• Blog

Waiheke: Where kayaks and sculptures collide

Thinking of lazy sunny days on Waiheke? Why not make a day of it and combine our new Waiheke Coastal Kayak tour with  the headland Sculpture on the Gulf outdoor art exhibition?

courtesy of headland Sculpture on the Gulf

 If you were considering a trip to Waiheke island this summer, there is no better time to do it than in February when 34 of New Zealand’s top artists will show work in the eighth Sculpture on the Gulf biennial, exhibited along a spectacular 2.5km coastal walkway overlooking Matiatia harbour, the gateway to Waiheke.

The art and sculpture festival, which runs until February 19, is New Zealand’s premier contemporary outdoor sculpture exhibition. The New York Times rates it as number 35 in the top 46 destination events in the world to visit. Waiheke is the ultimate island retreat and is only 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland. Win!

We suggest your ideal itinerary:

Start the day at 9am with our Waiheke Coastal Kayak tour in the calm waters of Matiatia Bay and head north-west to explore the stunning, diverse coastline abundant with wildlife. Upon arriving in Owhanake Bay we stop for refreshments and take in this stunning island paradise.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The second paddle section explores the more exposed and remote northern point of the island – home to historic sites, wildlife and diverse habitats –  before rounding the headland into spectacular Oneroa Bay.

Then spend the afternoon exploring the amazing sculptures on view with a 1-2 hour coastal art walk .

 

OUR PARTNERS

#aucklandseakayaks

There are still some kayak spots available for the Upper Waitemata Coastal Cleanup this Saturday. Join us to get on the water and help cleanup the coastline.
Motunau Bay, Ponui Island. Everyone enjoying an afternoon swim at high tide on the Autumn Equinox, Wed, 20 Mar 2024.
For our tinier Auckland Sea Kayaks whanau | here's an epic colouring in sheet to celebrate Te Ika o te Tau - Fish of the Year competition! Complete this comp and be in to win some amazing prizes including:
- A sunset kayak to Rangitoto for two 
- An eDNA kit or eRangers card game kindly donated by Wilderlab 
- A family pass aboard Perfect Day (NTL) kindly donated by @divetutukaka 
- A mask and snorkel kindly donated by @wettie.spearfishing 
- One of two Marine Invaders card games kindly donated by Marine Invaders 
- A Doon River Fishy Pin kindly donated by @doonriver 
- An @emr_nz  goodie bag, and more!

Tag us and EMR so we can see your masterpieces  #teikaotetau2024 😎
Chloe and Bennett have been going hard at @vectorwero practicing their white water skills. Epic to see their continual progression!
Vote for Fish of the Year! 

This year, we're championing the Anchovy—did you know they're the eco-warriors fighting climate change in the Hauraki Gulf and beyond? By gobbling carbon and helping regulate oceanic climates, anchovies are the carbon-crushing champions we didn't know we needed. Saving the planet never looked so good! Vote here: https://www.mountainstosea.org.nz/fish #FOTY @emr_nz @waihekemarineproject
Auckland Sea Kayaks is pleased to be supporting the annual Fish of the Year | Te Ika o Te Tau competition with our friends @emr_nz  and @waihekemarineproject

Our fish for this year is the humble Anchovy - while small and nimble like a sea kayak, they play a crucial role in marine ecosystems by acting as a primary food source for larger marine-life and seabirds. 

Celebrate the biodiversity of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park and cast your vote at www.mountainstosea.org.nz/fish
Maclean's College year 12 outdoor education class doing safety and kayak skills before their multi-day trip in a few weeks. #outdooreducation #EOTC
top