Auckland, NZ
NEW ZEALAND
Auckland Harbour has a lot to offer kayakers with plenty of long sandy beaches with cafes and restaurants nearby, several islands, some interesting rivers and occasionally some surprising wildlife (orcas, whales, dolphins to name a few). Most of the kayaking locations are on the east side of Auckland in the Waitemata. The Manukau Harbour, on the west side, has dangerous tidal flows so do your research before paddling there or go with a local.
Things to Note:
TIDES – go out a long way compared to Sydney.
FERRIES – to and from the islands , travel very fast. Routes display on Google maps.
WEATHER – MetService, Windy
LOCAL LINGO – Bro = Mate
YACHTS – Auckland is known as the city of sails and many yachties consider kayaks to be fair game
KAYAK OPTIONS:
FERGS KAYAKS, Okahu Bay, Auckland, https://fergskayaks.co.nz/pages/auckland
Located on the water along Tamaki Drive, is a long running rental and kayak gear shop. Easy access from the city on the Tamaki loop bus.
RENTAL – NZ$75 for 1/2 day, $100 full day. (2023 prices). Toilet and change rooms on site.
Trips from FERGS
Rental kayaks are limited to the following 2 directions;
- East along the coast past Mission bay, Kohimarama Bay and St Heliers Bay, a round trip of about 10km. Pull in at any of the beaches for toilets, water fountains, cafes and restaurants.
- West into Hobson, Judges and Orakei Bays for a sheltered trip suitable only on the incoming tide. Exploring the various bays and creeks there is about 14km of paddling but a lack of cafes.
- TOURS – consider doing Ferg’s Rangitoto guided trip. Check website (link above) for tours etc.
AUCKLAND CANOE CLUB
Located right next to Fergs Kayaks on Tamaki Drive at Okahu Bay, they have a lock up with a number of club and private boats. Club boats, including 2 Barracuda Beachcombers, 1 Enigma and a Double Barracuda (all lightweight sea kayaks), can be rented.
If you are planning on being in Auckland for several days or will be visiting regularly then joining this club is very worthwhile. Annual membership is NZ$40 and boat rental is NZ$10 per half day and $20 for a full day. There is an easy to use booking app. PFD, spray skirt and paddles are included.
There is a toilet and change room next to Fergs and the club lockup has a hose for washing down gear after use.
To join you need to be approved by a member or visit on a Wednesday night or Saturday to join in a club paddle. Suggest you set this up before you get to Auckland by contacting one of the committee members via the links on their website.
Trips from ACC
There is plenty to keep most paddlers challenged.
NORTH:
- Rangitoto Island – up the NW side there is a sort of sandy beach in McKenzie Bay, just past the rocks featuring the Rangitoto lighthouse. A walk up to the summit is possible.
- Narrow Neck Beach has toilets and a cafe set back from the beach
- Devonport is worth a stop with some nice beaches, cafes and restaurants
WEST
- Up the harbour and under the bridge there is lots to see (even Orcas on one occasion). Paddle on the north side to avoid the ferry and shipping terminals but be sure to give the Navy boats a wide berth.
EAST
- Browns Island (Motukorea) is a great paddle. Plan to be at the island at low tide for good beaches to land on.
- Tamaki River has several nice beaches, Tahuna Torea Nature Reserve with sandpit and birds, and plenty of distance to explore. Up the river it pays to be at your half way destination at high tide.
NOTE:
Check the tides as they go out a long way and expose many rocks. Tidal flow can make the difference between an easy paddle and a hard slog.
OTHER KAYAK RENTALS – untested, 2022 prices in NZ$
SLIPPERY CREEK
Hingaia Rd, Rosehill, Drury
Chris. Ph: 09 294 7067 or 021 818 376
info@slipperycreek.co.nz
$50 for 2 hours for an 8km round trip in the Manukau
$60 for tour
Tide dependent.
AUCKLAND SEA KAYAKS
info@aucklandseakayaks.co.nz
09 213 4545
193 -195 Dominion Rd, Mt Eden
Beach front departures from St. Heliers
Rangitoto day tour 6 hours $163 incl lunch
Rangitoto sunset tour 6-7 hours $163 incl dinner
Motukore 1/2 day $129
Motuhie 2 day $445
Gt Barrier 7 days $1850
Cavalli Islands 3 days $555 self catered, 12 bunk DOC huts
Te Moana Sea trail
FLOAT MY BOAT
021 516 980
Sit ons – Frenzys
Browns Bay, Rothsey, Murrays, Mairangi, Campbell
4 Hours $55
Day $69
CANOE & KAYAKS
Auckland 09 815 2073
Botany 09 265 2654
Rentals fr $50
Trips in several locations
auckland@canoeandkayak.co.nz
Bioluminesence at Okuna Marine Reserve, Long bay 1 1/2 hours $95
PUHOI KAYAK RENTAL. 027 484 1672
Puhoi îs a quaint village featuring the Puhoi Pub, a favourite destination for locals and tourists.
Puhoi river <—> Wenderholm 8 km $55 single kayak
Note it is a toll road to Puhoi. www.tollroad.govt.nz
HighTide @ PUHOI – check before you book
C. 8 to 10 km 1.54 to 2 hours
$35 hour
$55 for full Puhoi river