Motukorea Browns Island Twilight tour

Faqs

• Do you have a weight or size limit for participants on your tours?
  • Physical Requirements: Participants must be within a weight limit of 120 kg to fit comfortably and safely in our kayaks, which have a seat width of 65 cm. Guides must be able to safely assist clients back into a kayak in the rare event of a capsize.
  • Endurance: Tours require participants to sit and paddle for up to 45 minutes without breaks for stretching or getting out of the kayak.
  • Language Proficiency: All tours are conducted in English, and participants must be able to speak and understand English to follow safety instructions and engage with the guide.
• Can you see bioluminescence on this tour?

  During the summer months, our sunset kayaking trips often provide the unique opportunity to witness bioluminescence in the water. This natural phenomenon, where marine organisms emit a magical blue-green light, is most common during warmer weather, peaking between October and April. As you paddle through the tranquil waters at dusk, you’ll be mesmerized by the sparkling display beneath your kayak, making for an unforgettable experience. Join us for a sea kayaking adventure and experience the stunning bioluminescence that lights up Auckland’s coastal waters.

• How can you support those with disabilities?

  We are committed to making our tours accessible to everyone. If you or someone in your group has physical or mental disabilities, please contact our team in advance of your trip to ensure we can cater to your needs. For example, we can provide tandem kayaks for those who need support paddling, and we can offer private tours to ensure the experience runs at a comfortable pace. Your enjoyment and safety are our top priorities.

• Do you offer city pickups and transport?

  Yes, we provide pickups within Auckland city. To arrange this service, kindly specify your request in the booking form when making an online reservation. Our designated pickup spot is at the Auckland Museum Atrium (google map click here).

• 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.

• Do we kayak back in the dark?

  Yes, for our twilight and sunset tours, the sun will set while we are visiting the islands, and we kayak back to St Heliers Bay after dark. All the kayaks have proper navigational lights, each person is given a waterproof light by us, and your guide carries additional lighting. Your guide is also in communication with the coast guard and all the other vessels in the harbor. Your guide is a trained professional holding current certification.

  Kayaking at night is a wonderful experience and an opportunity not many people get to enjoy. Additionally, night kayak trips offer the chance to experience the mesmerizing bioluminescence in the water, creating a magical and unforgettable adventure.

• Where does this tour start?

  This tour starts 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.

  St Heliers boat ramp our launch location only and our offices are located at 193 Dominion Rd, Mt Eden, Auckland 1024.

• How much kayaking experience do I need?

  This tour is set up for someone who has no kayaking experience. Your guide runs over paddling techniques before heading out onto the sea and gives you tips while paddling.

  In saying this, our Sunset Kayak tour requires you to be able to paddle for up to 75 minutes and requires you to walk 2.4 km while gaining 271 meters in elevation.

• Is this tour catered?

  This tour is fully catered and we cater for all dietary requirements.
  Please advise us when you book if you have any dietary requirements so we can let our catering company know.

• How fit do I need to be?
  Moderate level of fitness required.

  You must be able to kayak 1 hour fifteen minutes each way to Rangitoto Island.

  You must also be able to hike 2.5 km (1.5 miles) rising 270 meters (900 feet).
• Is there a minimum age?

  The minimum age for our Sunset tour to Rangitoto is 14 years old.

  We do offer great kayak tours for children younger than this. Please get in contact and we can discuss the different options.