Your Gold Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey is the final step in your Award, and Auckland Sea Kayaks has designed our program to maximize your
Your Gold Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey is the final step in your Award, and Auckland Sea Kayaks has designed our program to maximize your expedition experience.
Our Gold Adventurous Journeys offer unparalleled opportunities, including multi-day island-hopping expeditions across the stunning Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. Locations such as Waiheke Island, Motuihe Island, and Ponui Island will challenge you to push your limits while exploring the diverse landscapes.
Gold is the third and final level of the Award, requiring a minimum of 12 months to complete, or 18 months if you have not completed Silver. You can start your Gold Award as soon as you’ve completed Silver, but if you haven’t completed Silver, you must be at least 16 years old to begin Gold.
These challenging journeys will test your kayaking and outdoor navigation skills to the limit, all while immersing you in the natural beauty of Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland).
Additionally, we offer a unique combined journey with the New Zealand Sailing Trust, where participants spend half of the journey kayaking and the other half sailing aboard the iconic Steinlager 2.
Note: While most of our Gold Adventurous Journeys take place in the Hauraki Gulf, between Auckland Central and Waitawa Regional Park, we also offer Bay of Islands journeys twice a year, or on request.
Gold Award | Training and Practice
The Gold Training and Practice stage of your Duke of Ed journey is designed to equip you with the essential skills to plan, prepare, and lead your own adventurous journey. You’ll develop expertise in navigation, weather interpretation, safety management, on-water group management, leadership, nutrition, and Leave No Trace principles.
This stage includes online training before heading out on the water, ensuring you are fully prepared. Once on-site, you’ll learn relevant kayaking, camping, navigation, and weather skills in a real-world setting. The trip takes place in the Mahurangi Region, with one night of camping at either Te Muri or Lagoon Bay campsite.
Upon completing this training, you’ll be fully equipped to plan and execute your Gold Qualifying Journey with confidence. All participants are required to attend an online planning session two weeks before departure to ensure you’re ready for the adventure ahead.
Cost
from $295 NZD per person plus booking fee. Minimum numbers required.
Duration
2 days, 1 nights
Start Location
Hauraki Gulf Marine Park
Gold Qualifying
This is your moment to shine. You’ve worked hard, acquired essential skills, and now you’re ready to lead your own expedition. The Gold Qualifying Journey represents the pinnacle of the Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey.
You will plan and execute your journey, traveling from St Heliers to Waitawa or within the Mahurangi Region, depending on your previous journeys, all within the stunning Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. Throughout the journey, expert instructors and guides will be on hand to provide coaching and support, helping you unlock your full leadership potential on the water while ensuring all necessary journey elements are covered.
This is the ultimate opportunity to explore new areas, push your kayaking skills, and complete your Duke of Edinburgh experience on a high note. You can join one of our public journeys, or if you’re part of a group, we can arrange a private journey tailored to your needs.
Note: All students are required to complete an online Preparation and Training session held two weeks before departure.
Cost
$595 NZD per person. Minimum numbers required.
Duration
4 days, 3 nights
Start Location
Hauraki Gulf Marine Park
Gold Complete | Auckland
The Gold Complete Package offers a seamless, all-in-one experience, combining training, practice, and the qualifying journey into one unforgettable adventure. You’ll plan and execute your journey within the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, with expert instructors and guides providing full support throughout. These coaches will help you refine your leadership skills on the water, ensuring you meet all the criteria for your Gold Award.
The journey allows you to challenge yourself, push your kayaking abilities safely, and complete your Duke of Edinburgh journey with a sense of achievement. You’ll island-hop from St Heliers to Waitawa Regional Park, exploring stunning islands such as Motuihe, Motutapu, Waiheke, and Ponui, while camping and immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the Gulf. Join a public journey or arrange a private expedition for your group.
Note: Students are required to complete an online Preparation and Training session held two weeks before departure.
Cost
$745 NZD per person. Minimum numbers required.
Duration
5 days, 4 nights
Start Location
Hauraki Gulf Marine Park
Gold Complete | Bay of Islands
The Gold Complete Package offers a seamless, all-in-one experience, combining training, practice, and qualifying into one unforgettable adventure in the Bay of Islands. Starting from Auckland Sea Kayaks’ base in Mt Eden, participants are transported to Te Uenga Bay to begin the journey. Paddling through stunning locations such as Urupukapuka Island and Cape Brett, you’ll gain hands-on experience and complete your Gold journey with expert guidance.
This trip includes return transport, all kayak-specific equipment, qualified instructors, topo maps, and camp fees. No prior kayaking experience is required, but participants must attend a pre-trip meeting to cover packing, navigation, and journey planning. Participants are responsible for planning the trip, with training documents provided to support preparation. Weather conditions may affect the itinerary.
Note: Students are required to complete an online Preparation and Training session held two weeks before departure.
Cost
$895 NZD per person. Minimum numbers required.
Duration
5 days, 4 nights
Start Location
Mt Eden > Bay of Islands
Gold Complete | Sail & Kayak
Our Sail and Kayak Programme, available for Silver Complete, Gold Complete, and Gold Residential, offers a unique and transformative experience in partnership with the NZ Sailing Trust.
At the heart of this programme is the opportunity to embark on a purposeful journey with people who are not your usual companions, all working towards a shared goal. Whether you’re taking part in the Silver, Gold, or Residential programme, you’ll venture outside your usual environment, exploring new and unfamiliar places, and pushing your limits in a truly life-changing adventure. This experience fosters personal growth, enhanced social connections, and a deep sense of achievement as you engage in shared activities such as sailing and kayaking.
Participants will spend no less than five days and four nights away from their usual place of residence, building teamwork and leadership skills while enjoying the freedom of the open water. It’s a perfect chance to broaden your interests, develop lifelong skills, and form meaningful relationships.
Note: Students are required to complete an online Preparation and Training session held two weeks before departure.
Cost
$1575 per person plus booking fee
Duration
5 days 4 nights (2 night on boat, 2 nights camping)
Start Location
Hauraki Gulf Marine Park
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“"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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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What happens after the trip?
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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.
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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.
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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
