Island Adventure Tour

Paddle into places only a kayak can take you!

Designed for those who seek more than a postcard view, this all-day kayak tour ventures well beyond the tourist trail — into the wild, unhurried heart of the Bay of Islands.

Your day begins with a scenic 40-minute ferry crossing to spectacular Otehei Bay, the gateway to an extraordinary kayaking journey around Urupukapuka Island and its neighbours. This is New Zealand as it's meant to be experienced — from the water, at your own pace, far from the crowds.

Paddling through crystal-clear waters, you'll navigate dramatic cliff lines, weave through sculpted rock formations, and slip into hidden coves that most visitors will never find. The kind of places you'll still be talking about long after you're home.

A true highlight lies in exploring a series of sea caves accessible only by kayak — natural chambers where light fractures through the darkness and the ocean seems to hold its breath. It's raw, it's elemental, and it earns every bit of the effort.

As the journey unfolds, sweeping coastal panoramas give way to a secluded white sand beach — your reward for the morning's paddling. Settle in for a picnic lunch in a setting that feels entirely your own. From here, the afternoon is yours: snorkel among vibrant marine life, take a refreshing swim in clear blue water, or simply stretch out on the sand and let the silence do its work.

On the return, we'll seek out a local secret — a hidden hole in the rock known to few — adding a final touch of discovery to a day already rich with them.

We'll also pause to meet the resident snapper at Otehei Bay before returning to shore, where there's time to unwind, reflect, and savour the kind of satisfaction that only comes from a day genuinely well spent.

This tour is built for capable paddlers who want to use their skills in a setting worthy of them. It will challenge you in the best possible way, and reward you with some of the most stunning, unspoiled coastline New Zealand has to offer.

This is more than a tour — it’s an immersion into the heart of Aotearoa.

Please Note:  

Parts of this tour are dependent on favourable weather conditions - some of the course may change without notice. Minimum numbers required.

REQUIREMENTS

• NOT Suitable for children under 16 years

• Kayak experience required

• Medium-High Fitness required

• Small Groups – maximum of 8 participants per tour

TOUR INCLUSIONS

• Return ferry from Paihia or Russell

• 5 - 5 1/2  hours Guided Kayaking incl. lunch break

• Sea Kayak & Spray Deck

• Paddle, Life Vest & Dry bag

• Snorkelling Equipment – Snorkel, Fins, Mask

• Picnic Lunch incl. Water, Coffee/Tea and Juice

• Time for Snorkelling / Swimming

• Storage for Personal Belongings

• Hot Showers Available

• Free Time to explore Urupukapuka Island

TOUR TIMES

• Ferry departs Paihia at 8.30am (Russell 8.40am)

• Ferry departs Otehei Bay at 5.45pm (option of 4.15pm departure during peak season)

• Kayak Tour from 9.30am - 3.00pm

WHAT TO BRING

• Activewear / Swimwear

• Warm Jacket

• Towel

• Sunscreen

• Hat & Sunglasses

• Mobile Phone

• Water

Tour available from Saturday 24 October 2026 to Monday 29 March 2027