Volcano Days · CANOES & KAYAKS
The 15 best canoes & kayaks tours you can book today, with what each costs, how long it takes and how much climbing is involved. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Taiao Adventures takes you from Rotorua to Lake Okareka for a three-hour evening kayak trip. Guides such as Ellie, Forest, Keisha, and Sam lead beginners into small glow-worm caves, with calm water, starry skies, and warm gear provided.
“Excellent with good guide, perfect weather with star gazing, and we enjoyed the delicious hot chocolate milk inside the romantic caves full of glow worm.”
Paddle a double kayak along Cape Chignecto’s colorful cliffs with certified guides such as Ethan or Rashid. This private six-hour outing includes a secluded-beach picnic, a sea arch, the Three Sisters rock spires, and either water-level views or an ocean-floor walk, depending on the tide.
“Unforgettable Kayaking Tour at The Three Sisters! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I had the pleasure of joining a kayaking tour at The Three Sisters yesterday July 31, 25 and it was absolutely magical. The scenery was breathtaking. Towering C statues, clear pristine waters, and the kind of coastal beauty that stays with you long after you leave. Our guide, Ethan, made the experience even more memorable. He shared fascinating stories rooted in folklore and Indigenous history, weaving them into the landscape around us. His knowledge of local ecology, wildlife, and edible plants was impressive—we even got to try different types of seaweed, which were surprisingly delicious! Ethan was funny, engaging, and clearly pa...”
Paddle about 5 kilometers each way from Auckland to Rangitoto with a small group and an experienced guide such as Daniel, Byron, or Eric. Enjoy a BBQ dinner, hike to the summit for sunset, then return by kayak after dark. Expect a serious workout, even with beginner-friendly instruction.
“A must do in Auckland!! Definitely be prepared for a workout kayaking to and from the island as well as the hike up the summit but the views are worth it! Our tour guide Cody was great and they have vegan options for the dinner, just make note of it when booking.”
Paddle a tandem clear kayak from Pete’s Pier Marina with a local guide such as Jax, RJ, Kyle, or Cypress. See manatees, turtles, birds, dolphins, and fish without getting wet. From April 1 to November 14, the route visits Three Sisters Springs. Winter trips focus on manatee habitat elsewhere.
“We had a great time Kyle the Smile was great (much better the Carl the snarl) would recommend”
Join guides such as Glen, Elouise, or Connell for a four-hour paddle across Lake Taupo to its impressive Māori rock carvings. Expect safety gear, local stories, a swim stop, possible rock jumps, and a small group of up to eight. Weather may change the route.
“Best thing I did during my trip to Taupo! Glen was a great guide. So knowledgable and it was such a fun day out!! If you only do one thing in Taupo make sure it’s this!”
Paddle from St. Heliers across Waitematā Harbour to Rangitoto, then walk to the volcanic summit before a guide-prepared Kiwi BBQ by the shore. Guides such as Daniel, Eric, and Chloe provide instruction, local knowledge, and safety support. Expect about 10 km of kayaking and a steep one-hour hike.
“The trip was planned to visit Rangitoto Island, but because of the weather forecast, it changed to visit Brown Island which is in similar distance from St Heliers Bay. Hiking to the summit of the Brown Island was easy and we could see a volcanic crater rim. At the summit, we had an expansive view of the Hauraki Gulf and Auckland City. We kayaked close to 11km for the whole trip. St Heliers Bay has a nice beach, and there are a lot of restaurants around.”
Paddle from St Heliers Beach to Rangitoto Island with an English-speaking guide, hike 2.5 km to the summit, enjoy a BBQ and sunset over the Waitakere Ranges, then kayak back after dark. First-time instruction, drinks, and waterproof camera bags are included.
“I participated on 7/12/2024 I was very excited about this first experience I will never forget the Southern Cross More than anything, I was happy to be surrounded by nature and I envied the people who live there I will definitely come back”
Paddle from St Heliers Beach to Rangitoto Island with a qualified English-speaking guide, then take the one-hour summit hike through pohutukawa forest and black scoria. Guides such as Tony, Daniel, Ben, and Eric have led recent trips. Lunch, drinks, gear, and optional museum pickup are included.
“Excellent trip, Ben our guide was great. We laughed and had a fun day., We were lucky with calm water for the kayak trip and nice walk up to the crater. There are other trails on the island so it would be nice perhaps with more time on the island to walk longer.”
Paddle one mile with a local English-speaking guide from Crystal River to Three Sisters Springs, then swim or snorkel in 72-degree water. Small groups of up to 10 use kayaks or paddleboards, with a chance to see manatees, turtles, dolphins, birds, and fish.
“Three Sister Springs: total überfüllt, selbst in der Nebensaison hüpfen überall Kinder herum und sind laut. Keine Manatis gesehen, bei dem Lärm verständlich. Der Touranbieter ist super. Die Tour war sehr entspannt in der Kleingruppe. Es werden Bilder gemacht, die man im Anschluss für 37$ erwerben kann. Kann diesen Anbieter nur empfehlen wenn man geführte Touren machen möchte. Es ist auch möglich ein Kajak zu mieten und selbst hin zu fahren. Alles in allem gute Sache.”
Meet Xplora Almeria at Cala del Cuervo near Las Negras for a three-hour guided kayak and snorkeling trip. You’ll use stable two-person kayaks, stop in a quiet cove, hear about local sea life, and receive safety equipment and tour photos. Guides may include Pedro, José, or Abel.
“The activity was canceled only 2.5 hours before, when we were already on our way there. The reason for the cancellation was the weather, which at 25 Celsius and full sunshine was not understandable for us. Attached a picture of the beach where the activity should have taken place. The only good point was that we got reimbursed.”
Meet Lena or Captain Scotty at Waterfront Social Restaurant, get route advice, then paddle a clear-bottom sit-in kayak through King’s Bay toward Three Sisters Springs. This private, self-guided outing lasts 150 minutes, with manatee sightings most likely in January and February. Snorkel gear is available separately.
“verhuurster was makkelijk met de gebruik tijd. mochten zolang kajakken als we wouden.”
Paddle Lake Rotoiti for about two hours with a guide such as Lucy, Steven, Sarah, or Jono, depending on the day. You will visit a small glowworm cave, hear Maori stories, then soak in Manupirua Thermal Hot Pools. Moderate fitness is needed, and the tour runs in most weather.
“We had a wonderful afternoon kayaking with our knowledgeable guide Sarah. We saw the glow worms in the cave and enjoyed the hot water pools across the lake.”
Paddle Lake Rotoiti with an English-speaking guide such as Cian or Tom, visit a glowworm cave, soak at water-access-only Manupirua Hot Pools, and eat a cooked Kiwi BBQ dinner. Allow 4 to 4.5 hours, including about 2.5 hours on the water.
“Thoroughly enjoyed our evening kayak trip with Cian. He was fun, knowledgeable and told us Māori creation stories in a magical glowworm cave. The hot pools were really lovely and dinner was delicious. The weather gods were kind and we had the moon and stars reflecting off the glassy lake on the way home. Can totally recommend 😊”
Meet Taiao Adventures at the Rotorua Information Centre for a four-hour evening paddle led by guides such as Sarah and Forrest. After a 25-minute shuttle, kayak to a private beach for Kiwi snacks and tea, then enter glowing shoreline caves. Intermediate paddling skills are required, and children under 13 cannot join.
“It was super nice! Our driver and guides were so sympathetic and we had just the best snack plate at the beach. The glowworms were absolutely stunning and we learned a lot about them during the trip. We would definitely recommend that trip!”
Join Taiao Adventures for a five-hour Rotorua outing combining an easy downhill walk through Waimangu Volcanic Valley with 90 minutes in a two-person sit-on-top kayak on Lake Rotomahana. Guides provide transport, entry, equipment, safety instruction, and stories about geology, Māori heritage, and the valley.
“Light trekking and kayak is very amazing experience! My guide is so kind and good .I was very satisfied. After Light trekking, you can do kayak experience! You'd better to bring rain gear so as not to be wet.”
A summit, a crater rim or a boardwalk over boiling ground.
