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 Explorer
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 morning or afternoon 2 - 2.5 hour guided kayaking tour of the amazing coastline and scenery. You are already out in the islands, so it doesn't require much paddling to get to breathtaking locations. You will have time to swim, discover the island's birdlife and take in the impressive views on the island stop. Lunch is also included at the Otehei Bay cafe on your return to the island. You are in control here so you can choose the ferry times in order to give yourself as much free time as you wish at Otehei Bay and on the rest of the island. The hardest part of your day will be deciding when to head back!
Full Day Tour - Island Discovery
The Island Discovery Tour is similar to Island Explorer, but includes a specific snorkelling stop during your kayaking tour, as well as exploring hidden coves and secret bays. The morning starts with taking the ferry over to Otehei Bay, where you can join a 2 - 2.5 hour guided kayak tour at 9:45am or 12:45pm. 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 on your return to Otehei Bay, as well as more free time on the island before catching the ferry.
Half Day Tour - Rocky Coast
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 (meal not included).
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
- Full Day Tours include sea kayaks & spray deck, hot drinks, small snack & lunch at Otehei Bay cafe
- Half Day Tour includes sit-on-top kayaks (no lunch, hot drinks or snacks)
Duration
- Full Day Tours - allow 8 hours (2 - 2.5 hours of kayaking)
- Half Day Tour - allow 6 hours (1.5 - 2 hours of kayaking)
Departures
- Full Day Tours - 8:30am ferry from Paihia (joins 9.45am or 12.45pm kayaking tour)
- Half Day Tour - 11:30am ferry from Paihia (joins 1:15pm 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
- No kayaking experience necessary, but an average degree of fitness is required
- Lunch is not included in the Rocky Coast Half Day Tour. There is a cafe at Otehei Bay where you can purchase lunch, or bring a picnic
- Minimum age is 10yrs for full day tours. All ages are welcome on the half day tour, however children under 5yrs must be able to sit upright unsupported and fit a child's life vest.
- All tours include FREE TIME to explore the island at your leisure
- The last return ferry departs Otehei Bay at 4:15pm (returning to Paihia by 5pm)
Normal Retail Prices
- Full Day Tour - Island Explorer:
- Adult NZD$220.00
- Child (10-16yrs) NZD$160.00
- Full Day Tour - Island Discovery:
- Adult NZD$220.00
- Child (10-16yrs) NZD$160.00
- Half Day Tour - Rocky Coast:
- Adult NZD$160.00
- Child (under 16yrs) NZD$105.00
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All prices shown in NZD$.
