Bay of Islands Kayaking Island Adventure
Highlights & inclusions
1. Select date
August 2026
2. Select participants
What you can expect
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 full day 4.5 - 5 hour guided kayaking tour of the amazing coastline and sea caves. You are already out in the islands, so it doesn't require much paddling until you come across wild landscapes, sculpted rock formations and hidden coves. Throughout the tour, you will stop at a secluded white sand beach for a picnic lunch, with time to swim, discover the island's birdlife and take in the impressive views. After lunch, it's then time for your return paddle back to the island, via a beautiful hole in the rock (a secret local alternative to the famous Hole in the Rock you may have heard about!). You can then choose your return ferry times back to Paihia or Russel in order to give yourself as much free time as you wish at Otehei Bay.
Location
What you need to know
- Return ferry from Paihia or Russell to Otehei Bay (40 minutes each way)
- Professional kayaking guides
- Quality kayaking & safety equipment
- Snorkels & fins provided
- Dry bags for your camera and valuables
- Free time to explore the island
- Includes a sea kayak, spray deck & picnic lunch
- Allow 9 hours (4.5 - 5 hours kayaking)
- Departs 8:30am ferry from Paihia (joins 9:20am kayaking tour)
- Ferries depart from Russell Wharf 10 minutes later
- Operates daily in summer (Oct-Apr)
- Bring swimsuit, towel, sandals, sunscreen and a water bottle
- Hot showers are available after your tour
- No kayaking experience necessary, but an average degree of fitness is required
- Minimum age for Island Adventure is 16yrs;
- All tours can include FREE TIME to explore the island at your leisure
- The last return ferry departs Otehei Bay at 5:45pm (returning to Paihia by 6:30pm)
