Education - Auckland Sea Kayaks

Education

Auckland Sea Kayaks are specialists in marine based education and offer comprehensive school programmes, kayak courses, adventure race training, and multi-day excursions.

We aim to build confidence on the water for students of all abilities, allowing them to enjoy the experience, challenge themselves and become fully immersed in nature. Our programmes are led by experienced outdoor professionals with the qualifications, technical skills and local knowledge to safely lead students in Auckland’s marine environment.

NZOIA-qualified sea kayak instructors and leaders
Current first aid certifications
Sea kayak rescue & emergency response training
Risk management & group leadership experience
EOTC & youth programme experience
Hauraki Gulf-specific training and local knowledge

Our team is led by NZOIA Sea Kayak Assessor Nic Mead, and Auckland Sea Kayaks operates under an externally audited safety management system.

See below for the courses we offer or get in touch for bespoke education experiences.

The Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award

At Auckland Sea Kayaks, we are proud to support schools and students in fulfilling the Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award requirements through our expert-led sea kayaking adventures in Auckland and Northland. Our programs are designed to be safe, fun, and professional, fully embracing the philosophy that not all learning happens in the classroom. By participating in our sea kayaking adventures, students gain a greater awareness of the world around them and understand the importance of environmental protection.

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kayak leader and learn to kayak Auckland new zealand

SEA KAYAK COURSES

Our courses offer a range of rewarding learning challenges. From beginning lessons for those first starting out on the water through to the development of more advanced skills, Auckland Sea Kayaks will help you hone your kayaking abilities.

Sea Kayak School & Courses

Learn to Sea Kayak: This learn to kayak course is set up for first time paddlers and those who have never had any formal instruction. The aim of this class is to give you a good foundation in the knowledge and skills essential for safe and enjoyable paddling.
Adventure Race Training: This course has been designed for amateur adventure racers who are keen to improve their skills on sit-on-top kayaks. Learn about kayak manoeuvrability, safety, capsize recovery and navigation on the water.

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School programmes & EOTC

Experience the best of education outside the classroom with Auckland Sea Kayaks. Our range of school programs is tailored to align seamlessly with the New Zealand education curriculum, providing students of all ages with immersive learning experiences in nature. Our goal is to foster water confidence in students of all abilities, enabling them to relax and fully immerse themselves in the natural environment.

Led by NZOIA-qualified staff, our programs go beyond the confines of traditional classrooms to deliver hands-on learning experiences.

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William Pike Challenge

Immerse your students in a transformative educational experience with Auckland Sea Kayaks, where we proudly align with the William Pike Challenge to redefine outdoor learning in New Zealand. Our marine-focused education model is designed to empower students by providing a safe and dynamic environment for exploring the outdoors, all while acquiring vital life skills, fostering water safety and conservation.

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OUR PARTNERS

#aucklandseakayaks

3 days. 2 islands. Plenty of adventure. 🌈🥾

Our @dukeofednz students are out on Rangitoto and Motutapu this week, tackling their Adventurous Journey with epic views, rock hopping, changing weather and plenty of learning along the way.

From reading the landscape to understanding topography in the real world, this is outdoor education at its best. @aucklandchallenge

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Sep 30

Open

3 days. 2 islands. Plenty of adventure. 🌈🥾

Our @dukeofednz students are out on Rangitoto and Motutapu this week, tackling their Adventurous Journey with epic views, rock hopping, changing weather and plenty of learning along the way.

From reading the landscape to understanding topography in the real world, this is outdoor education at its best. @aucklandchallenge

School holidays are upon us! 🙌

A massive good luck to all of our @dukeofednz students heading out on their hiking and kayaking Adventurous Journeys over the holidays.

We hope the experience is challenging, exciting and, most importantly, transformative. There’s nothing quite like a few days in the outdoors with your mates to test yourself, build confidence and come home with some great stories.

We can’t wait to hear how you get on and see the photos! 📸

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Sep 27

Open

School holidays are upon us! 🙌

A massive good luck to all of our @dukeofednz students heading out on their hiking and kayaking Adventurous Journeys over the holidays.

We hope the experience is challenging, exciting and, most importantly, transformative. There’s nothing quite like a few days in the outdoors with your mates to test yourself, build confidence and come home with some great stories.

We can’t wait to hear how you get on and see the photos! 📸

A few late-afternoon goodies, shared by a client from the summit of Motukorea – Brown’s Island.

Did you know Motukorea is one of the best-preserved volcanic cones in the Auckland volcanic field? With no public ferry service to the island, you’ll need to join a guided tour or make friends with some boaties to access this little gem.

Pretty special having a place like this in our own backyard...

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Sep 23

Open

A few late-afternoon goodies, shared by a client from the summit of Motukorea – Brown’s Island.

Did you know Motukorea is one of the best-preserved volcanic cones in the Auckland volcanic field? With no public ferry service to the island, you’ll need to join a guided tour or make friends with some boaties to access this little gem.

Pretty special having a place like this in our own backyard...

People always ask us: how far is the paddle to Rangitoto Island?

This picture puts things into perspective 👀

From St Heliers to Rangitoto Island, it’s approximately 5km and takes around an hour on our guided kayak tours.

That’s at a leisurely pace, with plenty of stops along the way for interpretation, photos, taking in the views… and listening to a few guide jokes.

The quality of the jokes is debatable. The quality of the adventure is not.
📸 by @roadynz

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Sep 7

Open

People always ask us: how far is the paddle to Rangitoto Island?

This picture puts things into perspective 👀

From St Heliers to Rangitoto Island, it’s approximately 5km and takes around an hour on our guided kayak tours.

That’s at a leisurely pace, with plenty of stops along the way for interpretation, photos, taking in the views… and listening to a few guide jokes.

The quality of the jokes is debatable. The quality of the adventure is not.
📸 by @roadynz

Ever wondered what it`s like to kayak at night?
Whether you`re paddling home from Rangitoto Island as the sun goes down or soaking up Auckland`s sparkling skyline on our City Lights Kayak Tour, there`s something pretty special about being out on the water after dark.

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Jul 25

Open

Ever wondered what it's like to kayak at night?
Whether you're paddling home from Rangitoto Island as the sun goes down or soaking up Auckland's sparkling skyline on our City Lights Kayak Tour, there's something pretty special about being out on the water after dark.

The team from @westlakegirls_official have been scoring the

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Jul 23

Open

The team from @westlakegirls_official have been scoring the

A bunch of awesome wahine from @westlakegirls_official taking part in their 3-day kayaking expedition. They even saw some kiwi last night which was extra special.

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Jul 23

Open

A bunch of awesome wahine from @westlakegirls_official taking part in their 3-day kayaking expedition. They even saw some kiwi last night which was extra special.

Winter is such a glorious time to paddle, as demonstrated here by @kobey.k. Glassy afternoons on the water before a kiwi BBQ Dinner and sunset views from the summit of Rangitoto. Auckland is next level.

📸 @roadynz

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Jul 22

Open

Getting stuck into the kaimoana with @westlake_boys

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Jun 22

Open