Guided sea kayaking tour to Rangitoto IslandProfessional experienced guideKayak and full safety equipmentSafety briefing and paddling instructionGuided summit walk on Rangitoto IslandBBQ lunch with drinks*Return kayak to St Heliers BayPick-up from Auckland War Memorial is available*Please advise us of any dietary requirements once you have completed the booking. Contact us here and quote your booking #.

Fitness Level: Moderate (kayaking + 2.5km hike)Experience Type: Guided sea kayaking + island hikePaddling Time: 60–90 minutes each wayHike Distance: Approx. 2.5km return to summitGood to Know:Guests must be able to swim and must be able to hike 2.5 km (1.5 miles) rising 270 meters (900 feet)Departures are weather dependentPest-free island biosecurity checks apply

Rangitoto Island Day Kayak & Summit Walk with BBQ Lunch

North Island

Auckland Sea Kayaks

from

NZ$245

per adult

paddlers sea kayaking along Rangitoto Island coastline on Waitemata Harbour

Experiences

Kayak & Canoe Tours

Hiking & Walking

Day Tours

Adventure Tours

North Island

Start: St Heliers, Auckland

Location: Auckland

Travel Time: 7 hours

Difficulty: 3

Minimum Age: 14

The Rangitoto Island Day Kayak Tour is a seven-hour guided adventure departing from St Heliers Bay, Auckland. Paddle 60–90 minutes each way across Waitematā Harbour, hike to Rangitoto’s volcanic summit and enjoy a Kiwi BBQ lunch. Departures are weather-dependent, with frequency and operating season subject to availability. Kayaking equipment, instruction, guides, lunch and drinks are included. Suitable for active travellers aged 14+ who can swim and manage a moderate hike.

Kayak to Rangitoto Island and Explore Auckland’s Youngest Volcano

Leave Auckland’s eastern shoreline behind as you paddle across the sparkling waters of Waitematā Harbour towards the distinctive volcanic cone of Rangitoto Island. The journey offers sweeping views of Auckland’s coastline and the Hauraki Gulf, with opportunities to spot seabirds and other marine wildlife along the way. Once ashore, follow your guide through pōhutukawa forest and rugged lava fields, discovering the fascinating landscape of Auckland’s youngest volcano before reaching the summit for panoramic views across the city and surrounding islands.

After exploring the island, return to the shoreline for a freshly prepared Kiwi BBQ lunch with drinks, surrounded by Rangitoto’s striking volcanic scenery. There’s time to relax and enjoy the peaceful island atmosphere before kayaking back to St Heliers Bay, with a possible swim if conditions allow. Combining an open-water crossing, a rewarding summit walk and a relaxed island lunch, this full-day adventure offers a memorable way to experience Auckland’s natural environment beyond the city.

paddlers enjoying kiwi barbecue dinner on Rangitoto Island during sunset kayak tour

kayakers walking on Rangitoto Island summit track during sunset kayak tour

paddlers kayaking near Rangitoto Island with Auckland skyline and Sky Tower in the distance

Hike to the Summit & Enjoy a Kiwi BBQ Lunch

After landing on Rangitoto Island, follow a scenic walking track through pōhutukawa forest, rugged lava fields and unique volcanic terrain on the journey to the summit. The gradual climb rewards walkers with breathtaking 360-degree views across Auckland City, the Hauraki Gulf and surrounding islands.

Back at the shoreline, a hearty Kiwi BBQ lunch awaits. Relax beside the water, enjoy hot and cold refreshments and soak up the island atmosphere before preparing for the return paddle across the harbour. If conditions allow, there may even be time for a refreshing swim before heading back to St Heliers Bay.

This full-day experience combines sea kayaking, volcano hiking and island scenery into one unforgettable Auckland adventure.

Guided sea kayaking tour to Rangitoto Island
Professional experienced guide
Kayak and full safety equipment
Safety briefing and paddling instruction
Guided summit walk on Rangitoto Island
BBQ lunch with drinks*
Return kayak to St Heliers Bay
Pick-up from Auckland War Memorial is available

*Please advise us of any dietary requirements once you have completed the booking. email hidden; JavaScript is required.

Fitness Level: Moderate (kayaking + 2.5km hike)
Experience Type: Guided sea kayaking + island hike
Paddling Time: 60–90 minutes each way
Hike Distance: Approx. 2.5km return to summit

Good to Know:

Guests must be able to swim and must be able to hike 2.5 km (1.5 miles) rising 270 meters (900 feet)
Departures are weather dependent
Pest-free island biosecurity checks apply

Cancel 48 hours or more before travel: Refund* less 25% cancellation fee
Cancel within 48 hours/no show: No refund.

*Note: Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount. Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.

Frequently asked questions

Bring comfortable clothing, sturdy footwear for walking, water, and sun protection. A light jacket is recommended for changing conditions. All kayaking gear is provided.

Yes, you may see native seabirds such as Little Blue Penguins and petrels. Wildlife sightings vary depending on conditions. Your guide will point out any sightings along the way.

A hearty Kiwi BBQ meal with hot and cold drinks is included on Rangitoto Island. It’s a great chance to relax and refuel before the return paddle. Dietary requirements can usually be catered for with notice.

The walk is around 2.5km with a gradual climb of approximately 270 metres. It’s considered moderate and suitable for most active travellers. The views from the top are well worth the effort.

No prior experience is required, but a moderate level of fitness is needed. Your guide provides full instruction and support throughout the tour. Confidence on the water is recommended.