Self Guided Kayak Tours
Our kayak hire starts just 20 minutes north of downtown Auckland in the Long Bay – Okura Marine Reserve.
The Self Guided Kayak Tour is ideal for families, a group of friends or work mates.
The Long Bay – Okura Marine Reserve is bordered by protected native bush, council reserves, historic buildings, pa sites and is filled with natural wonders.
You will explore the Okura Estuary and see some of NZ’s rarest seabirds. You are likely to see fish flying through the air and stingray as they cruise under your kayak.
As the estuary is tidal, we organise the hire, so you are travelling with the tide and the water is flat. No rapids to contend with.
The estuary is teeming with wildlife. On the way, look out for eel, heron and kingfisher amongst the mangroves.
Then as the estuary widens, wonder at the stands of native bush and you’ll see tui, kingfisher, heron, pied stilts, oyster catchers, NZ dotterel and bar-tailed godwits,
in and around the estuary.
Canoe & Kayak are vocal supporters of this amazing region and your attendance with us helps support community projects.
Self Guided Kayak Tour Details
Allow two hours for this kayak tour.
Self Guided Kayak Tours are run to suit tides. You decide the day and we’ll inform you of when the best time to paddle is.
No previous experience is necessary, but a reasonable level of mobility and fitness is required. We will give you a comprehensive briefing on the kayaks, the area and where you are going.
For inexperienced or rusty paddlers, we offer basic instruction.
This kayak hire is suitable for children 11 years and over, although younger children over 5 are welcome if the conditions are suitable (each child must be accompanied by an adult).
Child rates for under 14 years.
What’s Included?
- All kayaking and safety equipment
- Stable sit-on-tops are used
- A comprehensive briefing from our experienced qualified kayak guides
We meet at the Okura Village Hall and transport you to the launch site. On completion, we transport you back to your vehicles.
See Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/EczLqkW4ND2EkjH79
Departure Times
Kayak hire is run to suit tides. You decide the day and we’ll inform you of when the best time to paddle is.
Kayak hire is run in fair-weather conditions.
What to Bring?
For kayaking bring swimming clothes and warm extra layers– avoid wearing cotton, wear well-fitting wet shoes and a lightweight windbreaker/raincoat are recommended.
Also bring a towel, sunscreen, sun-hat, personal medication, waterproof camera and polaroid sunglasses.
Once the tour has finished have a change of warm clothes, thermals, fleeces etc.
I wasn’t that confident when I first got in the kayak, but the guide helped me through and I am continuing to paddle now.
