Top North Island Kayaking Tours - page 2

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.

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.

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.

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.

Active travelers wanting to experience Rotorua’s unique landscapes will love this private kayaking tour. Walk through Waimangu Volcanic Valley, one of the world’s youngest geothermal systems, to Lake Rotomahana. Paddle along its shores and admire the steaming cliffs, colorful geothermal features, and dramatic geysers, learning about Māori culture along the way. This is a fun way to get some exercise and explore some of Rotorua’s less-visited attractions.

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.

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.

While spending time in geothermal Rotorua, paddle across magnificent Lake Rotoiti by kayak to soak in the mineral-rich waters of the Manupirua Springs Hot Pools. The pools are only accessible on the water, but you may struggle to get there without a guide to show the way. With entry fees plus hassle-free round-trip travel from your Rotorua hotel included, enjoy a special experience in the heart of the Rotorua countryside.

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.

Spend a day cruising through the Bay of Islands aboard a deluxe yacht that sets sail from Russell. Your captain will stop at picturesque islands and beaches, where you can snorkel, kayak, swim, walk, and enjoy a picnic lunch. Keep an eye out for marine life as you cruise, and hear commentary from your local captain about the region.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Visit the “Lord of the Rings” movie set on this small-group Hobbiton tour from Auckland. At the Hobbiton Movie Set, visit the home of Bilbo Baggins and peer inside other hobbit holes of the Shire—filming site of “The Hobbit” and the “The Lord of the Rings” trilogies, with a break for an included lunch in the Green Dragon Marquee.

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.

Indulge in the succulent tastes of Waiheke Island on a half-day food and wine tour. A guide picks you up from the wharf and takes you to boutique wineries. Taste wine accompanied by locally produced specialties such as olive oil, oysters, and artisan cheese. Then settle in for a platter lunch at a vineyard restaurant. Linger on Waiheke and take the ferry back to Auckland whenever you like.

For fans of "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" films, visiting the official Hobbiton Movie Set is a truly unforgettable experience. On this tour, enjoy comfortable round-trip transport from Auckland without having to organize a rental vehicle. On arrival, enjoy the opportunity to explore the famous film set, have a drink at The Green Dragon Inn, and see Hobbit Holes, and the Double Arched bridge up close.

The fictional, yet globally famous, village of Hobbiton™ and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves rank among New Zealand’s top attractions. Visit both sites in one day on a small-group tour that includes hotel pickup, a delicious lunch, and personal attention from your guide. Avoid the hassle of self-driving from Auckland and admire scenic views en route. A must-do tour for nature and movie lovers short on time in the North Island.