Auckland Sea Kayaks

Auckland Sea Kayaks runs guided sea kayak trips on the Waitematā Harbour and the inner Hauraki Gulf, and it is one of the most rewarding ways to experience Auckland's volcanic islands from the water. The company is Qualmark Gold certified and an accredited provider of the Adventurous Journey section of the Duke of Edinburgh's Hillary Award, and it welcomes everyone from first-time paddlers to experienced adventurers.

The Sunset Tour to Rangitoto Island is the best-known trip. Lasting six to seven hours, it crosses to the island, includes time on Rangitoto and is catered with a Kiwi barbecue dinner before the return paddle as the light fades. The crossing from St Heliers is roughly five kilometres and takes about an hour on a guided tour. A daytime Rangitoto tour of about six and a half hours is also catered. Both require a moderate level of fitness, and all equipment is provided.

For something shorter, the City Lights Night Kayak Tour lasts two and a half hours and is rated easy. It paddles the Waitematā Harbour past Westhaven Marina and along the city waterfront after dark, giving a very different view of the skyline. The four-hour trip to Motukorea, also known as Browns Island, visits what the company describes as one of the best-preserved volcanic cones in the Auckland volcanic field, and a twilight version is offered too.

Other options include a Riverhead paddle-to-the-pub trip, guided walks on Rangitoto, a city scenes tour for cruise passengers and programmes for corporate groups. The company also runs sea kayak courses, school and youth development programmes and kayak and stand-up paddleboard rental, and sells gift vouchers.

Practical points are straightforward. Group discounts apply for six or more people, and custom tours can be arranged on request. A city pick-up location is listed on the website, and the office is at 193-195 Dominion Road in Mount Eden. Check the fitness rating for each tour before booking.

The tours suit active couples, friends and families with older children, as well as anyone who wants to combine exercise with Auckland's volcanic landscape. If you have already walked up Rangitoto from the ferry, arriving by kayak gives a completely different perspective. Contact the team on +64 9 213 4545 or at [email protected].