Great Barrier Island is a wonderful place to kayak either independently or with a guide. Kayaking at Great Barrier Island offers one of the best ways to discover the wild natural beauty of the island's coves, bays, inlets and wildlife. Kayakers often discover areas only accessible by sea and frequently come across sea life including whales, dolphins and penguins.

The West Coast usually offers the most sheltered kayaking on Great Barrier Island along with spectacular scenery. The inlets and bays of Port FitzRoy, Tryphena and Whangaparapara are all with in a three to four hour paddle away from campgrounds and general stores.

Kayak hire and tours are available on the island. If you are an experienced kayaker, explore the island at your leisure. Alternatively, regardless of your experience, take a guided kayak tour and discover the hidden secrets on the island with the safety of a certified instructor.

Aotea Kayaks

Aotea (Great Barrier Island) Kayaks offer a variety of kayak tours with certified instructors and kayak rentals:

Harbour Cruise

Enjoy a two hour paddle around the sheltered bay and beaches of Tryphena Harbour.

Sunset Paddle

Bring along a camera and during the stunning two to three hour paddle, capture sunset shots and keep an eye out for the possibility of spotting blue penguins.

Kayak and Snorkel Adventure

For those seeking a bit of adventure, head out on this four to five hour day trip around the bays of Great Barrier Island. Snorkel gear is provided along with the kayaks to allow kayakers to explore the underwater world of sea life.

Night Trip

Kayak under moonlight and at certain times of the year, kayak through the brilliance of phosphorescence.

Kayak Rentals

Aotea Kayaks offers rentals for experienced kayakers only. Rental gear available includes tandem and single kayaks, VHR radios, waterproof bags, snorkelling gear and overnight rentals.

  • Member of SKOANZ
  • Tryphena
  • Phone: +64 9 4290 664
  • Email: aoteakayak@hotmail.com

FitzRoy Kayak Hire

Hire a kayak to get yourself around the sheltered bays of Port Fitzroy and discover many interesting features including tidal creeks, pioneer graveyards and WWII fortifications.

  • Port FitzRoy
  • Phone: +64 9 4290 091
  • Email: tony@fitzroyhouse.co.nz