• About Us

Auckland Sea Kayaks are specialists in marine-based tourism and education

Owner and operator Nic Mead has been exploring the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park for nearly 40 years. He celebrated his first birthday on Motuihe Island and even attended college on the shores of the Waitemata.

Having explored here for a lifetime, the business combines this wealth of knowledge with a passion for conservation to provide exceptional and personal experiences for all our guests.

Our Paddling Area

Auckland Sea Kayaks operates in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park which is home to a myriad of islands, marine reserves, and many protected conservation areas. Here you can see a wide variety of wildlife including dolphins, whales and some of New Zealand’s rarest birds including the endangered New Zealand dotterel, saddleback, kakariki, and kiwi. Coupled with distinct volcanic cones, crystal clear waters, sandy beaches and virgin forest – you have a sea kayakers paradise just waiting to be explored.

Our Environmental Stance

Auckland Sea Kayaks is an inherently environmentally friendly business, taking advantage of the Hauraki Gulf’s natural wonder. The philosophy of the company is based around protecting, enhancing and educating our guests about our environment, and following the 7 principles of Leave No Trace. We want to ensure the uniqueness of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park is protected and we help make positive changes in the area.

Safety Standards

The safety and well-being of our staff, clients and the environment in which we operate is fundamental to our business.  We are a Registered Adventure Activity Operator with WorkSafe and our safety systems are independently audited with QualWorx annually. Nic Mead is an NZOIA sea kayak assessor and is considered a technical expert for sea kayaking holding NZOIA Sea Kayak 2.  We operate with Department of Conservation concessions, Auckland Council permits and we are holders Pest Free Warrants for the protected islands of the Gulf.

Gold Sustainable Tourism Business Award

Auckland Sea Kayaks is a QualMark Gold awarded business’. A Gold Award recognizes the best sustainable tourism businesses in New Zealand, with the delivery of exceptional customer experiences an integral part of everything they do. A Gold Sustainable Tourism Award identifies those businesses leading the way in making the New Zealand tourism industry a world class sustainable visitor destination.

About Your Guides

We employ guides who, like us, are professionally experienced sea kayakers with a personal commitment and passion for conservation. Irrespective of their own experience, new guides undergo a detailed training programme specific to the Hauraki Gulf conditions.

As paddlers who love the ocean, we are at our best when we are in a sea kayak sharing with others our skills, experience, knowledge, passion and commitment.

Auckland Sea Kayaks is an Accredited Employer through Immigration New Zealand.

  • Eric Webster

    Eric Webster

    Sea Kayak Guide

  • Dirk Judson

    Dirk Judson

    Sea Kayak Guide

  • Richard Cross

    Richard Cross

    Sea Kayak Guide

  • Nic Mead

    Nic Mead

    Sea Kayak Guide

  • Bennett Lim

    Bennett Lim

    Sea Kayak Guide

  • Chloe Goss

    Chloe Goss

    Sea Kayak Guide

  • Ocean Belcher

    Ocean Belcher

    Marketing Manager

  • “Auckland Sea Kayaks owner-operator Nic Mead is an unofficial custodian of the Waitemata Harbour. The environment-conscious kayaker grew up overlooking the waters he now paddles daily, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm while leading one of Auckland's most rewarding outdoor experiences: the sunset trip to Rangitoto Island.”

    Chris Chilton, Sunday Star Times

OUR PARTNERS

#aucklandseakayaks

For our tinier Auckland Sea Kayaks whanau | here's an epic colouring in sheet to celebrate Te Ika o te Tau - Fish of the Year competition! Complete this comp and be in to win some amazing prizes including:
- A sunset kayak to Rangitoto for two 
- An eDNA kit or eRangers card game kindly donated by Wilderlab 
- A family pass aboard Perfect Day (NTL) kindly donated by @divetutukaka 
- A mask and snorkel kindly donated by @wettie.spearfishing 
- One of two Marine Invaders card games kindly donated by Marine Invaders 
- A Doon River Fishy Pin kindly donated by @doonriver 
- An @emr_nz  goodie bag, and more!

Tag us and EMR so we can see your masterpieces  #teikaotetau2024 😎
Chloe and Bennett have been going hard at @vectorwero practicing their white water skills. Epic to see their continual progression!
Vote for Fish of the Year! 

This year, we're championing the Anchovy—did you know they're the eco-warriors fighting climate change in the Hauraki Gulf and beyond? By gobbling carbon and helping regulate oceanic climates, anchovies are the carbon-crushing champions we didn't know we needed. Saving the planet never looked so good! Vote here: https://www.mountainstosea.org.nz/fish #FOTY @emr_nz @waihekemarineproject
Auckland Sea Kayaks is pleased to be supporting the annual Fish of the Year | Te Ika o Te Tau competition with our friends @emr_nz  and @waihekemarineproject

Our fish for this year is the humble Anchovy - while small and nimble like a sea kayak, they play a crucial role in marine ecosystems by acting as a primary food source for larger marine-life and seabirds. 

Celebrate the biodiversity of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park and cast your vote at www.mountainstosea.org.nz/fish
Maclean's College year 12 outdoor education class doing safety and kayak skills before their multi-day trip in a few weeks. #outdooreducation #EOTC
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