Auckland Sea Kayaks — Attraction in Ōrākei

Pros: fun interactive equipment and nice to have items (like fleece jackets, crocs) are included knowledgeable guides beautiful views

Cons: Auckland's downpours. lol.

I took their sunset kayak tour to Rangitoto Island and thoroughly enjoyed the experience!

There's an option to be picked up in the city (near the Auckland War Memorial Museum) which I did. The kayak guide (Eric) met us on time in front of the museum, ushered us into a mini van with kayaks at the back. On the way to the beach, he gave us an overview of what to expect for the day and got us talking to each other, which makes the experience even better!

We were paired in twos, got our kayaks and ourselves ready for the journey. It's awesome that this company is really well-prepared and all-inclusive; it is winter at this time and they have fleece jackets of various sizes, crocs of various sizes, outer rain/waterproof jackets, life jackets and the oars. Impressive. All we had to do was show up in shorts (100% no jeans, they won't be comfortable when you get wet!) and comfortable clothing and you're good to go.

When we got to Rangitoto, the guides prepared hot beverages and BBQ dinner for us while we took off our wet gears to dry for a bit. After a quick dinner, we began our hike to catch the sunset. One guide led us up the hike, telling us about the trees, bushes and the history of the island along the way. After about 45 min, we got to the top of trail. It was a foggy/rainy evening but we still caught a little bit of the sunset!

Going down, we were each given a hand torch (talk about being all prepared!) and made our way back to the kayaks. It was getting cold and we quickly put on our gears and jumped back into our kayaks and made our way back to the city. We got back there around 8-8:30pm, helped to stow away the kayaks and off we went our separate ways.

I couldn't have asked for a more fun, active and beautiful experience! Highly recommend this company and this tour if you want to...

What I liked about Auckland Sea Kayaks and our kayak trip to Rangitoto incl. a hike to the summit to mark the occasion of our son's 18th birthday:

Great communication before the tour about our booking and weather conditions

Super friendly, knowledgeable and capable guide. We felt in safe hands in the Rangitoto channel in the dark

Rangitoto itself was awesome. We can sometimes see it from home at XSPOT, at a distance of 80km, and getting up close and personal and learning some of its intriguing facts was enlightening

This place is unique. While it popped out of the ocean only 800 or so years ago, it must be one of the newest landmasses on the planet! Special.

Loved the exercise. I am not uber fit, but the paddle and walk were very doable, yet felt like a satisfying accomplishment, so much better than just going out for a meal or going to the pub

The BBQ was wholesome and yummy. It provides plenty sustanance for the paddle back

The views at sunset from the summit of Rangitoto (260m) back to Auckland CBD and all along the coast to the north and yes, towards Great Barrier Island, were mind-blowing. I couldn't capture the beauty of this moment on camera. You'll have to go and see it for yourself. ;-D

Having the island to ourselves once the ferry had left felt quite special and the old baches, features around the wharf and WWII remains provided interesting historical insights.

Paddling back in the dark, toward to lights of St Heliers with Scorpius, NZs brightest winter constellation and the Southern Cross, eternally in the South, above our heads, and sparkling on the water was a once in a lifetime experience.

Lovely to get to know Tom. He was a fab guide and great company, too.

Thanks heaps to the team!! Keep up...

Our guide, Daniel, led us on a very fun trip to Rangitoto Island. Before getting out on the water he filled us in on how to paddle as well as some important safety tips. Once on the water he kept an eagle eye for any approaching boats or ferries, and gave us some interesting info on some of the landmarks we were seeing. When we reached the island he cooked us up a hearty meal to refuel us before we headed up to the summit of Rangitoto. During the hike we went at a very comfortable pace, stopping every once in awhile where he pointed out local flora or fauna. On the way up we encountered some particularly chatty Tui which was interesting to listen to. Despite the cloud cover we had an excellent view of the city at sunset with rain storms on either side and some clearer skies just behind the city. The hike down in the dark was a little more difficult, but we took our time and made it safely back to the dock. The paddle back gave us a great view of the city lights was very peaceful and calm. Overall we had a fantastic time. This activity does require a moderate level of fitness. The paddle one way is around 5km or 3 miles and the hike about 5.5km or 3.5 miles round trip. Daniel did an exceptional job, we’d say 11/10, as our guide and his passion for it was very evident. We’d strongly recommend this adventure even if the weather...