Auckland Sea Kayaks has been recognised at the 2025 New Zealand Tourism Awards

The win has been credited to our leadership in community engagement and sustainable tourism — this also follows on from a win at the 2024 Recreation Aotearoa Awards. The honour celebrates the team’s commitment to kaitiakitanga — connecting people with the Hauraki Gulf, protecting the moana through hands-on conservation, and empowering young people into meaningful outdoor careers.

Leading with Purpose

For more than a decade, Auckland Sea Kayaks has connected people with the beauty of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, helping locals and visitors alike understand and protect this unique environment.

Our founder, Nic Mead, says the recognition is about more than business success:

“This one’s for the people — the guides, our community partners, and everyone who’s joined us on the water. It’s proof that when people come together with purpose, real change happens.”

Building Community Through Conservation

Auckland Sea Kayaks’ approach to tourism is grounded in kaitiakitanga — the Māori principle of guardianship. That ethos drives our conservation efforts and community partnerships across Tīkapa Moana / the Hauraki Gulf.

We collaborate with organisations such as AdventureWorks and the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust to run youth training programmes, environmental education, and hands-on conservation projects. Together, we’re helping young people build meaningful careers in the outdoors while giving back to the ecosystems we depend on.

Our team also coordinates free coastal clean-ups throughout the Gulf, bringing volunteers, locals, and visitors together to restore the coastline and raise awareness about marine pollution.

Expanding the Coastal Conservation Fund

Looking ahead, we’re expanding our Coastal Conservation Fund to strengthen the impact of our off-season conservation work. The initiative will fund six additional clean-ups each year, support the development of bilingual environmental education resources, and train guides in biodiversity storytelling — connecting guests more deeply with the natural and cultural heritage of the Gulf.

“Our vision is simple,” Mead says. “To create meaningful ways for people to experience the Hauraki Gulf — and to protect these places while we’re at it.”

Sustainable Tourism in Action

This recognition from the New Zealand Tourism Awards reinforces what we’ve always believed: small tourism businesses can make a lasting, positive impact when community and conservation are at their core.

From our guides and partners to every person who’s paddled with us — thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we’re shaping a future where adventure and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.