Top North Island Kayaking Tours

Active travelers will love exploring beautiful Cathedral Cove–the Te Whanganui-a-Hei Marine Reserve–by kayak. Get an up-close view of the rock formations and sea caves from your kayak, and look out for marine life, including stingrays, many fish species, and possibly dolphins. Receive personalized attention and the chance to ask your guide questions on a small-group tour.

Certain waters near Auckland offer a hidden attraction to delight unsuspecting travelers. On this guided kayak tour, paddle out off the shore of Auckland at night and watch as the waves start to light up as you glide through the waters, lit up by bioluminescent plankton which swirl with blue light when disturbed. This easy, 2-hour tour is not recommended for travelers with back or heart problems or other serious medical conditions.

Kayak down the beautiful crystal-clear waters of the Waikato River on this small two hour guided kayaking tour. Drift path various islands, nature reserves, and locations of interests and soak in the natural geothermal hot pools. This tour will let you uniquely experience the river and its surroundings.

Experience nature is at its best on a 40-minute Bay of Islands cruise followed by a kayak excursion. Paddle past mangrove forests to a wondrous waterfall, with the option to depart in the morning, afternoon or at sunset. If you’d like, opt for a paddleboard instead. You’ll view birdlife and learn the cultural history of the Maori people with commentary by a knowledgeable guide.

Adventurous travelers will love this glowworm-spotting tour with a difference. As the sun gets lower in the sky, paddle in a kayak on Lake Karapiro and along the Pokaiwhenua Stream. You’ll see beautiful native plants and bird life, and rock formations that have been naturally carved over centuries. Once the light disappears, you’ll see thousands of glowworms lighting your way. This tour is a fun way to experience some of New Zealand’s best natural attractions.

Enjoy one of New Zealand’s original tourist attractions: a tour of the magnificent Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Your guide—who may be descended from the Māori chief who first discovered the caves—leads you underground and tells you about the cultural significance of this site. Hop into a boat and glide on an underground river, enjoying the light show put on by millions of tiny bioluminescent insects hanging above.

Set out across the Hauraki Gulf on an evening sea kayak journey to Tiritiri Matangi Island — a living sanctuary where wildlife thrives and the ocean meets the stars. Paddle through calm summer waters as the sun begins its slow descent, painting the sky in shades of gold and crimson. Upon arrival, enjoy a luxury sunset grazing platter in a secluded coastal setting, complete with sweeping views of the Gulf. As twilight deepens, witness little blue penguins waddling home from the sea. The adventure continues with a guided nocturnal walk, revealing rare creatures like Tuatara and Kiwi. End your night paddling back with bioluminescent plankton shimmering beneath you and the Milky Way above.

Take in the scenery of Lake Taupo during this half-day kayaking tour from Taupo. After a brief paddling lesson, set out in your kayak from Jerusalem Bay. Follow your guide along the shoreline of New Zealand’s largest lake to rock cliffs where you can see Maori carvings. Stop at a scenic spot for snacks and an optional swim on a tour that is suitable for all levels of experience.

Experience the magic of the Bay of Plenty on this evening glow-worm kayak tour of Tauranga’s Lake McLaren. Avoid getting lost as day turns to night by kayaking with a guide. Marvel at the bright green glow worms clinging to the towering cliffs and gain insight into the life cycle of these fascinating creatures.

The Bay of Islands is stunning whichever way you choose to explore, but there's something truly magical about getting out onto the water. This kayaking tour takes you paddling on calm waters through mangrove forests toward a waterfall that drops into the sea and offers the chance to paddle up close.

Spend a magical evening kayaking on Lake Rotoiti, where you visit glowworm caves and have plenty of time to soak in natural hot springs before a barbecue picnic dinner. Paddle with an expert guide into lakeside caves only accessed by boat to see glowworms and crayfish, then revel in the sunset reflected on the tranquil waters. Instruction, equipment, and round-trip hotel transport from Rotorua are all included.

This tour combines a guided coastal kayak experience with post-paddle hospitality — the perfect mix of light adventure, connection, and a well-earned drink or meal together. Explore Auckland's scenic North Shore on a guided kayak tour from Waiake Beach to Browns Bay. Paddle past stunning coastal cliffs, rocky reefs, and caves while enjoying panoramic views of Rangitoto Island and the Hauraki Gulf. This easy route is perfect for beginners, with experienced guides ensuring a smooth experience. After your adventure, unwind at Browns Bay with options for swimming, relaxing, or dining at local cafés and bars, including Browns Bay Brewing Company.

The only experience of its kind in a capital city! Discover Wellington’s greatest Māori waterfront experience. Jump on board our waka tētē, Poutu or Te Taumata, paddle on our stunning harbour while learning about waka (traditionally carved canoe) culture. Enhancing culture, spirituality, and unity. Our friendly experienced guides will take you through everything you need to know to become kaihoe (paddlers). A unique and enchanting tour that offers insight into Māori culture. This tour is great for team building & togetherness. This experience includes one of our unique T-shirts. Get your whānau, work or sports team together and book one of Wellingtons most unique experiences. You may get wet, so we recommend that you wear appropriate clothing. All passengers and crew wear a personal flotation device on board the waka. We have personal flotation devices in a wide range of sizes and seek to include all tour participants, including children.

Step into Peter Jackson's Middle-earth with this guided group tour of the Hobbiton™ Movie Set from 'The Lord of the Rings' film trilogy. Learn more about the movies than you ever would by exploring by yourself with the help of your local guide. And with a shuttle service at your disposal, you enjoy a truly seamless Matamata experience.

Kayak across the sparkling waters of Waitemata Harbor and reach Rangitoto Island - Auckland’s youngest and largest volcano. A leisurely walk to the bush-clad island’s summit across offers panoramic views of the Auckland city skyline and its many surrounding beaches and bays. Enjoy a healthy and hearty barbecue lunch on the shore of Rangitoto before paddling back across the water to Saint Heliers Bay.

Get out of Auckland for the night, away from the harsh neon lights, and experience a natural light party on this kayaking adventure. Paddle along the northern coast of Auckland and witness the bioluminescent plankton that live in the ocean. Watch as it lights up the beach at night, with only the sounds of the Hauraki Gulf and the native birds in the background.

A diverse range of wildlife calls the calm blue waters of Lake Rotoiti—near Rotorua—home, including many species of local birds. Listen to the enchanting birdsong as you paddle across the lake on this half-day evening kayak tour. Then, set out towards the nearby glowworm cave to see bioluminescent light speckle the dark cave walls before a BBQ dinner at the Manupirua Hot Pools.

Visit two of New Zealand's must-see attractions on this combo tour from Auckland to the Hobbiton™ Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Peek into Hobbit holes, frolic in the Shire, and get a drink at the Green Dragon Inn on a guided tour of Middle-earth, followed by a café lunch. In the afternoon, explore Māori myths and history on an underground boat ride at Waitomo, surrounded by thousands of glowworms.

Get up close to New Zealand’s natural beauty on this scenic Lake McLaren tour by kayak or canoe. Discover wildlife native to the region and gain insight into the ecosystem from your guide—something you'd miss on your own. Gaze up at sheer cliff faces towering overhead and enjoy panoramic views over the dense, sun-dappled bush. Paddle along the lakeshore and through Mangapapa Canyon. Hotel transfers are included for added convenience.

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.

Embark on a thrilling Blackwater Rafting adventure in Ruakuri Cave. Choose between two exhilarating tours: the original Black Labyrinth, where you'll float under glowworms and jump off waterfalls, or the longer Black Abyss, which includes abseiling, ziplining, and cave exploration. Both experiences offer unforgettable encounters with the natural beauty of the cave and take you to places impossible to reach on your own.

Kayak to the iconic Whenuakura Island, also known as Donut Island, on this guided adventure. Paddle through crystal-clear waters as you explore the stunning lagoon and learn about the unique wildlife sanctuary. With expert guides leading the way, discover hidden bays and breathtaking natural formations. This eco-friendly experience ensures you connect with nature while creating unforgettable memories with small group sizes. - 2-hour guided kayaking tour suitable for all skill levels - Explore Whenuakura Island’s stunning lagoon and wildlife - Small private groups for a personalized experience - Safety gear provided, including life jackets and wetsuits if needed

Visit the Hobbiton Movie Set on a full-day tour from Auckland that explores New Zealand's "Middle-earth," where "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" films came to life. Travel through a landscape of lush farms, then take a guided tour of the 12-acre (4.8-ha) Hobbiton Movie Set, from hobbit holes to gardens and the Green Dragon Inn. With free time to shop and explore, this tour includes transportation from selected locations in Auckland for your convenience.