We offer several options for you to complete your Silver Adventurous Journey depending on what best suits your learning style and time frame. All locations are within the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park and allow you to explore the clear waters, sheltered coastlines and stunning campsites on offer.
Some locations we visit may be protected sanctuaries, free from pests and home to the endangered New Zealand dotterel, saddleback, kakariki, kiwi, shore skinks and bellbirds. We believe that the Hauraki Gulf Marine park is one of the best sea kayaking locations in the world.
Practice Journeys
Practice: The practice adventurous journey for the Duke of Edinburgh Award is a great opportunity to get familiar with sea kayaking and kayaking camping. We explore untouched coastlines, learn about the 7 principles of the leave no trace, practice our navigational skills and visit unique locations. Your instructor teaches you how to run a successful journey which you will need to use on your qualifying expedition.
Cost
from $445 per person plus booking fee. Minimum numbers required.
Duration
2.5 days, 2 nights
Start Location
Hauraki Gulf Marine Park
Qualifying Journeys
Qualifying: For your qualifying journey you get to go further afield, be a little more remote and discover why the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park is one of the world’s best sea kayaking locations. We have structured our qualifying journeys to give you the opportunity to learn, lead and show the instructors you have the skills and attitude to be signed off for your Silver Adventurous Journey.
Both the practice and qualifying journeys require students to attend an online planning meeting two weeks before departure.
Book now to join one of our public journeys, or contact us to book private dates for your group.
Cost
$445 plus booking fee. Minimum numbers required
Duration
3 days, 2 nights
Start Location
Hauraki Gulf Marine Park
Training, Practice & Qualifying Combined | Kayak Only
Some students learn best when doing an activity for a concentrated period of time. This is why we have combined all the elements required for the Training, Practice and Qualifying aspects of the Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey. This journey is more concentrated than doing the elements individually.
For the first part of the journey, instructors help to develop your sea kayaking and camping skills along with educating you on the local environment. The second half of the journey is where students take the lead and assume various roles associated with a successful expedition.
Note: Students are required to attend an online planning meeting held two weeks before departure.
Book now to join one of our public journeys, or contact us to book private dates for your group.
Cost
from $645 NZD per person. Minimum numbers required.
Duration
5 days, 4 nights
Start Location
Hauraki Gulf Marine Park
Training, Practice and Qualifying Combined | Sail & Kayak
We have partnered with the NZ Sailing Trust to deliver a combined kayaking and sailing expedition for the adventurous journey award. This journey qualifies for both the Silver Practice and Silver Qualifying expedition, or can be used for Gold Training, Gold Qualifying or Gold Residential.
The first two nights will be spent on the water with Auckland Sea Kayaks, where students will learn how to kayak and camp in a safe, fun and supportive environment.. The following two nights will be spent sailing on either Lion New Zealand, or Steinlager 2. Everybody on board will have the opportunity to learn to sail the boats, help with the preparation of meals and sleep aboard.
Note: Students are required to complete an online Preparation and Training session held two weeks before departure.
Cost
from $1275 NZD per person. Minimum numbers required.
Duration
5 days, 4 nights
Start Location
Hauraki Gulf Marine Park
Faqs
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
