Bioluminescence Kayak Tour - Est. 1994
Auckland, New Zealand
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
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.
- No experience, no problem: Learn how to kayak from your guides
- Small guide-to-traveler ratio ensures personalized attention
- All kayaking and safety gear is included
- Takes place within a 6-mile (10-kilometer) radius of the North Shore Canoe & Kayak Store in Mairangi Bay—confirmed before 3.30pm the day of the tour
What's Included
- All kayaking and safety equipment
- Stable sea kayaks or sit-on-tops are used
- All tuition from our experienced qualified kayak guides
- Guaranteed good time!
- 1-6 Ratio (Guide-Guest)
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 8Q37+MXH, Auckland, New Zealand
THE LOCATION WILL BE EMAILED TO YOU BEFORE 10 AM THE DAY OF YOUR TOUR. PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE ACCESS TO THE EMAIL ADDRESS YOU USED FOR THE BOOKING. WE ALSO SEND A TEXT REMINDING YOU TO CHECK YOUR EMAIL.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
1
Canoe & Kayak Adventures
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Most travelers can participate
- Please bring a towel, quick-drying clothing, suitable footwear, and a change of clothes for after the tour
- Kayaking is a wet sport – you should expect to get wet. Wear clothes that can handle splashes
- All of our tour locations are accessible with Uber/Taxi. Or, use AT Journey Planner if using public transportation.
- Moonlight Notice: Moonlight affects this tour and how brightly you will see bioluminescence. When the moon is brighter, the glow can be more subtle, but still visible. We recommend booking near a new moon or on nights with later moonrise for the best effect. Please check the Moon Calendar before booking. In November–April, the glow is often strong enough to enjoy on most nights. These popular dates do fill fast, so booking ahead is a good idea.
- THE LOCATION WILL BE EMAILED TO YOU BEFORE 10 AM THE DAY OF YOUR TOUR. PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE ACCESS TO THE EMAIL ADDRESS YOU USED FOR THE BOOKING.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 24 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Jordan_R
It was an incredible night! Josh was super cool and had all sorts of tricks that really helped us see more blue! The stars were out in full view as well. Seriously couldn't have asked for better. Make sure you bring shoes you don't mind getting wet though, and please read the instructions on the email! 🙂
Reviews
4.2
based on 204 reviews
Jordan_R, Mar 2026
It was an incredible night! Josh was super cool and had all sorts of tricks that really helped us see more blue! The stars were out in full view as well. Seriously couldn't have asked for better. Make sure you bring shoes you don't mind getting wet though, and please read the instructions on the email! 🙂
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thanks for the review. I'm glad your guide showed you our tricks for creating different displays of bio. It's great when you have a clear sky - stars in the water and the sky!
Denise_B, Mar 2026
I’d give it five stars but there wasn’t enough info about gear for when I was packing. 1. You don’t need to be super fit, if you can sit on a low bench and get back up, you are good, 2. You will get wet and a bit muddy, you can still get an uber (they give you a garbage bag to sit on), 3. Plastic slides, crocs, water shoes are a must, 4. Clothes that dry quick are best. Other than that, you will stay in the estuary and not go out to sea, there are zero scary wildlife situations, 5. The guides are lovely and the water is spectacular.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thanks for the review and for sharing your tips — we’re really glad you enjoyed the experience, especially the guides and the time on the water!
Just to clarify for future paddlers, we do send out a detailed gear list before the tour and include guidance like expecting to get wet (it is kayaking after all!), suitable footwear options (old shoes, water shoes), and wearing quick-dry clothing — no jeans, plus warm layers like fleece or merino, and a windproof or rain jacket.
We also operate across a few different locations, so while some tours are in sheltered estuary environments, others are along the coastline where we stay close to shore.
Teresa_C, Feb 2026
Nice tour except not a good night to see. Long way to uber there. Luckily got a ride back with a lady from the group
Response from Host, Feb 2026
We’re really glad you enjoyed the tour overall.
We also appreciate the feedback about transport. We’ll look at how we can better communicate transport options in advance to help guests plan more easily.
Justin_G, Nov 2025
Such a cool experience! The guides were awesome and knowledgeable. The darkness really made for a fun adventure. And the big blue bioluminescence was a sight to see
Elizabeth_S, Oct 2025
This was a truly unique and wonderful experience! Josh and Elena showed us many areas of bioluminescence and were very kind and patient. Just the right amount of time to get our fill of this beautiful phenomenon. Highly recommend!!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Wow, what a great way to end the month! We're glad you enjoyed your tour :) Safe travels.
Nausheen_Y, Apr 2025
Luminosity varies depending on the circumstances but overall it was a great experience and highly recommend. I do wish communication prior to the day was a bit better.
Honor_C, Apr 2025
Kayaking at night, with the stars twinkling above and sparkles in the water around the paddles, was a magical experience. The guide explained the bioluminescence to us, and gave us an enjoyable experience
JeanetteC_W, Mar 2025
This was a fantastic experience. Eloise was great. Very friendly and informative. She clearly had a thorough knowledge of kayaking and safety. She gave us great tips to make the most of our tour. The water sparkled!!! It was so awesome. Thank you so much.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Wow Jeanette, glad to hear you had such a great time! Thanks for your positive review and feedback. We will pass on your praise to our guiding staff :)
Jeanette_S, Mar 2025
Kayaking was fun however the glow
Of the water was underwhelming to my husband… and we could
Not get photos and videos like we would have expected! However guides were both very friendly
Raphael_K, Mar 2025
Not that much bioluminescent compared to other places. Need to do it in Bay of Islands. But for people who have never seen it before it is recommended since it is near the city as well.
MaureenG_M, Mar 2025
Be prepared to get wet. This tour despite getting caught in a short rain storm was a definite highlight for me. Knowledgeable, pleasant guide. Made sure everyone enjoyed the experience
Thomas_Z, Mar 2025
Tour guides were fun and knowledgeable. Saw multiple types of bio. Beautiful stars and a couple planets visible for an added bonus.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Hi, thanks for the feedback. We're glad you had a great trip. Our guides also had an awesome trip with fun clients like you!
Eric_L, Mar 2025
Guides were wonderful but this experience felt better served to happen during the day time since you're looking at best a few half seconds of bioluminescence. The area we kayaked around was gorgeous and lost in the darkness. You definitely need to be in average at worst fitness level to even attempt this. It was nothing like I imagined in that the water didn't glow as you passed over it. Though there were some lights that showed up for a half second as you paddled but the amount of effort to get there was tedious and exhausting at the end of the day. Not worth it in my opinion unless the allowed for a day kayak adventure.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Hi, thanks for your feedback! We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the guides. We agree that the areas we paddle in are stunning! However, bioluminescence is best seen at night, though it can be subtle at times. We do offer daytime tours with clear-bottom kayaks, where you can enjoy the scenery in full daylight, so that might be a great alternative for those looking to explore more without the darkness. We appreciate your insights and hope you’ll consider joining us for another adventure!
Wendy_H, Feb 2025
Guides were pleasant. Safety was kept in mind. Kayaking in the ocean at night was cool! We didn't see too much bioluminescence but overall the experience was fun. Make sure to look for a kayak that has a back rest if you have back troubles. Changing areas may not be open after the adventure. We had no trouble getting a couple of Ubers back to city central.
Kira_A, Jan 2025
This is an easy experience (perfect for first-time kayakers) that is absolutely stunning. Our tour guide was so excited to show us the bioluminescence- it was great to see! Even after years of being a tour guide, he still loves it just as much as the first time he saw it. The bioluminescence looks like stars coming up from under the water- gorgeous!
Laurence_G, Jan 2025
Incredible activity. Calm water and saw lots of bioluminescent. Our guide Paul was absolutely amazing.
trevor_b, Jan 2025
Really different and fascinating
Lovely helpful guides
Great fun kayaking at night
Seeing the luminescent plankton was amazing
Elena_D, Dec 2024
Awesome experience with the bioluminescsnt water, great team and super easy to kayak, no need for skill.
jahnna_v, Dec 2024
Subtle and awesome, does not glow without being touched, bring a change of clothes for convenience….
Alix_M, Dec 2024
This experience lived up to the hype. What an amazing activity for both locals and tourists to participate in. The equipment was great, the instructors professional, and the bioluminescence was magic.
David_S, Dec 2024
Gareth and team were great guides. Learned a lot about the different kinds of bioluminescence and had a great time kayaking in the sunset and in the dark. Also great stargazing
The bioluminescence is magical, so highly recommend with this group.
Lesley_I, Dec 2024
Fantastic tour and so much fun! Got to see some really cool bioluminescence. I highly recommend this.
Juanalee_U, Dec 2024
This was truly an amazing experience. To see the water light up like sparklers or making waves that glow, i felt like a kid splasing in the water and being mesmerized. Peter and Ben were the absolute best guides with great tips and sharing the same enjoyment as we did.
Claudia_C, Dec 2024
An adventure not to be missed. One of life's natural wonders and an incredible guided kayak tour. The peacefulness of the night enhanced by the flashes of light hiding in the mangroves made this a great ending to our time in Auckland. The guides had everything we needed for safety and the only pictures to take away are those left in you mind.
Aaron_H, Nov 2024
Travelled with Gareth and Madison and had a fantastic time. They’re very energetic and engaging and made the long trip seem short. Seeing the “Galaxy” underwater with the stars up above is a sight not worth missing in this lifetime.
Suzanne_S, Nov 2024
What an experience! Having never been in kayak, I was nervous but the instructions were clear and we did it! We took off before sunset and it got dark enough that we got to see some cool bio sparkles.
The most difficult thing was getting out of the boat!
Nicholas_S, Nov 2024
Definitely recommend taking this tour. Super professional and make safety their number one priority. While also doing everything they can to optimize every opportunity possible for you to see the bioluminesce.
Knowing weather can play a huge factor in trying to see the bioluminesce. The day I originally scheduled my tour there was pretty bad weather. The tour guide did an excellent job to reach out ahead of time to let us know due to weather they will unfortunately have to cancel the tour for that night, but quickly made arrangements to give us the opportunity to do the tour the next day or the following day after that.
I am so glad I was able to reschedule the tour for the next night. The weather turned out to be a good night and we had a spectacular bioluminesce show. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity that you should miss. Getting to Kayak in such beautiful waters and the beautiful scenery surrounding us while getting to see the bioluminesce was wondering. They truly make you feel safe in the water especially for someone like myself who has never Kayaked before.
SUMEDH_W, Nov 2024
We had a great time. Keith, Josh and Maddy made sure everyone was safe and well setup for a memorable experience. It's one of these experiences that you have to soak up in the moment as it's hard to capture photos with phone cameras from the kayaks and with the weak glow of the microbes and waves.. Highly recommend anyone considering it.
Gary_B, Nov 2024
Great kayaking experience. Guides were awesome, the family felt safe and confident. Would definitely do it again!
francesca_t, Nov 2024
Just being on the water was so peaceful. The water was warm, but I didn’t really get wet. It’s beautiful to see the water light up. We were also lucky enough to see glow worms too! This was definitely worth doing. I would do it again.
Likely to Sell Out
From $72.11
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Bioluminescence Kayak Tour - Est. 1994
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