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Day sea kayak tour Rangitoto Island: Explore Auckland's landmark with wildlife and volcano walk
4.9
41 Ratings
Auckland
Experience a thrilling sea kayak tour to Rangitoto Island in Auckland. Explore volcanic landscapes, encounter wildlife, and enjoy panoramic city views. Book now!
Duration:
6 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Auckland Sea Kayaks - Paddle a sea kayak to Rangitoto Island, the largest and youngest volcano in Auckland, and a prominent landmark of the region, as the sun sets over Auckland and the Waitakere Ranges. Complimentary pick-up and drop-off from central Auckland (Auckland Museum) is available upon request. After a safety briefing and paddling instruction, you’ll kayak across the Waitemata Harbour, which means ‘sparkling waters,’ where you might spot wildlife like Little Blue Penguins and Cook’s Petrels. We’ll dock our kayaks at Rangitoto Wharf before starting a one-hour fun and informative trek to the summit, where you’ll enjoy spectacular views and learn about the region’s history. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with the best 360-degree views in the Auckland area. Upon returning to the water’s edge, a healthy Kiwi-style BBQ dinner will be waiting for you. Our guides are highly experienced and skilled sea kayakers with a passion for conservation and kayaking. Their knowledge of the area, understanding of weather systems, and catering skills will ensure your trip is both enjoyable and safe.
What's Included
- Top quality sea kayak equipment
- Small friendly groups
- Experienced guides
- Suitable for people with little or no kayaking experience
- Tea and coffee
- Fully catered with BBQ lunch
What's Not Included
- N/A
Additional Information
Embark on an adventure in the Auckland region and view the city from a unique vantage point.
Journey across the Waitemata harbour, known as ‘sparkling waters’, where you might encounter wildlife like Little Blue Penguins and Cooks Petrels.
Upon reaching Rangitoto Island, the largest and youngest of Auckland’s volcanoes, you’ll begin a relaxed 1-hour hike to the summit. Your climb through the pohutukawa-dressed Island offers an opportunity to glimpse the sun-baked scoria rocks that house over 200 distinct native trees and blooming plants. Climbing to the peak, expect to be graced with the most outstanding panoramic views the Auckland region has in store.
- 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.
Location
Auckland Sea Kayaks
Tamaki Drive
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/
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(41 Ratings)
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Teri_m
Jun 11, 2024
Amazing Adventure - Amazing adventure! Eric was our guide and made the trip easy. Good instruction on paddling and great steaks grilled on the beach. The hike up the volcano was challenging but doable and the paddle home in the dark was exciting. I would do this again!
Review provided by Viator
Tancyd
Mar 28, 2024
Awesome experience! - Awesome experience! Daniel our guide was fantastic! Very knowledgeable, helpful and reassuring. Told us everything we needed to know about paddling and safety before we set out, shared lots of interesting info on the walk to the summit of Rangitoto and cooked a fabulous lunch as well. Great support on the paddle home, offering extra technique tips and ongoing encouragement. Thoroughly recommend and definitely hope to do it again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
T2749hpjulier
Mar 8, 2024
Fantastic day out - Booking this trip was easy, with really good communication from the outset. My questions always answered by close of play that day
Meeting Chloe at the museum was very straightforward.
Such a friendly tour guide, the group were safe at all times. With a nice BBQ after the walk.
Thanks Chloe for a lovely day
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Khalidai2018
Feb 19, 2024
Wonderful kayak + hike day adventure - Did the day tour to Rangitoto with Daniel, who was an amazing guide! He was knowledgeable and thoughtful and made sure we were all safe and knew how to properly operate our kayaks. The hike to the summit was incredible and the views were spectacular. Would definitely recommend this activity to anyone visiting Auckland!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kathleen_d
Feb 11, 2024
Exceptional Kayak Trip right in Auckland - Eric, our leader, was just the right blend of friendly, organized, and safe. Not too chatty and not arrogant, like some adventure operators. The trip from St. Helier's Beach to Rangitoto was approximately 5K across a fairly busy channel but I never felt unsafe. The trek to the summit of the volcano was also very reasonable albeit, with locks of volcanic rock and tree roots. Definitely not an 'easy' walk for anyone with health challenges. Lunch, prepared by Eric was surprisingly delicious. Some of these lunches can be shoddy, but ours was perfect. Just enough food and well balanced.
Total day was about 7 hours (8:30 am - 3 pm) beginning to end. Just right for a day trip. We took an Uber to and from St. Helier's but pick-up and drop-off is also provided.
Phenomenal all around.
Review provided by Viator
Henry_l
Jan 14, 2024
Great exercise and awesome view - This tour was great exercise and a generally relaxing way to experience the waters and the island. The view from the top of the island was awesome, and the lunch was delicious. It was a great experience. Our tour guide, Chloe, was knowledgeable and great to lead this trip; we were in great hands. Thanks!
Review provided by Viator
Jen_c
Jan 13, 2024
Physical Activity + Beautiful Views + Wonderful Lunch + Amazing Guide = PERFECT DAY! - Our guide, Chloe, was AMAZING! She is super friendly, helpful and knowledgeable giving us detailed information and instruction. It was a perfect day for kayaking and hiking. She even grilled us steaks for lunch! This excursion was well thought out due to the amount of activity required. The schedule of kayaking, hiking, lunch, kayaking allowed enough rest between upper body and lower body activities! It’s truly a day of physical activity combined with beautiful views. Our group was small and perfect allowing everyone to get to know each other too!
Review provided by Viator
Tgress93
Jan 11, 2024
Best tour guide company in the world - We had a blast kayaking to rangitoto with Daniel. He was knowledgeable about water/sea kayaking safety and the island itself + just a pleasure to be around. It was the perfect day and full of laughs!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Holly_b
Jan 4, 2024
Fun active adventure with beautiful views… - Eric was a fun & knowledgeable guide. He explained the kayaking well and helped us with questions & concerns. The paddle to & from the island was a good workout, but fun & we had a lovely day of mostly still water. The hike to the volcano on Rangitoto was vigorous with lovely views of Auckland and the surrounding areas. The colors of the water, sky, island, & clouds were breathtaking! Our lunch was great & gave us the energy needed for the paddle back to shore. I highly recommend this adventure for those looking for some exercise & beautiful views.
Review provided by Viator
Julie_w
Jan 13, 2024
Rangitoto Island Kayak/Hike - This was a fantastic day, spectacular scenery from beginning to end. Really enjoyed the kayaking as well as the climb to the top of Rangitoto, the view was well worth the effort. Friendly guide who took good care of us. The only issue was the quality of the picnic lunch, which was not acceptable. I have been on other hiking/outdoor activities in New Zealand this trip, the picnic lunches have been delightful.
Review provided by Viator
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