Tours

Town Basin - Onerahi Historical Tour

This is a one way trip where you can explore both the Town basin and the inner harbor including a visit to Limestone Island. You will learn about the history of Whangarei and how it has developed over the years. There are a number of channels to check out and you will see Whangarei from a totally different perspective. This tour can be a full day with a lunch stop and extended visit to see the ruins on Limestone Island.

This tour requires a car shuttle and can be done from either direction depending on the tide.

Town Basin Hunterwasser Tour

A great option if you're just wanting a relaxed introduction to kayaking. Explore the picturesque Town Basin. The city center including new developments and attractions all look different from the water. You'll paddle up to scenic Mair park bush reserve and see cormorants roosting along the way. The Hunterwassser building, Matou A Pohe Bridge and sculptures are part of the vista  as you paddle around the Loop. It’s a very popular place for the local residents and visitors.

You can even moor the kayak and stop for a coffee or icecream and check out boats in the marina.

Matakohe / Limestone Island Historical Eco Tour

We'll have a short paddle to Limestone Island where we circumnavigate the island, passing the wildlife reserve. In Spring / Summer we'll see Terns nesting across the channel near the mangroves. We will stop to explore the old shipwrecks and the old cement works ruins going back to the 1850’s and learn about the changing use of  the island  by Maori and Europeans. 

There is an historical and geological display center on the island to learn more and sometimes a ranger will be around with latest wildlife information and tips. You could spend all day there with extended walks to the pa site and across the island. 

Classic Coffee Cruise Tour

For those who believe kayaking is simply the way to change the scenery between meals. This tour is designed for you! Visit an historical island reserve or a Marine Reserve in the Whangarei Harbour, known for its ruins shipwreck and bird nesting sites.

Parua Bay - McLeod Bay

This tour is a great way to see Whangarei Harbour from a different perspective. Join us, as we work our way through some small islands, and secluded Pohutukawa lined bays. We'll see Motukiore Island, Manganese Point and MacDonald Bank.

Fishing can be an option when the fish are biting.

Reotahi Marine Reserve Tour

This tour explores the protected marine reserve and its surrounding shoreline. Tucked away in the Whangarei Harbour, Reotahi is one of two Whangarei Marine Reserves. Bring your swimming and snorkeling gear if the wind is calm to explore the diverse underwater environment. The surrounding volcanic rock formations and constantly changing views of Mt Manaia make this one of the most scenic trips.

Smugglers Cove

Smugglers Cove is one of Whangarei's great beaches and a great place to snorkel, fish, swim or relax. You can see the distant Hen and Chicken Islands and on a good day other Islands come into view too. You can also climb Smugglers if you're feeling energetic.

Smugglers Cove and Peach Cove

Leaving from Urquarts Bay we pass cormorants roosting and Frenchman Island before rounding the Bream Head Scenic Reserve. Seals are often seen on the rocks these days and fish and birdlife is abundant. This area has some of the best coastal bush in New Zealand.

Taiharuru Estuary

We can start from Taiharuru Estuary and either head North to Pataua passing some isolated little bays and channels, and land on an open sandy beach, or in the estuary before returning, or alternatively we can head around Taiharuru Head towards Moturewa Island and McGregor's Bay. This is a round trip option unless we do a car shuttle.

Pataua Estuary

One of Northland's best kept secrets. Observe White-faced Heron, Kingfishers, Cormorants and Tui on the forest fringes. The tour starts at Pataua South near the bridge and continues up the river. We take a channel deep into mangrove forest and take refreshments on the river bank. On the full tide there is much to see further up the estuary and often stingray and schools of fish are encountered.

Horahora Estuary

This half day tour starts at the mouth of the estuary, and we'll work our way up through the mangrove forest, native bush and narrow channels. Estuaries offer a great opportunity to watch bird life on the banks, and an easy paddle.

Ngunguru River / Waitoi Creek Historical Eco Tour

Paddling on this river is a good option when the open water is too rough and is a great family trip or for people who enjoy birdlife and tranquility.

Ngunguru  River can be explored as a one way journey. We start at either Scow's Landing or Ngunguru Township and go up or down the river depending on the tide and wind conditions.

A second option is a return trip up the Waitoi Creek starting from Tongatu Road. In this journey you will experience a range of environments ranging from Mangrove forest, native bush and finally finishing in wetlands. The channel gets narrow and the water can be very clear. There is a good landing there and we can stop for refreshments at the top of the tide before returning with the tide.

Wharewa Bay / Goat Island Tour

The half-day trip starts at Ngunguru or Whangaumu (Wellington's) Bay and is a round trip. Passing the sandspit in Ngunguru Bay, head to Goat Island and into the secluded Wharewa Bay for refreshments. An excellent family trip with options to explore further south to Hora Hora River mouth or north towards Dolphin Bay.

Pacific Highlights Tour

This is one of our most popular tours, and for good reason. We'll explore the Tutukaka Harbour region and the best it has to offer, before venturing either North or South depending on the weather and tidal conditions. There is time to relax on a perfect beach, or if you've still got the energy, you could swim, snorkel or walk to the lighthouse.

Matapouri and Whale Bay Tour

We work our way around the rocky shoreline this is one of Northlands well known bush fringed areas with a mixture of sandy white beaches and soft pebbles. The area inside Matapouri Bay or Whale Bay is great for families, or those after some relaxed paddling in low swell conditions and offshore wind. Swimming and snorkeling opportunities everywhere.

Hidden Coast Tour

From bird watching to snorkeling this tour will give you a taste of the best of Northland's extensive coastline. There are many delightful channels, reefs and bays to explore, whether we paddle North from Tutukaka or South from Matapouri. Meeting point will be Kowharewa Bay, Wooleys Bay or Matapouri estuary (as advised by your guide).

Whangaruru Highlights

Whangaruru translates to Sheltered Harbour, and that's exactly what this rural location offers. Available for a full day tour only, we'll explore Admirals Bay, Puriri Bay and Motukauri Island, all in the stunning sheltered location of Whangaruru.

Teal Bay - Mimiwhangata Tour

We offer a customised full day return trip to the Mimiwhangata Coastal Park and administered by DOC. It is known for calm and sheltered waters, a good paddling option when the wind is from the S or SE.

The white sand bottom and clear water is great for swimming and snorkeling. There are numerous secluded beach picnic spots under pohutakawa trees, walking trails and views of off shore islands. This whole area is relaxing and regarded as the “Crown jewel” of Northland.

A full day is needed to experience this area fully.

Rawhiti Tour

This is a perfect kayaking experience. Exploring the beautiful island of Urupukapuka is something you'll remember for a long time. With a wide range of different shorelines, it's known for schools of fish as well as dolphins and other sea-life.

Large Group bookings only

Prior essential