Afternoon Island Kayak, Half Day

Bay of Islands: Island Discovery Kayak Tour - Afternoon

6 reviews

from $132 per person

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Duration: Half day, 2.5 to 3 hours of paddling
Meeting point: Paihia or Russell, ferry to Otehei Bay
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Run by: Bay of Islands Kayaking

Overview

The afternoon version of this Bay of Islands kayak tour starts with a ferry crossing from Paihia or Russell to Otehei Bay, then puts you in a sea kayak for roughly three hours around Urupukapuka Island and its neighbouring coves. It is aimed at first-time paddlers as much as anyone else: plainly, no kayaking experience is needed.

The paddling route threads between small bays and white-sand beaches along a stretch of coast you cannot reach by road. Midway there is a beach stop where you can swim, snorkel with the supplied mask and fins, or just sit on the sand. Your guide covers the island's history and the Project Island Song conservation work underway there. Back at Otehei Bay before the return ferry, the tour makes a stop to meet the resident snapper, which the operator calls an unexpected delight.

Everything practical is covered in the ticket: return ferry, kayak and spray deck, paddle, life vest, dry bag, snorkel gear, a drink and a small snack, storage for belongings, and access to hot showers afterwards. There is also free time on Urupukapuka Island if you want to walk or explore. It suits travellers who like a guided trip with the details handled.

Otehei Bay with pale sand, pohutukawa trees at the back of the beach and a wooden jetty

What's Included

Included

Half-day tour
Return ferry from Paihia or Russell
2½,3 hours of guided kayaking
Sea kayak and spray deck
Paddle, life vest, and dry bag
Snorkelling equipment: snorkel, fins, and mask
Drink and small snack (water, coffee, or tea)
Time for snorkelling or swimming
Storage for personal belongings
Hot showers available
Free time to explore Urupukapuka Island

Not Included

Tips for the guide (optional)

Itinerary

Meeting pointThere are three possible meeting points depending on the option selected, so check the booking page before you go.
Ferry to Otehei BayA 45-minute scenic ferry crossing through the Bay of Islands from Paihia or Russell to Otehei Bay.
Kayaking Urupukapuka IslandThree hours of guided paddling from 1.30pm to 4.30pm, weaving through coves and bays with a beach stop for swimming, snorkelling and stories about the island.
Otehei Bay free timeOptional time ashore to explore, walk or unwind, with a stop to see the resident snapper before departure.
Return ferryThe return ferry departs Otehei Bay at 5.45pm, another 45-minute crossing.
Drop-offDrop-off is at one of three locations depending on the option selected.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of the afternoon, from what to pack to how the day is timed.

$132from, per person

Half day, 2.5 to 3 hours of paddlingduration

5.0across 6 guest reviews

Getting wet. The operator is blunt about this: the tour involves water activities, so be prepared to get wet. Swimwear under sportswear is the sensible approach, with a towel for afterwards.
Beach break. The mid-tour stop includes time to swim, snorkel or sit on the sand, and the ticket covers a drink and a small snack. One reviewer described a picnic snack on the beach after a swim, and another mentioned hot drinks and a brownie during the snorkelling stop.
Showers after. Hot showers are available once the paddling finishes, and one reviewer mentioned towels and toiletries being ready at the end. The operator advises bringing a towel regardless.
Sun and gear. The operator recommends sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and warm clothing, plus a charged phone or camera for the coastline. A dry bag is supplied for keeping belongings safe on the water.
Timing. The afternoon ferry leaves Paihia at 11.30am or Russell at 11.40am, and kayaking runs from 1.30pm to 4.30pm. If you want more time on the island itself, the operator suggests an earlier departure option instead.
No experience needed. The operator states that no kayaking experience is needed and frames the tour as suitable for first-time paddlers. One reviewer called the tour well organised with a very experienced guide.

Ready To BookCheck availability →

Common issues. The tour depends on favourable weather, and minimum numbers are required for it to run; if either condition is not met, travellers receive a full refund. Some of the course may change without notice. Drones, fishing, alcohol and littering are not allowed. Tips for the guide are the only exclusion, since everything else from ferry to snorkel gear is included.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

The return ferry from Paihia or Russell, a sea kayak with spray deck, paddle, life vest and dry bag, snorkel gear with mask and fins, a drink and a small snack, storage for belongings, hot showers, and free time on Urupukapuka Island. Guiding for the two and a half to three hours of kayaking is all part of the ticket.

Is Food Extra?

No. A drink (water, coffee or tea) and a small snack are included, and one reviewer mentioned hot drinks and a treat during the beach stop. Bring extra food if you want a fuller meal, since nothing else is provided. Tips for the guide are optional and not included.

Where Does The Tour Meet?

Hotel pickup is not included. There are three meeting points and which one applies depends on the option you select, so confirm your exact departure point and ferry time on the booking page. Ferries leave Paihia at 11.30am or Russell at 11.40am for the afternoon tour.

Do I Need Kayaking Experience?

No. No experience is needed, and the tour is designed for first-time paddlers as much as seasoned ones. The guide leads the whole route through the bays.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the tour is cancelled due to weather, or if minimum numbers are not met, travellers also receive a full refund.

What Should I Bring?

The operator recommends swimwear, a towel, warm clothing, sportswear, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, water, a camera and a charged phone. Expect to get wet during the kayaking and the beach stop, where snorkelling and swimming are on offer.