Bay of islands Waterfall Cruise Kayaking Tour
Recommended by 96% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Bay of Islands, New Zealand
- 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
Overview
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.
- Soak in unique Bay of Islands views you won’t get anywhere else
- Learn about the local history and environment from your guide
- Keep your eyes peeled for the wildlife that inhabits the area
- Morning and afternoon departure times available: Pick a slot that suits your schedule
What's Included
- Local guide
- Hotel pickup
- Hotel drop-off
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
- Lunch
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Waitangi WharfTe Karuwha Parade, Paihia 0293, New Zealand
Please go over the waitangi bridge & turn right - right next to the wharf has lots of car parking (before the yacht club)
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
1
Bay Of Islands Cruise & Kayak
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 40 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
Martin_R
2.5 hours well spent. Good kit great guides.
A perfect morning, going right up to the falls was amazing.
With a mix up in timings, they tried every method to contact me in good time, to sort.
Great company would recommend to anyone. 5 🌟
Reviews
4.8
based on 47 reviews
Susan_F, Mar 2026
Beautiful day even though it was a bit overcast-I actually think that made for great viewing! Clint was a delightful guide and pointed out lots of the natural beauty and gave a wonderful history. Highly recommend!
Martin_R, Feb 2026
2.5 hours well spent. Good kit great guides.
A perfect morning, going right up to the falls was amazing.
With a mix up in timings, they tried every method to contact me in good time, to sort.
Great company would recommend to anyone. 5 🌟
Jamie_C, Jan 2026
Loved this! Was really fun and our Canadian guide was so sweet and took our 10 year old daughter with him on the kayak. Definitely bring a towel and a jacket for chilly days!
Leanne_V, Jan 2026
Beautiful location. We were novice kayakers, & the guide provided clear instructions. This tour requires a medium to high fitness ability as it's a long paddle to get to the waterfall & back. We didn't make it all the way, probably only 1/3 of the way, when we got on the boat
Kiah_L, Dec 2025
We had a wonderful time kayaking along the river. The views were gorgeous and we really appreciated the tour guides explaining the historical and cultural significance of spots along the way. The waterfall was gorgeous. We will remember this tour for a long time! Thank you to the guides who made our experience so wonderful!
Kirsten_S, Dec 2025
We were a party of four (one couple and two friends). As we were traveling via cruise ship, the shuttles were running later than usual. We informed the team of the situation and asked for advice on whether they would be able to wait or if we would miss out. They kindly waited for our party to arrive, which we greatly appreciated.
Shortly after the tour began, I needed to board the safety vessel as I am still recovering from broken ankles (they are still rather weak but healed) and was uncomfortable and in pain. Knowing that a safety vessel was available was the deciding factor in me still attending and giving the tour a try. The staff were very accommodating and understanding, without any judgment.
Although I spent most of the tour on the safety vessel, the driver was friendly and made an effort to keep me involved by updating me on what the group was seeing and discussing at each stop. He was very knowledgeable about the area and the tour, which I really appreciated.
The rest of my party had a wonderful time and said the experience was definitely worth it, even though they had to battle the wind and tide on the return journey. Which obviously couldn't be helped.
Geoff_A, Nov 2025
Excellent morning kayaking 2 hrs to the waterfall and back, however the trip was advertised as cruise and kayak. There was no cruise just a support boat following us.
George_K, May 2025
Was just as expected, which was very good. We got lucky with weather...a few drops, but overall good weather. It is beautiful and you get a great view of the falls.
Dianne_G, Apr 2025
Great experience..you don't have to be a pro kayaker! They will look after your stuff on the safety boat. The waterfall was amazing after all the rain!
Jocelyn_C, Apr 2024
I was a first time Kayaker. I did not have a hard time learning how to as we went on our way through the mangroves and the waterfalls. Kayd (whom I was with on the same kayak)- the Team Captain coached us and was very considerate with those who were a bit slow going and a little left behind. The team felt safe and were all conversing and having a laugh with Kayd’s jokes and interesting commentaries/story telling. It was all throughout fun and excitement. Would definitely give it a go again next time I visit Paihia😁 I highly recommend this for people who love easy going water activities.
Erin_B, Apr 2024
This kayaking experience was amazing!! They were super flexible and able to accommodate for our Cruise Ship's short port day. The waterfall was beautiful and luckily the wind and current were with us, which made for a relaxing paddle. The guides were super friendly and knowledgeable about the area and the history of the river. We had the best time! And would highly recommend this tour. They are double kayaks which we didn't originally realize, but you can go alone as well if you don't have a partner to join you. This area of New Zealand was beautiful and I would love to come back!
Edward_C, Mar 2024
The person who greeted us at the shore, was extremely friendly, kind, and courteous. Our actual guide was even more so; I didn’t get his name, but he was so considerate, knowledgable,.and thoughtful of each person on this trip. For first time kayakers, he provided extra instruction, and was there for all of us with whatever we needed as we gained confidence with the paddling. The guide also had extensive knowledge of the history , plant and bird life along the way. This made the trip even more enjoyable.
When we reached the waterfall, our guide was very patient and after giving us all a demonstration allowed each couple, and the single kayaker to have as many passes at the waterfall as they would like. it was really fun.!
This is a very simple and highly satisfying experience. I would recommend it to anyone who is not an experienced kayaker.
Kathryn_R, Feb 2024
Fabulous! First rate equipment, guides, and location. Moderate exercise in calm waters.
Bring bottle of water, wear sunscreen and clothes(swimsuit) that can get wet. Recommend hat and sunglasses and a waterproof case for your camera that can be hung around your neck… lots of photo opportunities and don’t want to drop it overboard.
Candy_B, Jan 2024
Fun, kayaking tour… Easy access from our cruise ship tenders… The guides were very informative and safety oriented, and a lot of fun to spend a couple hours with!
Anita_P, Jan 2024
Kayaking together with my best mate. Lovely friendly guide. Best experience ever. Osum day thank u so much
NATHAN_M, Jan 2024
Funny, friendly and genuine guide (Cade, young and very positive 18 year old). Lovely area and relaxing activity. Beautiful area!
Catherine_C, Dec 2023
The guides were great but some of the kayakers were horribly slow and it became very boring. Wouldn’t recommend big group at all.
Karin_R, Nov 2023
The kayak through the mangroves was really nice. The waterfall was much less impressive then in the pictures of the tour promotion.
The guides were really nice and friendly, had a good time.
Response from Host, Nov 2023
Kia Ora Karin,
Thanks for joining us - really glad you enjoyed our guides, they are really passionate about what they do and love showing visitors our area. Unfortunately our waterfall changes a lot over the months depending on how much rain we have. Hope you enjoy the rest of New Zealand 😊
Maria_G, Jan 2024
De waterval was mooi. De gids was informatief en gezellig. Leuke kleine groep. We hadden een leuke trip.
From $58.93
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Bay of islands Waterfall Cruise Kayaking Tour
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