Explore the landmark of the Auckland region and see Auckland city from another perspective.
After a safety briefing and paddling instruction you will kayak across the Waitemata harbour, meaning ‘sparkling waters’, where you may see wildlife such as Little Blue Penguins and Cooks Petrels. On arrival at Rangitoto Island, which is the largest and youngest of Auckland’s volcanoes, we start a leisurely 1 hr walk to the summit. Walking up the pohutukawa-cloaked island gives you the chance to explore the baked scoria rocks which support over 200 different native trees and flowering plants. Upon reaching the top be treated to the finest 360 degree views the Auckland region has to offer.
At the return to the water’s edge, a healthy hearty kiwi lunch awaits you, with cold and hot drinks to match! If time permits, you might even enjoy a refreshing dip in the sea before the gear is packed back into the kayak to head home.
As you kayak back south, perhaps with the help of a sail, you arrive back safely at St Heliers Bay.
Enjoy an exciting, action-packed and educational day for all!
Social Protocols
- Stay safe in the outdoors - Your guides know the environment better than anyone and are there to keep you safe; listen to ALL their instructions, ALL the time.
- Be sun smart - Make sure you bring sunblock to protect yourself from the Kiwi sun (even on cloudy days!)
- Make new friends - This is a group experience so go along prepared to start conversations and make some new friends :-)
- Respect the environment - You will be out in nature for this experience so please help protect our environment by taking all your rubbish with you.
Cultural Protocols
- Be on time - While the experience will be a relaxed one, make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to arrive early so you don't keep your guides and others waiting.
- Don't be shy - Kiwis are very friendly, open people so this experience is a great opportunity to not be shy, smile lots and make some new friends.
- Hello and goodbye in Māori - If you want to start practising some basic Māori phrases, you could try using ‘Kia ora’ (hello) and ‘Ka kite’ (goodbye).
- Outdoor eating - You can expect to be eating in the outdoors, which means finding a spot on the ground to sit and enjoy your meal - make the most of this ‘el fresco’ experience!
