Kayaking Tours in the Bay of Islands
HALF DAY (approx. 3-4hrs)
Fully guided
NZD 85.00 pp
Departing daily from our base at Waitangi Beach we paddle up the sheltered waters of the Waitangi Estuary to spend time exploring the fascinating Mangrove forests and Haruru falls.
At the falls you can test your skills by paddling under the waterfall or just relax and enjoy refreshments on the beach. Our experienced and friendly guides will regale you with local legends and point out different examples of marine life and historical points of interest along the way.
Departs: Every Day - All Year
Minimum: 2 people
FULL DAY (5-6 hrs)
Fully guided
NZD 115.00 pp - Includes lunch
As an extension of the half day tour we take you away from the Waitangi Estuary and out to the deserted Motumaire Island where we stop for lunch.
Here you can relax, lie in the sun, swim, snorkel, or sample fresh shellfish.
Departs: Every Day - All Year
Minimum: 2 people
TWO DAY ADVENTURE COMBO TOUR
Combining Kayaking, Sailing and Walking
Fully guided
NZD 465.00 pp
Minimum 4 adults
Itinerary - VIEW DEPARTURE DAYS
*Itinerary details may differ due to weather conditions on the day
EVENING PRIOR TO DEPARTURE:
Where possible we like for our passengers to meet at our Beach base at 5.00pm to pack kayaks ready for an early morning departure. A brief on the tour will be given and it is also a great opportunity to meet and greet your fellow paddlers and guides.
DAY 1
7.30am meet at Beach base and make any final packing requirements. On the water and paddling by 8.00am. From Paihia we have an easy 45 minute paddle to Tapeka point, gateway to the Bay of Islands. We explore the Russell coast and local sea caves before making a further 45 minute paddle across to the beautiful Roberton Island. Here we will stop for lunch and take the time to explore the island, snorkel and swim. The island has significant Maori history and offers a range of recreational activities including a walking track to a historical Pa site, an underwater trail for snorkelers and two stunning lagoons to explore. Roberton Island also boasts a sensational 360 degree view of the Bay.
From here we have an hour’s paddle to our home for the night, the gorgeous Urupukapuka Island. After setting up camp we can relax, marvel at our surroundings and enjoy a sumptuous dinner of venison, fish or rack of lamb accompanied by freshly prepared salads and potatoes.
DAY 2
After a great breakfast and good coffee we pack up camp and make the short paddle to Moturua Island. Here we leave our kayaks behind and go ashore to explore the beautiful bays and beaches. We then make an easy 4km walk as part of the loop track. One of the most highly rated DOC tracks in New Zealand. See where Captain Cook and Marion Du Fresne spent time, and visit the WW2 observation post. As part of Project Birdsong keep an eye out for the North Island Robin, Fantails, Tui, North Island brown Kiwi, Oystercatcher, Silvereye, and New Zealand Dotteral. This beautiful scenic reserve is dominated by Manuka and Kanuka vegetation which creates an ideal growing environment for young tree ferns and shrubs. You can also see young Pohutukawa trees flourishing along the coastline.
At the end of our walk we meet with our sailing crew on the beach and enjoy a lunch of sumptuous food and chilled drinks. We are then taken out to board the classic 42’ yacht Vigilant and spend the remainder of the afternoon sailing the sparkling waters of one the most popular boating destinations in the world. Take an active part in the sailing of the vessel or just sit back and relax. Dolphins are resident in the Bay of Islands and may cross our path at any time. We return to the wharf at approximately 5.00pm.
THREE DAY TOUR
Fully guided
NZD 685.00 pp
Minimum: 4 people
Our three day tour takes in some of the most outstanding sea kayaking in New Zealand. Three days is a perfect amount of time to get a taste of the rugged coastlines, beautiful islands, lagoons, wildlife and secluded sandy beaches the area has to explore.
Moderate fitness required.
Itinerary - VIEW DEPARTURE DAYS
*Please note itinerary changes may be necessary due to weather conditions.
EVENING PRIOR TO DEPARTURE:
On the night prior to the beginning of your tour we meet outside our beach base at 5.00pm to pack the kayaks ready for an early morning departure. A brief on the tour will be given along with it being an excellent opportunity to meet and greet your fellow paddlers and guides.
DAY 1
7.30am: Meet at beach base and make any final packing requirements. On the water and paddling by 8.00am.
After departing Paihia we have an easy 45 minute paddle to Tapeka point, gateway to the Bay of Islands. We explore the Russell coast before making a further 45 minute paddle across to the beautiful Roberton or Motuarohia Island. Here we will stop for lunch and have time to explore the island, snorkel or swim.
The island has significant Maori history and offers a range of recreational activities including a track to a fantastic Pa site, an educational underwater trail for snorkelers and two stunning lagoons to explore.
From here we have an hours paddle to our home for the next two days, the gorgeous Urupukapuka Island. After setting up camp we can relax, marvel at our surroundings and enjoy a sumptuous dinner of venison, fish or rack of lamb.
DAY 2
Today we experience the natural wonders and the stunning scenery of this unique marine environment as we head towards either the iconic Hole in the Rock or Deep Water Cove where we stop for lunch. (Our destination will depend on weather and tidal conditions).
We paddle back via Waiwaitoria passage and Okaihau Island to our base at Urupukapuka where we spend another memorable night under the stars.
DAY 3
This morning we pack up camp and make the short paddle to Moturua Island. Here we have the opportunity to go ashore and explore the beautiful bays and beaches or walk the 4.6km loop track. One of the most highly rated DOC tracks in New Zealand.
See where Captain Cook and Marion Du Fresne spent time and visit the WW2 observation post. Keep an eye out for the North Island Robin, Fantails, Tui, North Island brown Kiwi, Oystercatcher, Silvereye, and New Zealand Dotterel.
After a lunch of chilled drinks and great food you will leave your kayaks behind and be taken out to board the classic 42’ yacht 'Vigilant' to spend the remainder of the afternoon sailing the sparkling waters of one the most popular boating destinations in the world. Take an active part in the sailing of the vessel or just sit back, relax and take in this magnificent environment.
Return to Paihia wharf at approximately 5.00pm.
