Auckland

Sunset kayak tour to Rangitoto Island

Badge of ExcellenceAuckland, New Zealand

6 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Explore our promoted experiences

Auckland, North Island

Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise

1,451

from $122.34

Likely to Sell Out

Auckland, North Island

Motukorea / Browns Island Sea Kayak Journey

from $119.88

Likely to Sell Out

Auckland, North Island

Day sea kayak tour Rangitoto Island

from $150.62

Viator earns higher commissions on experiences featured here

Overview

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.

Experience the sunset from the best location in Auckland
This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers
All kayaking equipment is provided
New Zealand-style BBQ dinner is served

What's Included

Fully catered with BBQ dinner
Small friendly groups
Suitable for people with littler or no kayaking experience
Top quality sea kayak equipment
Experienced guides
Over 20 years of kayaking knowledge
Dinner
Coffee and/or Tea

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Auckland Sea Kayaks
384 Tamaki Drive, St Heliers, Auckland 1071, New Zealand
Meetup: St Heliers central boat ramp 384 Tamaki Drive, Auckland. We do offer a free city pick up from the Atrium Auckland Museum and this needs to be communicated to us at time of booking see https://www.aucklandseakayaks.co.nz/city-pick-up-location/

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Check your gear and help keep islands Hauraki Gulf pest-free.Protect our wildlife
Check - your gear for pests such as rodents and insects
Clean - footwear and gear, removing soil and seeds
Seal - ensure your gear is zipped up (no open bags)
Check your gear for pests
Before you leave the mainland, check and clean your gear.
Check that your gear is free of rats, mice, ants and skinks - especially camping gear which has ideal places for them to hide when stored.

Take extra care to clean gear if you have Argentine ants or plague skinks where you live.
Clean clothing, footwear and camping gear, removing soil and seeds before and after each trip.
Look out for cleaning stations at the pier and scrub your shoes before boarding.
Do not bring your pets.
Pack properly
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Pack food in sealed containers to avoid attracting rodents.
No open bags or supermarket bags.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers

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

Featured review

Candice_B

Our tour guide Daniel was patient, knowledgeable, and seemed to love his job. Beautiful kayak over to Rangitito and great food prepared for us by the guide. Hiked to the top for the sunset and full moon with beautiful views. The kayak back gave us views of the lite up Harbor bridge and city as well as the beautiful night sky- stars and moon. Loved everything! It is pretty physical and we were the older couple so keep that in mind but so worth it!

Reviews

5.0

88 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 88 reviews

Loved!

Candice_B, Mar 2024

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Hi, thanks for taking the time to review your recent Sunset tour to Rangitoto. Happy to hear Daniel was a hit. We would love to paddle with you again one day.

A great way to end the day!

Robert_R, Mar 2024

Our guide, Daniel, led us on a very fun trip to Rangitoto Island. First, he filled us in on the proper paddling form as well as some important safety tips. On the water he had an eagle eye for any approaching boats or ferries, and gave us some interesting info on some of the landmarks we were seeing. Once on the island he cooked us up a fairly hearty meal to refuel us before we headed up to the summit of Rangitoto. During the hike we went at a very comfortable pace, stopping every once in awhile where he pointed out local flora or fauna. On the way up we encounter some fan tails and some particularly chatty Tui. Despite the cloud cover we had an excellent view of the city at sunset with rain storms on either side and some clearer skies just behind the city. The hike down in the dark was a little more difficult, but we took our time and at no time felt rushed. The paddle back was a bit more calm and went smoothly. Paddling and watching the lights of the city was very peaceful. Overall we had a fantastic time. It does require a moderate level of fitness. The paddle one way is 10k/3 miles and the hike about 5.5k/3.5 miles. Daniel did an exceptional job as our guide and his passion for it was very evident. We’d strongly recommend this adventure even if the weather isn’t perfect!

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Hi Robert, thanks for the detailed review. Sounds like you made the most of this experience. You are welcome back anytime.

10 out of 10 experience of a lifetime.

Jana_P, Mar 2024

It was an amazing adventure. Kayaking on the ocean and the views. The dinner,the hike,the views. All amazing. The guides were experienced,helpful and so friendly. It was a wonderful excursion and I would highly recommend it!

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Hi Jana, we realy appreciate you taking the time to give us such a wonderful review. We would love to paddle with you again one day.

Amazing tour, dont miss out

Patrik_T, Feb 2024

I really enjoyed this tour, its a great combination of kayaking, hiking and eating. The view is spectacular, the island is peaceful and beautiful, even though our day was a rainy one. Our guide is a brilliant host, he took care of everything and everyone regardless the fit levels. Highly recommend to everyone, you will love it, so did I.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Hi Patrik, nice to hear you had a great experience despite the weather. We hope to paddle with you again one day soon.

Magical!

Beverly_P, Feb 2024

Amazing, amazing experience. First the easy kayak to the island, then after dinner hike to the summit for sunset. Walk back down with headlamps. Best of all a magical kayak back to Auckland at night. Absolutely magical!

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Hi Beverly, thanks for the great review. Happy to hear you had a 'magical' experience.

Challenging but worth it

Linda_E, Feb 2024

We wanted to do something adventurous and this paddle and hike fit the bill! Make no mistake, this is a strenuous activity, with over two hours of paddling, and a steep hike. But the overall experience was a memory we will always treasure, especially the paddle back in the nighttime under a blanket of stars with the city lights leading us on. Our guide Daniel was energetic, friendly, helpful and thorough with his safety prep and practices - and he grills a delicious steak!

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Hi Linda, we appreciate you taking the time to review your recent Sunset Tour to Rangitoto. Sounds like you had a memorable experience and yes paddling back under a 'blanket of stars' is fantastic. Hope to paddle with you again soon.

Enjoyable and ubique -- thanks Byron and Daniel!

Yan_D, Feb 2024

Fantastic trip with guides Byron and Daniel!! We're split into 2 groups of 8 and I'm witg Byron. As a first time kayaker, it's little bit hard to get used to it in the very beginning. But Byron helped me master it! The view on the summit was really worth it, the BBQ is also nice. The backwards kayaking is against the waves (and also dark) so it's a little bit more challenging, but Byron helped us made it! Daniel offered a free drive for us to the CBD so we don't need to Uber at 11:30 pm. Really enjoyable and unique experience!

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Thanks for taking the time to review your recent Sunset Tour to Rangitoto. Always positive to hear such positive words about our guides. Hope to paddle with you again soon.

An unforgettable trip to a slice of heaven

Chris_C, Feb 2024

I've been on several guided tours around Auckland and this one was the most memorable and worthwhile one. As long as you're fit enough to cope with a 10km-return kayaking trip and a 7km-return hike and don't mind getting a little wet and sweaty, you will absolutely love this tour. I found it both fun and educational, and will likely do something similar again in the future. The group was small and sociable, so perfect for both introverts and extroverts. Byron our guide was very knowledgeable, professional, helpful, patient, friendly, and humorous, and a great cook (the steak dinner was delectable)! I can recommend this tour wholeheartedly.

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Hi Chris, what a wonderful tag line. Thanks for taking the time to review your recent Sunset Trip to Rangitoto. Appreciate the feedback on the food! See you next time

Kayaking at sunset and beyond.

Richard_C, Jan 2024

We had great guides, Daniel and Byron. They both did an excellent job describing what we would be doing on our sunset paddle. They kept the group together on our crossings to and from the volcanic island. I enjoyed dinner followed by a hike to the top with stunning views of Auckland. Our return paddle was very safe in the darkness. Thank you so much for a memorable evening on the water.

Sunset experience!

Laura_N, Jan 2024

I initially was going to kayak on the day tour, but instead chose the sunset tour. I was not disappointed! Pick up/ meeting point and time was exactly as described when booking. Our tour guide was Byron. He was welcoming, knowledeable and comical and spent time getting to know the group. After our safety brief we headed onto the water to Rangitoto Mountain and had a braai before hiking to the summit to watch the sunset. The views were incredible! This was followed by kayaking back in the dark with a night view of Auckland. The whole group felt relaxed and we had a lot of laughs and banter. I would definately take a change of clothes as I got a little wet whilst on the water, so had to change before hiking. Food was lovely and special diets can be catered for. I would definately recommend this tour!

Fun and Invigorating Sea Kayaking Trip

Matthew_G, Jan 2024

I was a bit apprehensive about trying this sea kayaking trip having never done it before, but it turned out to be fantastic. Our guide, Byron, was very friendly, helpful and experienced and gave us excellent instructions and support all the way along. Overall, there were 4 boats with 2 people in each boat and the group dynamic was great. The trip across to Rangitoto Island was really enjoyable - it took a little over an hour with great views and a smooth landing on the island followed by a steak and salad meal cooked on the shore. The sunset hike to the crater on the island was fascinating with spectacular scenery and views along the way and especially at the top. After hiking back to the shore, we kayaked back in the dark - this was a bit tougher and maybe not for the faint of heart but also felt safe and was good fun. Overall, the tour took about 6-7 hours and was well worth the price. A pretty good work-out if you're a regular outdoor enthusiast. Two thumbs up to Byron who was a brilliant guide.

Kayak, BBQ and a Hike

Russell_M, Jan 2024

The kayak trip was further than I thought it would be, but it was pretty cool coming back in the dark! Our guide, Eric, was fantastic. He kept us all together on the water, cooked us dinner and took us on a hike up the dormant (I think that's the right term) volcano. The hike was as advertised and a moderate level of fitness is needed to get to the top and back. There are other hikes to take for those not wanting to go look at the views from the top. I appreciated the ride back to Auckland downtown area. Overall, a very cool and unique trip made better by the guides.

Must do. Best activity in Auckland.

Alexandra_R, Sep 2023

Best part Auckland visit! Must do. Love the night trip back. Best guide. Cherished memory and great for active person.

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Hi, thanks for the excellent review. Glad to hear you made some great memories. Come back and paddle with us anytime.

What a wonderful day!

Patrick_w, Jun 2023

Our Coach Eric, could do anything, first learning kayaking skills on shore and then embarking on an hour-long sea glide, during which it was very challenging, raining from time to time, and feeling very excited at the moment of disembarkation. The island is an uninhabited island and the three-hour hike was very beautiful and the evening barbecue, where you could eat steak and salad, was very delicious. The most challenging part was the return to Auckland in the dark sea, which was a great experience and exceeded expectations! I highly recommend my friends to come and join us!

Response from Host, Aug 2023

Hi Patrick, thanks for the great review. It sounds like you had a great time with Eric. Hope to see you again in the future.

Not Moderate Kayaking and Hiking.

Cindy_M, Mar 2023

We enjoyed our time, however, you need to be In shape. It is not moderate hiking and kayaking. It was power hiking and kayaking. No time to enjoy anything. One hour fast kayaking to get to the Island, eat in 15 minutes then power hike 2+ miles UP Hill to hurry and get to the top to see the Sunset. We stopped on the way up and saw a magnificent sunset. The one at the top was so-so. Then power hike back down with head torches because it was dark. Really dark. The best part was kayaking back in the dark. That was beautiful. It was extremely rushed.

Physical but fun!

Rebecca_S, Jan 2023

This is a physical activity. Roughly an hour of kayak to and from the island and the hike is moderate (30-40 minutes) to steep (15 minutes). This was fun and different to do and we had a very good guide who prepared us a great late lunch on Rangitoto before hiking. Really interesting and beautiful experience. Thank you, Nathan!

Response from Host, Feb 2023

Kia Ora, Thanks for taking the time to review tour. Good to hear Nathan treated you well. We hope to see you again in the future.

Great views, good dinner, and a workout.

Scott_H, Dec 2022

Nathan was our guide and was great. This is about an hour of paddling to the island, 3.4 miles round trip of a hike when there, and an hour paddling back. The operator provides kayak skirts and waterproof jackets. I would recommend hiking shoes for the hike, avoid sandals. You can pack shoes in the dry bags they provide. They will provide vegetarian options if you let them know in advance

Response from Host, Jan 2023

Hi, thanks for leaving such a positive review of our Rangitoto Sunset Tour. It's always nice to hear positive comments about the trip. See you next time.

Adventure in Auckland

Drew_V, Dec 2022

Tom was a great tour guide! There was a bit of a headwind on the way over but upon arrival we were prepared a tasty bbq dinner. The hike to the top was reasonably easy and the views were stunning at sunset. We got a bit of some history of the island and the surrounding areas. You are supplied with everything you need for the trip but I would potentially bring your own headlamp or torch, some water, and a warm fleece for arrival at the island. Overall this was an excellent trip for an extremely reasonable price!

Response from Host, Jan 2023

Hi, thanks for leaving us a wonderful review. Great to hear you enjoyed your experience with us. Tom is one of our most experienced guides and you would have been in good hands with him. See you next time.

An incredible experience!

Caten_A, Dec 2022

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!

Response from Host, Dec 2022

Hi Caten, Thanks for the 5 star review. Thanks for passing on some good advice also. See you next time.

Der Guide war überheblich...

Berndkleinfeld, Dec 2023

Der Guide war überheblich und hat sich keine Mühe gegeben, uns zu verstehen - typisch Ami. Die Tour war auch für Anfänger ausgewiesen - hier ging es nur um Tempo. Schlechte Zeitplanung - hatte mit Sonnenuntergang nicht viel zu tun. Auf der Rückfahrt war es stockdunkel.

Likely to Sell Out