Tiritiri Matangi, 7 Hours

Auckland: Sunset Kayak & Penguin Night Paddle with Dinner

New listing

from $139 per person

Opens the live booking page with current dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Duration: 7 hours
Meeting point: Pickup options chosen at booking
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
On board: Grazing platter included
Run by: Social Nature Movement

Overview

This seven-hour trip with Social Nature Movement packs a sunset paddle, a beach dinner, a nocturnal wildlife walk and a starlit return kayak into one long evening on the Hauraki Gulf. You launch from Te Haruhi Bay and cross open water to Tiritiri Matangi Island, one of New Zealand's wildlife sanctuaries, timing the paddle so the sky turns gold and crimson as you approach the shore.

Once ashore, the group settles in at a secluded coastal spot for a luxury grazing platter with drinks while seabirds settle around you. As twilight deepens, little blue penguins come ashore from their day at sea. After dark, a guided walk through the island forest with torches looks for tuatara near burrows, weta punga in the vegetation, owls and wild kiwi.

The finale is the paddle back. Bioluminescent plankton can shimmer around the blades with each stroke, and the Milky Way is often visible overhead. Wildlife sightings depend on luck. Pickup is included, with two pickup location options, and the trip suits reasonably fit travellers comfortable with paddling and being on the water after dark.

A paddle blade slipping into black water at night at Okura Boat Ramp, ripples holding a faint pale blue-green shimmer.

What's Included

Included

Evening sea kayak journey
Visit to Tiritiri Matangi Island
Sunset luxury grazing platter with drinks
Guided nocturnal walk
Return paddle with a chance to see bioluminescent plankton
Experienced and knowledgeable guide
All kayaking equipment
Creature spotting equipment

Itinerary

Pickup in AucklandChoose from two pickup location options; transport to the launch point is by van.
Van transferVan transfer to Te Haruhi Bay, the departure point for the paddle.
Sunset paddle across the GulfKayak across the Hauraki Gulf in the late afternoon light toward Tiritiri Matangi Island.
Tiritiri Matangi IslandCome ashore for a luxury grazing platter with drinks, then watch little blue penguins return from the sea at twilight.
Guided nocturnal walkWalk the island forest by torchlight with the guide, looking for tuatara, kiwi, owls and weta punga.
Return paddleKayak back across the Gulf in the dark, with a chance of bioluminescent plankton and stars overhead.
Van and drop-offVan transfer back to Auckland, with two drop-off location options.

GuideIncluded

PickupIncluded

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you decide whether this trip fits, and how to be ready for it.

Fitness and pace. A moderate level of fitness is required because the tour involves both kayaking and walking. You need to be able to paddle at a continuous slow pace for at least one hour and thirty minutes, and to be comfortable on the water at night.
What to bring. Pack warm clothing, comfortable shoes, water shoes, swimwear, a change of clothes and a towel, plus snacks, water and any personal medication. The whole outing is outdoors, so dress for the conditions.
Food and drink. A sunset grazing platter with drinks is included, served on the island. Bringing your own snacks and water is recommended on the packing list, useful for a seven-hour evening.
Wildlife is luck. Sightings depend heavily on luck, since everything is wild. Following the guide's instructions closely gives the best chances.
Rules on island. Smoking, littering and touching marine life are not allowed. Creature spotting equipment is provided, so you do not need your own torch or optics.
Gear and guidance. All kayaking equipment is supplied, and an experienced guide leads both the paddle and the nocturnal walk. The tour runs in English.

Ready To PaddleCheck availability →

Common issues. The honest caveat is that wildlife sightings are never certain; the kiwi, penguins and bioluminescence are wild, and luck plays a large part. The trip also demands real effort: sustained paddling for at least one hour and thirty minutes, a night crossing, and a walk on island ground. It is not a fit for anyone uneasy on dark water or without moderate fitness. Everything happens outdoors, so poor weather can shape the experience, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Common Questions

Is Pickup Included?

Yes, pickup is included, with two pickup location options. Transport to and from the launch point is by van, and there are two drop-off locations at the end.

Is Dinner Included In The Price?

Yes. A luxury grazing platter with drinks on Tiritiri Matangi Island is part of the package, along with the kayaking equipment, the guided nocturnal walk, creature spotting equipment and the guide. Check the booking page for any exclusions.

How Long Is The Tour And How Hard Is It?

The full tour runs seven hours door to door. A moderate level of fitness is required, along with the ability to paddle at a continuous slow pace for at least one hour and thirty minutes, plus comfort with being on the water at night.

What Wildlife Might We See?

The island walk targets tuatara, weta punga, owls and wild kiwi, and penguins come ashore at twilight. Reviewers have also reported a ray, swimming penguins and bioluminescent plankton on the paddle back, though all sightings depend on luck.

What Should I Bring?

Warm clothing, comfortable shoes, water shoes, swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, snacks, water and personal medication. Smoking, littering and touching marine life are not allowed.

Can I Cancel If My Plans Change?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.