Top North Island Kayaking Tours

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.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the night on a kayaking tour into hidden glow worm caves on a lake near Rotorua. Feel safe and secure paddling a kayak with a guide leading the way. Marvel at the constellations of glowing bugs lighting up the rock formations, and the starry skies outside if the weather’s clear.

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 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.

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.

Take a guided canyon kayak tour in the daytime, on the Waikato River. Learn the history of the submerged village and enjoy the serenity of being on the water. Paddle slowly up the Pokaiwhenua Stream and through the canyon carved out by water over many hundreds of years.

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.

As New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland has one of the country’s most impressive skylines. Lots of tours help you take in the view, but not many let you spy the Sky Tower lit up against a golden sunset while you kayak along Westhaven Marina. On this small-group kayaking tour, experience cityscape views, paddle by superyachts, and take in some of the city’s most popular landmarks from a unique vantagepoint.

Imagine gliding across a glass-like lake, surrounded by native forest with nothing but the sound of your paddle dipping into the water and bird song. This is the experience of The Hidden Lake kayak tour. We'll take you on a journey to Taupō’s secret sanctuary, a peaceful and untouched place where the beauty of nature takes centre stage. From the intriguing sight of a sunken forest beneath the water to the secluded tranquillity of a hidden canyon, this is more than a tour—it's an escape. The sheltered location means this peaceful and unforgettable adventure can be enjoyed in any weather. Tour Highlights: Paddle over the mysterious sunken forest Explore hidden waterways and the beautiful canyon Enjoy close encounters with native birdlife Perfect for families, beginners, and nature lovers Runs year-round in most weather conditions

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.

Get active and enjoy New Zealand’s natural beauty on a kayak or canoe tour of Lake McLaren, near Tauranga. See native wildlife and learn about the ecosystem from your guide—something you'd miss on your own. Paddle along the tranquil lakeshore and through Mangapapa Canyon, admiring places you couldn’t reach any other way. Hotel pickup is available for added convenience. Cruise-ship passengers board an 18-seater canoe; other travelers use kayaks.

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.

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.

Discover Browns Island's rich history near Auckland. Horses were swum across the harbor by early settlers, while Māori thrived with farming and fishing centuries ago, leaving behind remnants of pā sites. Even more intriguingly, remnants of the Sydney mud cockle were found within volcanic shell beds. In 1909, New Zealand's aviation history took flight as Alex and Claude Barnard launched a homemade flying machine from the island's peak, marking the nation's first aeroplane trials. Browns Island is a volcanic cone from an eruption 25,000 years ago, part of the active Auckland Volcanic Field. Now uninhabited, it's a recreational reserve turned wildlife sanctuary, home to native birds like tūī, pūkeko, silvereye, as well as unique wildlife such as skinks and geckos. For students and researchers, Browns Island offers educational opportunities in volcanology, geology, and environmental conservation, making it an ideal field study destination.

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.

Gather your family and friends for a unique kayaking adventure along the stunning Waikato River, starting from Epworth camp. Paddle toward the enchanting Pokaiwhenua stream, where the canyon, adorned with native ferns, transforms into a mesmerizing glowworm display as twilight sets in. After savoring some of New Zealand’s finest wines and delicious cheeses by a cozy campfire, glide back downstream, illuminated solely by the soft light of the glowworms. This experience offers a magical alternative to traditional cave visits for viewing glowworms, all under the guidance of our certified and experienced Boatshed guides.

Soak in the thermal spring-fed pools of Lake Rotoiti and paddle into a glowworm cave on a morning kayak tour from Rotorua. With an expert guide, explore the tranquil waters of the lake as you take in the scenery. Paddle to caverns and hot springs that are accessible only by water. Kayaking equipment, hot spring entrance, and snacks are included.

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.

Explore the Hauraki Gulf on this relaxing half-day kayaking tour that departs from central Auckland. Private boats and kayaks are the only ways to access Motukorea/ Browns Island, one of the best-preserved volcanoes in the Auckland Volcanic Field. After arriving on the island, hike to the summit to see picturesque views and learn about the island's history.

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.

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.

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.