Bronze Kayaking Adventurous Journeys with Auckland Sea Kayaks
Our kayaking program is purpose-built to maximise learning and enjoyment, using the stunning coastline and islands of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park as our outdoor classroom. Participants gain practical skills in sea kayaking, navigation, outdoor cooking, and camping—while immersed in one of Aotearoa’s most spectacular marine environments.
At Auckland Sea Kayaks, we believe in learning by doing. That’s why our Bronze training and practice journey are combined into one immersive weekend, offering hands-on experience from the start. Whether you’re pitching a tent under the stars or cooking dinner on a remote beach, every moment builds confidence and independence.
Our qualifying journeys explore a range of Hauraki Gulf destinations—each offering safe yet challenging conditions for young adventurers. Led by experienced, qualified instructors, these journeys are both fun and professional, ensuring a supportive environment for all participants.
Bronze Training and Practice
Our Bronze training and practice journey is a 2-day, 1-night trip, with part of the training component conducted online. No prior experience is necessary, as this program builds a foundation and introduces you to the Adventurous Journey.
Our kayaking option takes you to the beautiful Mahurangi region of Auckland, where we spend a night camping at one of three accessible campsites: Te Muri, Lagoon, or Mitre Bay. After completing this trip, you can undertake the qualifying journey over another 2-day, 1-night trip in the same area.
Cost
from $295 NZD per person per person plus booking fee. Minimum numbers required.
Duration
2 days, 1 night
Start Location
Hauraki Gulf Marine Park
Bronze Qualifying Journey
Our Bronze Qualifying Adventurous Journey is a 2-day, 1-night expedition in the same area as the practice journey, providing participants with an opportunity to apply their skills and gain further confidence in an independent setting.
Our kayaking option takes you to the beautiful Mahurangi region of Auckland, where we spend a night camping at one of three accessible campsites: Te Muri, Lagoon, or Mitre Bay. This journey reinforces navigation, teamwork, and outdoor living skills while offering stunning coastal scenery.
Cost
from $295 NZD per person per person plus booking fee. Minimum numbers required.
Duration
2 days, 1 night
Start Location
Hauraki Gulf Marine Park
Bronze Complete - Kayak Mahurangi
Starting at Sullivan’s Bay in Mahurangi, our Bronze Complete Adventurous Journey is a 3-day, 2-night expedition that combines training, practice, and the qualifying journey into one seamless experience.
After a day and a half of skill development, you’ll apply your new abilities on a real-world expedition, camping at locations such as Te Muri, Lagoon Bay, and Mitre Bay.
This non-supported journey means everything comes with us in kayaks, and we don’t stay in the same location twice. The adventure blends kayaking and tramping, encouraging independence as you take on the responsibility of planning and navigation.
Join a scheduled journey or book a custom experience for your group.
Cost
from $445 NZD per person plus booking fee. Minimum numbers required.
Duration
3 days, 2 night camping
Start Location
Hauraki Gulf Marine Park
Hiking Adventurous Journeys
Auckland Sea Kayaks also offers coastal hiking journeys for Bronze and Silver levels of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award. These land-based expeditions provide a fantastic alternative for participants who prefer to stay dry while still gaining a deep understanding of our marine and coastal environments.
Designed specifically for the Duke of Ed programme, our hiking journeys are guided by experienced outdoor instructors and explore scenic coastlines, native bush, and regional parks across Auckland. They also serve as a progressive pathway—allowing students to begin their journey with hiking at Bronze level, and advance to more challenging sea kayaking adventures at Silver or Gold.
Click here for hiking journeys
-
“"Witnessing the beauty of the waterways and the marine wildlife made me feel a profound connection with the natural world. Working closely with my team, I noticed how our communication and trust deepened day by day."”
Zoe Zhou, Student
Diocesan School for Girls -
“This was such an awesome experience—I’d definitely recommend it to friends! Our instructor, Ellie, was fantastic on my Duke of Edinburgh trip and made the whole journey fun and memorable for everyone.”
Ethan Freitas
Faqs
-
How do I book a Duke of Edinburgh Award Journey?
All our public trips, including Duke of Edinburgh Journeys, have live availability on our website, with a minimum requirement of six participants. For those interested in arranging a private trip, please email us at info@aucklandseakayaks.co.nz.
-
How many guides are on each trip?
We have a ratio of 8 participants per guide for all of our Duke of Edinburgh Award Journeys.
-
What if I’ve never kayaked before?
You may be apprehensive about multi-day kayaking, but rest assured, Auckland Sea Kayaks is here to help. We take our time to teach you all the basics before you embark on your first journey. Understanding that kayaking is new to many of you, we ensure you are well-prepared for your Duke of Edinburgh Award journey.
-
What gear do I need to bring?
Approximately four weeks before departure, we will provide you with a gear list for your Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey. This list includes essentials such as a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, gas cooker, cooking equipment, and cutlery. All these items are also available for hire from Auckland Sea Kayaks.
-
What happens if the weather is bad?
Rest assured, we closely monitor the weather forecast leading up to each trip and only embark if conditions are within our safe operating parameters. We maintain constant communication with you regarding weather updates to ensure your safety. Auckland Sea Kayaks is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for your Duke of Edinburgh Award journey.
-
Do you supply the food for these trips?
A significant part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award experience is the food. You will be required to plan your meals, purchase the ingredients, and prepare the food during the trip – unless you are participating in the combined trip with New Zealand Sailing Trust. Your meals need to be nutritious and sustaining to support you throughout the journey. Auckland Sea Kayaks supports you in making this an integral and enjoyable part of your adventure.
-
What Duke of Edinburgh award levels do you offer?
Auckland Sea Kayaks offers trips for all levels of the Duke of Edinburgh Award’s Adventurous Journey. We organize public trips, available to participants aged 14-24 from across New Zealand, during every school holiday. Additionally, we provide private trips for groups of friends or specific schools. We also offer female-only Bronze level trips.
-
What happens after the trip?
-
Where do your Duke of Edinburgh Journeys take place?
All our Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions take place in the greater Auckland region. Our Bronze and Silver trips are conducted in the picturesque Mahurangi Region. The Gold trip generally begins at St Heliers, where we “island hop” down to Waitawa Beach, visiting islands such as Motuihe, Motutapu, Waiheke, and Ponui Island. Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park is New Zealand’s most diverse sea kayaking location, and we like to showcase this as much as possible.
-
What level of fitness is required?
A moderate level of fitness and strength is required for our trips. However, everything is done as a team. You will kayak in pairs to share the load and move the kayaks on land in groups of four. Auckland Sea Kayaks ensures that your Duke of Edinburgh Award adventure is both manageable and enjoyable for everyone involved.
-
Are there any biosecurity restrictions when visiting the Hauraki Gulf islands?
Yes. Many of the islands we visit in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, including Rangitoto Island and Motukorea (Browns Island), are protected conservation areas where introduced pests can have devastating impacts on native wildlife.
As a Qualmark Gold Sustainable Tourism Business and a Pest Free Warrant Certified Operator, Auckland Sea Kayaks is committed to protecting these special places and follows strict biosecurity procedures on every tour.
Before your tour, we ask all guests to help keep the islands pest-free by following these simple steps:
- Check your bags, clothing and footwear for insects, rodents or other pests.
- Clean your footwear and gear, removing any soil, seeds or plant material.
- Close all bags and containers securely before departing for the island.
These simple actions help protect some of New Zealand’s most threatened native wildlife, including seabirds, reptiles, insects and unique coastal ecosystems.
Please note that Department of Conservation or Auckland Council rangers may carry out random biosecurity inspections before or after landing on some islands.
For more information about protecting Auckland’s pest-free islands, visit www.treasureislands.co.nz.
Why biosecurity matters
The Hauraki Gulf islands are internationally significant conservation areas and are home to species found in very few places elsewhere in New Zealand. Every visitor plays an important role in preventing pests from reaching these islands, helping preserve them for future generations.
What you need to bring
What is provided?
A comprehensive list of what is provided is sent to you upon booking.
