Sunset Tour to Rangitoto Island
The Sunset Tour to Rangitoto Island showcases the best of Auckland’s Waitemata harbour including Auckland’s highest and largest volcano. The trip is fully catered with a healthy kiwi BBQ for dinner and all equipment is provided.
Sea kayak to Rangitoto Island, the largest and youngest of Auckland’s volcanoes and the landmark of the Auckland region, while the sun is slowly setting over Auckland and the Waitakere Ranges. After your safety briefing and paddling instruction you will kayak across the Waitemata harbour, meaning ‘sparkling waters’, where you may see wildlife such as Little Blue Penguins and Cooks Petrels.
We pull our kayaks up to the Rangitoto Island wharf before embarking on a one-hour explorative, fun and informative trek to the summit, viewing the spectacular sites and learning all about the history of the region. Upon reaching the top you will be treated to the finest 360 degree views that the Auckland region has to offer. At the return to the water’s edge, a healthy Kiwi-style BBQ dinner will be awaiting you. With your guide, you will paddle back in the dark
watching the city lights sparkle like stars. What’s more, during the warmer months, our sunset tours also offer the chance to witness bioluminescence, adding a magical touch to your kayaking adventure.
Our guides are very experienced and skilled sea kayakers with a personal commitment and passion for conservation and kayaking. Their knowledge of the area, understanding of the weather systems and catering abilities will ensure your trip is both enjoyable and safe.
Age restriction for tours to Rangitoto Island: Minimum age of 14 years old
Cost
from $195 NZD per person (BBQ dinner and refreshments included)
Duration
6-7 Hours
Start Time
2:00 pm winter: April to Sept
4:00 pm summer: Oct to April
Start Location
Boat Ramp at 384 Tamaki Dr, St Heliers. More
Fitness Required
Moderate. Must be able to hike 2.5 km (1.5 miles) rising 270 meters (900 feet)
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“A delightful guide who made us feel welcome, safe and informed and timed our activities impeccably so that we caught sunset at the top, and moon-rise on the harbour. The Sunset Tour was the highlight of our trip to New Zealand.”
Fay on TripAdvisor
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“My boyfriend and I did the sunset kayak tour to Rangitoto island a few days ago – one of the BEST decisions we’ve made on our NZ trip! Our tour leader Eric was a knockout! He was warm and friendly from the start, and made us feel safe the whole way across to Rangitoto and up to the summit, providing knowledgeable commentary all the way. we saw the most beautiful sunset over Auckland city and the harbour. Once we were back down at the dock Eric cooked us up a lovely dinner that had us almost too full to kayak back to the city. as someone who has kayaked maybe once or twice in her life, i’d say this venture was a decent challenge for me, especially in the middle of the New Zealand winter. So be prepared to work for your lovely sunset views – but be very assured that they are worth it!”
Shannon on TripAdvisor
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“Kayaking at night feels daringly intrepid – as if we’re secret agents on a covert mission. For the next hour we paddle towards the city's twinkling lights under a sky pinpricked with stars. It’s my favourite part of the trip. The only sound is the rhythmic splash of the paddles in the water. No one speaks, not even my sister.”
Rob McFarland – Rough Guide to New Zealand
Faqs
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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
- Shorts or leggings to kayak in (No Cotton).
- Sun glasses and hat
- Sport shoes or hiking sandals. Flip-flops and
slip on shoes are suitable to kayak in but not to hike in. - Warm top
- Medication
- Head torch (we supply if you do not have)
Auckland Sea Kayaks
384 Tamaki Drive
St Heliers
Auckland 1071
New Zealand
View on Google Maps
Tour Start Location
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.
Meeting point
St Heliers Bay boat ramp
(Tamaki Drive, St Heliers, Auckland)
– Get Directions