Bay of Islands Kayaking Tours

Highlights

• Full day or half day experience in Bay of Islands
• Return ferry from Paihia or Russell Wharf
• Guided kayaking tours from Otehei Bay
• Swimming, snorkelling & free time on the island included!

Description

Sea kayaking in the beautiful Bay of Islands is not to be missed! Explore the Islands, get close to marine life or get soaked under a waterfall. Each tour guarantees the perfect day out in the Bay of Islands!

Full Day Tour - Island Adventure - Adults only (16yrs+)
This trip includes the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation and free time to explore the bay. Your day will start with a scenic 40 minute ferry ride to Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island. Here you can join the full day 4.5 - 5 hour guided kayaking tour of the amazing coastline and sea caves. You are already out in the islands, so it doesn't require much paddling until you come across wild landscapes, sculpted rock formations and hidden coves. Throughout the tour, you will stop at a secluded white sand beach for a picnic lunch, with time to swim, discover the island's birdlife and take in the impressive views. After lunch, it's then time for your return paddle back to the island, via a beautiful hole in the rock (a secret local alternative to the famous Hole in the Rock you may have heard about!). You can then choose your return ferry times back to Paihia or Russel in order to give yourself as much free time as you wish at Otehei Bay.

Half Day Tour - Island Discovery - Minimum age 10yrs
The Island Discovery Tour offers a relaxed experience in the Bay of Islands, inclusive of a morning or afternoon kayaking tour exploring hidden coves and secret bays, with time for snorkelling (gear provided). The morning starts with taking the 40 minute ferry over to Otehei Bay, where you can join a 2 - 2.5 hour guided kayak tour at either 10:00am or 1:30pm. With over 100 islands in total, the tour is flexible and your guide will take you to the best spots on the day, including secret beaches and that are only accessible via the water. You will visit multiple islands on this tour where you can go for a stroll, relax on the beach, snorkel on the shores or soak up the sun. Enjoy a meal at the cafe once you return to Otehei Bay (own cost), as well as free time on the island before your return ferry trip.

Half Day Tour - Rocky Coast - Suitable for all ages
Explore the rugged coastline of Poroporo Island on this sea kayak tour. Your adventure begins with a scenic ferry ride through the Bay of Islands to Otehei Bay, where the journey continues on a 1.5 - 2 hour guided kayaking tour. Navigate through dramatic rock formations and secluded bays with an experienced guide, taking in the raw beauty of the island’s cliffs. The area is teeming with marine life, and if the tide is right, you might even paddle into a small sea cave carved by centuries of waves. Those keen on a splash can jump in for a swim or snorkel to uncover the underwater wonders below. This Bay of Islands kayaking tour offers a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation before returning to Otehei Bay to meet the friendly local snapper and unwind at the cafe (own cost).

Trip Includes

• Return ferry from Paihia or Russell to Otehei Bay (40 minutes each way)
• Professional kayaking guides
• Quality kayaking & safety equipment
• Snorkels & fins provided on all tours
• Dry bags for your camera and valuables
• Free time to explore the island
• Island Adventure Full Day Tour - includes a sea kayak, spray deck & picnic lunch 
• Island Discovery Half Day Tour - includes a sea kayak, spray deck, a drink & small snack
• Rocky Coast Half Day Tour - includes sit-on-top kayaks (no lunch, hot drinks or snacks)

Duration

• Island Adventure Full Day Tour - allow 9 hours (4.5 - 5 hours kayaking)
• Island Discovery Half Day Tour - allow 6 hours (2 - 2.5 hours kayaking)
• Rocky Coast Half Day Tour - allow 6 hours (1.5 - 2 hours kayaking)

Departures

• Island Adventure Full Day Tour - 8:30am ferry from Paihia (joins 10:00am kayaking tour)
• Island Discovery Half Day Tour - 8:30am or 11:30am ferry from Paihia (joins 10:00am or 1:30pm kayaking tour)
• Rocky Coast Half Day Tour - 11:30am ferry from Paihia (joins 12:45pm kayaking tour)
• Ferries depart from Russell Wharf 10 minutes later
• Operates daily in summer (Oct-Apr)

Other Information

• Bring swimsuit, towel, sandals, sunscreen and a water bottle
• Hot showers are available after your tour
• No kayaking experience necessary, but an average degree of fitness is required 
• Lunch is not included in the Island Discovery or Rocky Coast Half Day Tour. There is a cafe at Otehei Bay where you can purchase lunch, or bring a picnic
• Minimum age: Island Adventure Full Day Tour - 16yrs; Island Discovery Half Day Tour - 10yrs; Rocky Coast Half Day Tour - no minimum age, however children under 5yrs must be able to sit upright unsupported and fit a child's life vest
• All tours can include FREE TIME to explore the island at your leisure
• The last return ferry departs Otehei Bay at 5:45pm (returning to Paihia by 6:30pm)

Normal Retail Prices

• Full Day Tour - Island Adventure:
  • Adult (16yrs+) NZD$275.00
• Half Day Tour - Island Discovery:
  • Adult NZD$220.00
  • Child (10-15yrs) NZD$190.00
• Half Day Tour - Rocky Coast:
  • Adult NZD$185.00
  • Child (5-16yrs) NZD$155.00