Sunset kayak tour to Rangitoto Island
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Auckland, New Zealand
- 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
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.
- Experience the sunset from the best location in Auckland
- This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers
- All kayaking equipment is provided
- New Zealand-style BBQ dinner is served
What's Included
- Fully catered with BBQ dinner
- Small friendly groups
- Suitable for people with little kayaking experience
- Top quality sea kayak equipment
- Experienced guides
- Dinner
- Coffee and/or Tea
- N/A
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Operating hours.4:00 pm
What To Expect
1
Auckland Sea Kayaks
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- 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.
- Look out for cleaning stations at the pier and scrub your shoes before boarding.
- Do not bring your pets.
- Pack properly
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Pack food in sealed containers to avoid attracting rodents.
- No open bags or supermarket bags.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Tanya_B
I really enjoyed kayaking and the hike and dinner. Tony did a great job. Kept us all together and safe.
I thoroughly enjoyed kayaking, hiking, and the dinner. Tony did an excellent job of keeping us all together and ensuring our safety.
Reviews
4.9
based on 172 reviews
Ardis_S, Mar 2026
Marco was fantastic! The ride out there was challenging but the hike and the view was great. The information about the history of the island was interesting as well. Overall a great experience
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Glad you found the hard effort worth it :) Safe travels
Tanya_B, Feb 2026
I really enjoyed kayaking and the hike and dinner. Tony did a great job. Kept us all together and safe.
I thoroughly enjoyed kayaking, hiking, and the dinner. Tony did an excellent job of keeping us all together and ensuring our safety.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thanks for taking the time to leave a review and for the kind words about Tony. Appreciate you paddling with Auckland Sea Kayaks.
kevin_o, Feb 2026
It is well run and a fun adventure. Marco is a wonderful guide who goes out of his way to ensure you are safe, comfortable and having a good time.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thanks for leaving a review and for choosing Auckland Sea Kayaks. Safe Travels
Jennifer_S, Dec 2025
Great flexibility with changing weather. Gorgeous views. Loved the opportunity to enjoy a less touristy version of Auckland.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thanks for taking the time to leave a review, and for coming paddling with us! All the best.
Lidia_B, Sep 2025
It was an amazing and unforgettably experience. I booked without really paying much attention to the description. The adventure started with kayaking a 5k from shore to Rangitoto Island and then our awesome guide Daniel, prepared some delicious dinner. He even offered us tea or coffee. I could not even believe it. We were the only people in the island. It was peaceful and quiet. After dinner we hiked 1.5 miles up to the summit that totally blown us away with its beauty and majestic. Like a dream. We took pics of the beautiful sunset and head back to then row another 5k to the shore. It was dark by the time we came back. It was just peaceful. Daniel is very nice and knowledge on the history, plant and birds of the region. We really did enjoy it very much. I feel like I got more than I paid for. Would do it again in a heart beat.
Dawn_M, Mar 2025
It’s 5 k each way very scenic and a great way to see the island and the beautiful sunset with a BBQ . Elle was a first class guide
Shyam_V, Jan 2025
An absolutely fantastic experience for those with a decent fitness level. Fun paddling, gorgeous scenery, and an amazing guide in Ben.
Kimia_R, Jan 2025
Strenuous but incredible views and experiences. Would definitely recommend. Our guide Daniel was also great and very knowledgeable about the area.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Hey thanks for the awesome feedback. Will pass on your comments to Dan :)
Andrea_W, Jan 2025
It was very windy so that we could not go to Rangitoto as planned. We went to another vulcanic Island that was closer instead. We hiked to the top of the crater but it was a very short walk and not as long as climbing Rangitoto. It was very cloudy so we could not see the sunset but the skylineof Aucklandin the dark on our way back was impressiv. In summery, it was a great experience and Elle our guide did a great job explaining kajaking and the nature and wildlife of the island. Bring a warm jacket for the hike because it can get cold when your sitting in wet clothes and be prepared that the activity is influenced by the weather conditions.
Danielle_S, Jan 2025
It was a once in a lifetime experience! Challenging with the winds, but our guide Tony was amazing and made sure we had a great and safe trip. He was very knowledgeable about local wildlife and geology.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Thanks for the feedback. Glad to hear Tony made you feel safe and you enjoyed the interpretation. Safe Travels.
Abbey_R, Dec 2024
A must do in Auckland!! Definitely be prepared for a workout kayaking to and from the island as well as the hike up the summit but the views are worth it! Our tour guide Cody was great and they have vegan options for the dinner, just make note of it when booking.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Hi Abbey, glad you had a fantastic time paddling with Kobey and enjoyed the meal options. Thanks for coming paddling with us.
Thomas_L, Oct 2024
Weather (winds) didn't cooperate for our paddle to Rangitoto, so Daniel went out of his way to offer us an alternative to get us out on the water. Instead of cancelling (he offered), I elected to brave the seas, and had a picturesque tour of the coastline, tackled some challenging paddling conditions, and chowed on a tasty picnic barbeque on a private sandy beach. Daniel was refreshingly enthusiastic; an excellent guide and host. His knowledge and skills were assuring. Would definitely recommend this great tour
Candice_B, Mar 2024
Our tour guide Daniel was patient, knowledgeable, and seemed to love his job. Beautiful kayak over to Rangitito and great food prepared for us by the guide. Hiked to the top for the sunset and full moon with beautiful views. The kayak back gave us views of the lite up Harbor bridge and city as well as the beautiful night sky- stars and moon. Loved everything! It is pretty physical and we were the older couple so keep that in mind but so worth it!
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Hi, thanks for taking the time to review your recent Sunset tour to Rangitoto. Happy to hear Daniel was a hit. We would love to paddle with you again one day.
Robert_R, Mar 2024
Our guide, Daniel, led us on a very fun trip to Rangitoto Island. First, he filled us in on the proper paddling form as well as some important safety tips. On the water he had an eagle eye for any approaching boats or ferries, and gave us some interesting info on some of the landmarks we were seeing. Once on the island he cooked us up a fairly hearty meal to refuel us before we headed up to the summit of Rangitoto. During the hike we went at a very comfortable pace, stopping every once in awhile where he pointed out local flora or fauna. On the way up we encounter some fan tails and some particularly chatty Tui. Despite the cloud cover we had an excellent view of the city at sunset with rain storms on either side and some clearer skies just behind the city. The hike down in the dark was a little more difficult, but we took our time and at no time felt rushed. The paddle back was a bit more calm and went smoothly. Paddling and watching the lights of the city was very peaceful. Overall we had a fantastic time. It does require a moderate level of fitness. The paddle one way is 10k/3 miles and the hike about 5.5k/3.5 miles. Daniel did an exceptional job as our guide and his passion for it was very evident. We’d strongly recommend this adventure even if the weather isn’t perfect!
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Hi Robert, thanks for the detailed review. Sounds like you made the most of this experience. You are welcome back anytime.
Jana_P, Mar 2024
It was an amazing adventure. Kayaking on the ocean and the views. The dinner,the hike,the views. All amazing. The guides were experienced,helpful and so friendly. It was a wonderful excursion and I would highly recommend it!
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Hi Jana, we realy appreciate you taking the time to give us such a wonderful review. We would love to paddle with you again one day.
Patrik_T, Feb 2024
I really enjoyed this tour, its a great combination of kayaking, hiking and eating. The view is spectacular, the island is peaceful and beautiful, even though our day was a rainy one.
Our guide is a brilliant host, he took care of everything and everyone regardless the fit levels. Highly recommend to everyone, you will love it, so did I.
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Hi Patrik, nice to hear you had a great experience despite the weather. We hope to paddle with you again one day soon.
Beverly_P, Feb 2024
Amazing, amazing experience. First the easy kayak to the island, then after dinner hike to the summit for sunset. Walk back down with headlamps. Best of all a magical kayak back to Auckland at night. Absolutely magical!
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Hi Beverly, thanks for the great review. Happy to hear you had a 'magical' experience.
Linda_E, Feb 2024
We wanted to do something adventurous and this paddle and hike fit the bill! Make no mistake, this is a strenuous activity, with over two hours of paddling, and a steep hike. But the overall experience was a memory we will always treasure, especially the paddle back in the nighttime under a blanket of stars with the city lights leading us on.
Our guide Daniel was energetic, friendly, helpful and thorough with his safety prep and practices - and he grills a delicious steak!
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Hi Linda, we appreciate you taking the time to review your recent Sunset Tour to Rangitoto. Sounds like you had a memorable experience and yes paddling back under a 'blanket of stars' is fantastic. Hope to paddle with you again soon.
Yan_D, Feb 2024
Fantastic trip with guides Byron and Daniel!! We're split into 2 groups of 8 and I'm witg Byron. As a first time kayaker, it's little bit hard to get used to it in the very beginning. But Byron helped me master it! The view on the summit was really worth it, the BBQ is also nice. The backwards kayaking is against the waves (and also dark) so it's a little bit more challenging, but Byron helped us made it! Daniel offered a free drive for us to the CBD so we don't need to Uber at 11:30 pm. Really enjoyable and unique experience!
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Thanks for taking the time to review your recent Sunset Tour to Rangitoto. Always positive to hear such positive words about our guides. Hope to paddle with you again soon.
Chris_C, Feb 2024
I've been on several guided tours around Auckland and this one was the most memorable and worthwhile one. As long as you're fit enough to cope with a 10km-return kayaking trip and a 7km-return hike and don't mind getting a little wet and sweaty, you will absolutely love this tour. I found it both fun and educational, and will likely do something similar again in the future. The group was small and sociable, so perfect for both introverts and extroverts. Byron our guide was very knowledgeable, professional, helpful, patient, friendly, and humorous, and a great cook (the steak dinner was delectable)! I can recommend this tour wholeheartedly.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Hi Chris, what a wonderful tag line. Thanks for taking the time to review your recent Sunset Trip to Rangitoto. Appreciate the feedback on the food! See you next time
Richard_C, Jan 2024
We had great guides, Daniel and Byron. They both did an excellent job describing what we would be doing on our sunset paddle. They kept the group together on our crossings to and from the volcanic island. I enjoyed dinner followed by a hike to the top with stunning views of Auckland. Our return paddle was very safe in the darkness. Thank you so much for a memorable evening on the water.
Laura_N, Jan 2024
I initially was going to kayak on the day tour, but instead chose the sunset tour. I was not disappointed! Pick up/ meeting point and time was exactly as described when booking. Our tour guide was Byron. He was welcoming, knowledeable and comical and spent time getting to know the group. After our safety brief we headed onto the water to Rangitoto Mountain and had a braai before hiking to the summit to watch the sunset. The views were incredible! This was followed by kayaking back in the dark with a night view of Auckland. The whole group felt relaxed and we had a lot of laughs and banter.
I would definately take a change of clothes as I got a little wet whilst on the water, so had to change before hiking. Food was lovely and special diets can be catered for.
I would definately recommend this tour!
Matthew_G, Jan 2024
I was a bit apprehensive about trying this sea kayaking trip having never done it before, but it turned out to be fantastic. Our guide, Byron, was very friendly, helpful and experienced and gave us excellent instructions and support all the way along. Overall, there were 4 boats with 2 people in each boat and the group dynamic was great. The trip across to Rangitoto Island was really enjoyable - it took a little over an hour with great views and a smooth landing on the island followed by a steak and salad meal cooked on the shore. The sunset hike to the crater on the island was fascinating with spectacular scenery and views along the way and especially at the top. After hiking back to the shore, we kayaked back in the dark - this was a bit tougher and maybe not for the faint of heart but also felt safe and was good fun. Overall, the tour took about 6-7 hours and was well worth the price. A pretty good work-out if you're a regular outdoor enthusiast. Two thumbs up to Byron who was a brilliant guide.
Russell_M, Jan 2024
The kayak trip was further than I thought it would be, but it was pretty cool coming back in the dark! Our guide, Eric, was fantastic. He kept us all together on the water, cooked us dinner and took us on a hike up the dormant (I think that's the right term) volcano. The hike was as advertised and a moderate level of fitness is needed to get to the top and back. There are other hikes to take for those not wanting to go look at the views from the top. I appreciated the ride back to Auckland downtown area. Overall, a very cool and unique trip made better by the guides.
Alexandra_R, Sep 2023
Best part Auckland visit! Must do. Love the night trip back. Best guide.
Cherished memory and great for active person.
Response from Host, Nov 2023
Hi, thanks for the excellent review. Glad to hear you made some great memories. Come back and paddle with us anytime.
Patrick_w, Jun 2023
Our Coach Eric, could do anything, first learning kayaking skills on shore and then embarking on an hour-long sea glide, during which it was very challenging, raining from time to time, and feeling very excited at the moment of disembarkation.
The island is an uninhabited island and the three-hour hike was very beautiful and the evening barbecue, where you could eat steak and salad, was very delicious.
The most challenging part was the return to Auckland in the dark sea, which was a great experience and exceeded expectations!
I highly recommend my friends to come and join us!
Response from Host, Aug 2023
Hi Patrick, thanks for the great review. It sounds like you had a great time with Eric. Hope to see you again in the future.
Cindy_M, Mar 2023
We enjoyed our time, however, you need to be In shape. It is not moderate hiking and kayaking. It was power hiking and kayaking. No time to enjoy anything. One hour fast kayaking to get to the Island, eat in 15 minutes then power hike 2+ miles UP Hill to hurry and get to the top to see the Sunset. We stopped on the way up and saw a magnificent sunset. The one at the top was so-so. Then power hike back down with head torches because it was dark. Really dark. The best part was kayaking back in the dark. That was beautiful. It was extremely rushed.
Rebecca_S, Jan 2023
This is a physical activity. Roughly an hour of kayak to and from the island and the hike is moderate (30-40 minutes) to steep (15 minutes). This was fun and different to do and we had a very good guide who prepared us a great late lunch on Rangitoto before hiking. Really interesting and beautiful experience. Thank you, Nathan!
Response from Host, Feb 2023
Kia Ora,
Thanks for taking the time to review tour. Good to hear Nathan treated you well. We hope to see you again in the future.
Scott_H, Dec 2022
Nathan was our guide and was great. This is about an hour of paddling to the island, 3.4 miles round trip of a hike when there, and an hour paddling back. The operator provides kayak skirts and waterproof jackets. I would recommend hiking shoes for the hike, avoid sandals. You can pack shoes in the dry bags they provide. They will provide vegetarian options if you let them know in advance
Response from Host, Jan 2023
Hi, thanks for leaving such a positive review of our Rangitoto Sunset Tour. It's always nice to hear positive comments about the trip. See you next time.
Drew_V, Dec 2022
Tom was a great tour guide! There was a bit of a headwind on the way over but upon arrival we were prepared a tasty bbq dinner. The hike to the top was reasonably easy and the views were stunning at sunset. We got a bit of some history of the island and the surrounding areas.
You are supplied with everything you need for the trip but I would potentially bring your own headlamp or torch, some water, and a warm fleece for arrival at the island.
Overall this was an excellent trip for an extremely reasonable price!
Response from Host, Jan 2023
Hi, thanks for leaving us a wonderful review. Great to hear you enjoyed your experience with us. Tom is one of our most experienced guides and you would have been in good hands with him. See you next time.
From $146.45
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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