• Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award

Your Gold Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous journey is your final adventurous step. Auckland Sea Kayaks has designed our program to maximize your expedition experience.

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with Auckland Sea Kayaks as you pursue your Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. Our Gold Adventurous Journeys offer unparalleled experiences, including multi-day island-hopping expeditions across the stunning Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. These challenging journeys will safely push your kayaking and outdoor navigational skills to the limit, all while exploring the diverse landscapes of Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland. Additionally, we offer a unique combined journey with the New Zealand Sailing Trust, where participants spend half the journey kayaking and the other half sailing aboard the iconic Steinlager 2. Immerse yourself in nature, challenge yourself, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Gold Award | Training and Practice 

This journey is set up so you can have the skills to plan, prepare and then lead your own adventurous journey. This journey covers but is not limited to navigation, weather interpretation, safety management, on-water group management and leadership skills, nutrition, and the principles of Leave No Trace. 

After completing this journey you will have the required skills and knowledge to successfully plan, prepare and execute your Gold Qualifying Journey. All students are required to attend  an online planning and preparation meeting held two weeks before the departure of your journey.  

 

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Tour Cost

Cost

from $295 NZD per person plus booking fee. Minimum numbers required. 

Duration

Duration

2 days, 1 nights

Start location

Start Location

Hauraki Gulf Marine Park

Gold Qualifying

This journey is yours. You have worked hard, learnt a lot and know you can put it all together to make the ultimate Duke of Edinburgh adventurous journey.  

Gold Qualifying is the pinnacle of your Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey. These expeditions are planned by you, can take place anywhere within the boundaries of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, and are supported by our instructors and guides. Their expert coaching helps you realise your full potential in leadership roles on the water and ensure upon completion that you have covered all of the elements required. 

Students can take this opportunity to explore unfamiliar areas, safely push their kayaking skills to limits and end their Duke of Edinburgh Journey on a high! You can join one of our public journeys or if you have a group we can book a private date for your team. 

Note: Students are required to complete an online Preparation and Training session held two weeks before departure. 

 

Book Now  Contact Us

Tour Cost

Cost

$595 NZD per person. Minimum numbers required. 

Duration

Duration

4 days, 3 nights 

Start location

Start Location

Hauraki Gulf Marine Park 

Gold Award | Training, Practice & Qualifying

This journey is the total package. All you need to complete your GOLD adventurous journey.

Gold is the pinnacle of your Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey. These expeditions are planned by you, can take place anywhere within the boundaries of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, and are supported by our instructors and guides. Their expert coaching helps you realise your full potential in leadership roles on the water and ensure upon completion that you have covered all of the elements required. 

Students can take this opportunity to explore unfamiliar areas, safely push their kayaking skills to limits and end their Duke of Edinburgh Journey on a high! You can join one of our public journeys or if you have a group we can book a private date for your team. 

Note: Students are required to complete an online Preparation and Training session held two weeks before departure. 

 

Book Now  Contact Us

Tour Cost

Cost

$745 NZD per person. Minimum numbers required. 

Duration

Duration

5 days, 4 nights 

Start location

Start Location

Hauraki Gulf Marine Park 

Gold Residential Project  

Our Sail and Kayak Gold Residential Project in partnership with the NZ Sailing trust is New Zealand’s premier Gold Residential Projects.  

At the heart of the Gold Residential  Project is the undertaking of a purposeful experience with people who are not your usual companions, working towards a common goal. Adding to this, you are also outside your usual place of residence, often in an unfamiliar environment with unfamiliar people. It is hoped that the Gold Project rewards you with a sense of personal achievement, enhanced social connections with new and interesting people, and a truly life changing experience. 

  • Be at least 16 years of age, with no exceptions. 
  • Undertake shared purposeful activity which provides opportunities for broadening your interests and experience. 
  • Reside away from your usual place of residence for a total period of no less than five days and four nights. 
  • Be in the company of others who are, in the majority, not your usual companions. 

 

Book Now  Contact Us 

Tour Cost

Cost

$1275 per person plus booking fee 

Duration

Duration

5 days 4 nights (2 night on boat, 2 nights camping) 

Start location

Start Location

Hauraki Gulf Marine Park 

  • "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

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?

    Congratulations! The next step is completing your Online Record Book in conjunction with your Award leader. You can register here and find all the relevant information here.

  • 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?

    Yes there is. Please help us keep Hauraki Gulf islands pest free. The Hauraki Gulf provides a haven for some of our most endangered animals and plants, including sea birds, tuatara and takahē.

    Restrictions

    Check your gear and help keep our islands pest-free. To keep these islands pest free. See what you need to do before joining Auckland Sea Kayaks on our trip please go to www.treasureislands.co.nz

    When visiting pest free islands, or islands that are becoming pest-free, make sure you check your gear before you leave the mainland.

    Protect our wildlife

    Check – your gear for pests such as rodents and insects

    Clean – footwear and gear, removing soil and seeds

    Close – ensure your gear is zipped up (no open bags)

    When you arrive on a pest-free island, you may be met by rangers to recheck your gear.

What you need to bring

This tour is fully catered so please inform us if you have any dietary requirements.

What is provided?
We kit you out with all the specialist paddling gear including buoyancy aid, spray skirt, spray jacket, thermals and a dry bag for your camera. This tour is fully catered so please advise us of any dietary requirements. Kayaking is a water sport and you will get a little wet while kayaking.

What to bring?

  • Camera
  • Water bottle
  • Sun protection
  • T-shirt (No Cotton)
  • Shorts or leggings to kayak in (No Cotton).
  • Sun glasses and hat
  • Sport shoes or hiking sandals such as Chaco’s. Flip-flops, jandals and
    slip on shoes are not suitable.
  • Warm top
  • Medication

Auckland Sea Kayaks
384 Tamaki Drive
St Heliers
Auckland 1071
New Zealand
View on Google Maps

Tour Start Location

These courses start from the St Heliers Bay central boat ramp located at 384 Tamaki Drive, St Heliers. There is lots of free car parking around St Heliers.

Meeting point
St Heliers Bay boat ramp
(Tamaki Drive, St Heliers, Auckland)
– Get Directions

OUR PARTNERS

#aucklandseakayaks

Highlight of our year, highlight of their life! Massive congratulations to Carl and Tamara. Wishing you a lifetime of adventures!
Auckland really turned it on last night 🌙 🤩
@visitauckland
Summer’s back and so are we! 🌊🚣‍♂️ Mission Bay Beach rentals are OPEN for the season, every weekend and by appointment! Grab a kayak or SUP and hit the water—perfect for all ages, no experience needed. 😎 Secure your spot online or swing by for some seaside fun! 🏄‍♀️ #MissionBay Visit Auckland
Another epic group of students completed their Bronze Adventurous Journey with Auckland Sea Kayaks this week. Their adventure included a jaunt on the Puhoi River before exploring some rock gardens and sea caves. #dukeofedinburgh @dukeofednz. Thanks @wildkiwi_outdoor @beny.seakayak @benditto_ for your guidance and leadership 🙏 🤙
🌙✨ Have you ever kayaked at night? This is bucket list level 100! Join us for unforgettable nighttime adventures on either the City Lights Night Kayak Tour or our stunning Sunset Tour to Rangitoto Island. Paddle under the stars with the city lights guiding your way! 🌊🏙️

Get in touch to learn more! 🛶💫 #AucklandSeaKayaks  #BucketList #nzmustdo  Visit Auckland 100% Pure New Zealand
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