Kayaking in Bay of Islands

Kayaking in the Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands is one of the best places in New Zealand to get a paddle in the water, its sheltered channels dotted with islands and quiet coves. Most guided trips start with a scenic ferry crossing to Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island, then head out by sea kayak to explore coastline you simply cannot reach on foot. Expect swimming, snorkelling and stretches of free time on the islands built into every trip, whatever length you choose.

Half-day kayaking trips
For a taste of the bay without giving up a whole day, the Bay of Islands Kayaking Island Discovery Tour pairs a return ferry from Paihia or Russell with a guided paddle out of Otehei Bay to secret beaches only reachable by water, with time to swim and snorkel before the ferry home. The Bay of Islands Rocky Coast Kayaking trip takes a different route, following the dramatic shoreline of Poroporo Island past sea caves and rock formations, with a knowledgeable guide pointing out the marine life along the way.

Full-day island adventure
Travellers with more time can go further offshore on the Bay of Islands Kayaking Island Adventure, a full-day trip that pairs the ferry crossing to Otehei Bay with several hours of paddling past wild coastline and hidden coves. The route passes a small hole in the rock formation, a quieter alternative to the famous landmark further out in the bay, before a break for swimming and lunch on a secluded white sand beach.

Getting out on the water
Every kayaking trip on this page departs by ferry from Paihia or Russell, so there is no need to arrange your own transport to the islands. Guides handle the kayaking equipment and know the tides, currents and best launch points around Otehei Bay, which makes these trips a good option whether you have paddled before or not.

More ways to explore the Bay of Islands
Parasailing is a good pairing for kayaking, giving you a view of the bay from above instead of from the water. See the full range of Bay of Islands water activities for parasailing and other options alongside kayaking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best kayaking tour in the Bay of Islands?
It depends on how much time you have. A half-day trip like the Bay of Islands Kayaking Island Discovery Tour or the Rocky Coast Kayaking tour is a good fit for a shorter visit, while the full-day Island Adventure suits travellers who want to cover more coastline and spend longer on the water.
Do I need kayaking experience for a Bay of Islands tour?
No. Guides lead every trip and provide the kayaking equipment, so these tours suit both first-time paddlers and experienced kayakers.
How do you get to the kayaking start point in the Bay of Islands?
Tours depart by ferry from Paihia or Russell, crossing to Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island before the guided paddle begins.
Can you swim and snorkel on a Bay of Islands kayaking tour?
Yes. Every trip on this page builds in time to swim and snorkel, usually at a beach or bay reached only by kayak, alongside free time on the island before the return ferry.
How long do Bay of Islands kayaking tours take?
Half-day trips run a few hours including the ferry crossing and paddling time, while the full-day adventure is a longer outing with several hours spent on the water.