13 Kayaking Tours in Auckland, With the Price Beside Each

1.Night Kayak Tour in Glowing Bioluminescent Waters

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 259 reviews · 90 minutes - 2 hours · from $56Our pick

Meet at Okura Boat Ramp or Waiake Beach for a guided evening paddle with Social Nature Movement. Guides such as Paul, Maurice, Millie, Haley, and Conrad explain the science as plankton flash blue around your kayak. The tour lasts about 90 minutes to 2 hours, with kayaks, PFDs, safety lights, and instruction included.

“It was an incredible experience. The guide (Hailey) shared their passion for nature and gave us a truly unforgettable moment, explaining the phenomenon in a way that was both interesting and engaging. If you have a couple of hours to spare in the evening in Auckland, I highly recommend this activity: fantastic guides, an unforgettable experience, and a very magical place.”

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2.Bioluminescence Kayak Tour – Est. 1994

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 187 reviews · from $73

Set out from Mairangi Bay with Canoe & Kayak Adventures for a two-hour night paddle in the Long Bay-Okura Marine Reserve. Guides such as Josh, Elena, Gareth, and Eloise teach beginners in stable kayaks or sit-on-tops, then help you spot glowing plankton, stars, and sometimes glowworms. Expect a beautiful but naturally variable light show.

“This was a fantastic experience. Eloise was great. Very friendly and informative. She clearly had a thorough knowledge of kayaking and safety. She gave us great tips to make the most of our tour. The water sparkled!!! It was so awesome. Thank you so much.”

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3.Sunset kayak tour to Rangitoto Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 168 reviews · from $152Top rated

You’ll paddle about 5 kilometers each way from Auckland to Rangitoto Island, with an experienced guide such as Daniel, Byron, or Eric leading the crossing. After a Kiwi BBQ, you’ll hike toward the summit for sunset, then return by kayak in the dark. Groups are capped at eight, and all equipment is supplied.

“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!”

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4.Day sea kayak tour Rangitoto Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 79 reviews · from $152

Paddle from St. Heliers across Waitematā Harbour to Rangitoto Island with an experienced guide such as Daniel, Eric, or Chloe. After a summit walk and 360-degree views, enjoy a BBQ lunch by the water before kayaking back. No previous kayaking experience is required, but you need moderate fitness.

“We had a beautiful day for kayaking and hiking! It's not for the faint of heart as the hiking portion can be strenuous at times, but it is definitely worth doing this tour. Lunch provided after the hike was delicious! We had an excellent tour guidRead more”

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5.Sunset & Night Sea Kayak Tour to Rangitoto Island

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

Paddle from St Heliers Beach to Rangitoto Island with an English-speaking guide and a group of up to nine. Hike 2.5 km to the summit for sunset over the Waitakere Ranges, eat a Kiwi BBQ, then kayak back by night beneath the stars. First-time instruction, drinks, and waterproof camera bags are provided.

“I participated on 7/12/2024 I was very excited about this first experience I will never forget the Southern Cross More than anything, I was happy to be surrounded by nature and I envied the people who live there I will definitely come back”

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6.Motukorea / Browns Island Sea Kayak Journey

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 35 reviews · from $121

Paddle from Auckland to Motukorea, also called Browns Island, with an experienced guide and a maximum of eight people. No kayaking experience is needed. After landing, take a short but sometimes steep hike to the volcanic summit, hear about Māori pa sites and Auckland’s early founders, then enjoy morning tea and hot drinks before paddling back.

“Awesome experience with an excellent guide. We had a small group and thoroughly enjoyed. Great exercise too.”

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7.Rangitoto Island: Sea Kayak & Summit Hike Day Trip

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

Paddle from St Heliers Beach across Waitemata Harbor to Rangitoto Island, then hike for about an hour through pohutukawa forest and volcanic scoria to a 360-degree Auckland view. Qualified English-speaking guides such as Tony, Ben, Daniel, and Eric lead the small groups, with equipment, instruction, drinks, and a barbecue lunch included.

“Amazing day, challenging kayaking conditions but perfect by the time we reached Rangitoto. Also delicious lunch and very knowledgeable guide”

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8.Auckland Bioluminescence Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 31 reviews · from $68

Join Social Nature Movement for a two-hour night kayak near Auckland. Guides such as Chris lead you toward the glowing plankton, explain the Sea Sparkle effect, and may add stargazing, hot chocolate, or transport. Your kayak, paddle, and life jacket are included. The group is capped at 16 people.

“Great tour with amazing and friendly guides. They were very informative and found us and area with the bioluminescence area within a couple of minutes. Had a nice experience.”

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9.Browns Island (Motukorea) Sea Kayak Tour

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

Join a four-hour guided kayak trip from St Heliers Beach to Browns Island, or Motukorea, with about 45 to 60 minutes of paddling each way. Guides such as Ryan and Legend have helped beginners feel at ease. Expect a safety briefing, a short island walk, volcanic history, harbour views, and a chance to spot seabirds, dolphins, whales, or little blue penguins.

“Browns island was cool, a bit windy of a tour but the guide made me feel pretty safe and solid”

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10.Auckland City Lights Night Kayaking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 21 reviews · from $83

Set out from St Mary’s Bay with Auckland Sea Kayaks for a 2.5-hour evening paddle past Westhaven Marina, Wynyard Quarter, the Harbour Bridge, and the glowing Sky Tower. Guides such as Ben and Bennett provide safety gear, jackets, tea, and treats. The small group suits couples and active visitors.

“Seeing Auckland at night from the water in a kayak is an amazing experience. Ben, our knowledgeable guide, made the trip both fun and safe.”

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11.City Lights Night Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · 2 hours · from $80

Meet at Z Pier for a two-hour guided night kayak around Auckland’s inner harbour. Paddle from St Mary’s Bay past Westhaven Marina and toward the Harbour Bridge, Viaduct Harbour, Jellicoe Harbour, or North Wharf. Guides such as Dalton and Ben provide instruction, city stories, tea, and a brownie. No previous kayaking experience is needed.

“Starting in daylight and finishing in the dark. Very smooth. Loved the tea and brownie treat. Highly recommend. Great guide! Thank you!”

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12.Browns Island Motukorea Sea Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · from $93

Start at St Heliers Bay and kayak with a guide across the Hauraki Gulf to Browns Island, also called Motukorea. You’ll spend about two hours exploring its volcanic cone, Māori and aviation history, wildlife, and shell beds before paddling back. The group is limited to 16, and guide Chris has been praised for his friendly help.

“Both my friend and I were in awe of our instructors wealth of knowledge of the area and the story behind it, would highly recommend this experience to anyone considering the Kay’s king experience”

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13.Half-Day Sea Kayak Tour to Motukorea Island

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

Kayak from St Heliers Beach to Motukorea, also called Browns Island, with an English-speaking guide and a maximum of eight people. You will receive safety instruction, paddle across the Hauraki Gulf, hike to the summit of Auckland’s best-preserved volcano, hear local history, and enjoy light refreshments. No previous kayaking experience is required.

“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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