would have ever been issued. Someone dropped the ball on this one, and this is just not acceptable!!
Kathleen_R, Mar 2024
Petre was our guide and he was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about bioluminescence. We had a beautiful evening and we were able to see the blue bioluminescence on the galaxy. If you have a nice evening, I would strongly recommend it. You will get wet so I would strongly recommend bringing an extra pair of pants at least. We took our shoes off, so they stay dry.
Stacey_F, Mar 2024
Great kayak crew! Saw nice galaxies and bioluminescence. So many satellites as well ;)
Entertaining staff, great views.
TimothyRobert_V, Mar 2024
Unique experience for sure.
We did see the Bioluminescence during our paddle. Much more as the darker it became with more splashing of the water.
Not quite like the wave on the tour.
You must be completely comfortable in a kayak for 2 hours.
Guides are fantastic!
Wear your swim bottoms as you Get Wet!
They have a vehicle to put your bag while on tour.
Great experience!
Lori_G, Mar 2024
Great guides, so much glow! Peak experience! We paddled through great swaths of big blue bioluminescence. Be prepared to get a little wet.
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From $72.28
up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Bioluminescence Kayak Tour - Est. 1994
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