Three Day Cavalli Islands Sea Kayak Expedition

The Cavalli Islands is one of New Zealand’s most amazing sea kayak locations. This group of islands located in the the Far North of New Zealand’s North Island has been described as ‘Aotearoa’s best sea kayaking location’.

If you are after a remote sea kayak location, staying on a pest free conservation reserve, kayaking amongst wildlife, sea kayaks and between islands, then this is the perfect sea kayak adventure for you.

Spend three days in a kayak exploring the stunning Cavalli Islands, rock gardens and golden beaches in the Northland.

Our accommodation is in a cute 12 bunk Department of Conservation hut. Trip dates can be seen here. If these do not suit then please contact us for availability.

The Cavalli Islands are a small group of islands 3 hour 45 min north of Auckland on Northland’s East Coast in northern New Zealand. They lie 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) to the east of Matauri Bay on the mainland.

The group consists of the island of Motukawanui and the smaller islets of Motutapere, Panaki, Nukutaunga, Motuharakeke, Haraweka, and Motukawaiti Islands. The main island is used as a nature reserve. These islands provide wonderful kayak rock gardening with a multitude of caves and tunnels in this area. The main island has a great walking track to the summit which is a wonderful place to watch the day end or start from.

The Cavallis were so named by Captain James Cook on 27 December 1769 during his first voyage of discovery. In his journal he recorded that some Māori “sold us some fish–Cavallys as they are called–which occasioned my giving the Islands the same name”. Cook probably meant trevally which is abundant near the islands, because the Māori word for that fish is araara.

On 2 December 1987, the hulk of the bombed Greenpeace vessel Rainbow Warrior was scuttled between Matauri Bay and the Cavalli Islands, to serve as a dive wreck and fish sanctuary. The move was seen as a fitting end for the vessel.

The below is an outlined itinerary and may change due to weather and the group’s ability.

Day 1.

We start by kayaking through the Cavalli Passage (normally steaming with fish) and out to Motukawaiti Island. This island is exposed to the eastern swell and provides some amazing island hopping conditions. We will finish the day by paddling into Waiti Bay and set up base camp for two nights in a cabin. Home to some of New Zealand’s most endangered birds.

Paddle distance approx. 18 km

Stay in Motukawanui Island Hut (platform-style bunk hut)

Day 2.

Explore the northern islands of Horonui, Hamaruru, Panaki and Nukutaunga island. Exploring sea caves, marine life. Depends on weather we may also have an opportunity to explore Motuharakeke and Te Anaputaiti islands. These island lie further east and are home to the largest sea caves in the Cavalli island group. In the late afternoon we hike to the main island’s summit to watch the sun set. 

Paddle 20 km – Hike 1.5 hours return

Stay Motukawanui Island Hut. 

Day 3.

After packing up our belongings from the hut and loading up the kayaks we head south navigate our way through Tatawera, Whatupuke and Whatupukeiti islands before having lunch on Motukawaititi Island. This is the second largest island in the Cavalli group and is the only privately owned island.

We arrive back at approx 3 pm to Matauri Bay and take a hot shower before making our way home to Auckland or Kerikeri.

Note:

This tour is self-catered. All cooking equipment, cookers and cutlery provided. Accommodation is in a cute 12 bunk Department of Conservation hut. Hut fee included in quoted price. Sleeping bags are provided on request at no extra charge.

For sea chart of the Cavalli island area please click here.