Bay of Islands Kayaking
Bay of Islands Kayaking
5
Boat ToursEquipment HireNature & Wildlife ToursKayaking & Canoeing
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
About
We offer Boutique Sea Kayaking Tours in the beautiful Bay of Islands. White sand beaches, crystal clear blue waters and marine life galore. We always have time for a walk, snorkelling and a picnic lunch on a secluded beach. We also have Kayak Rentals and Multi-Day trips for the more adventurous and have a Rental Base at Otehei Bay with quality sit on top kayaks and paddle boards.
Paihia, New Zealand

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(11 reviews)

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles228 reviews
Excellent
209
Very good
12
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
4

Chris E
6 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Couples
We stayed an extra night in Paihia to do some kayaking, touted as the best in the bay of islands. We booked the ferry over to Otehei Bay - not cheap.

Upon arrival we found that no-one was hiring kayaks. The staff at the bar said that the ‘owner’ just turns up when he feels like it. I had been given the impression from the website (see attached picture) that booking was not needed. Apparently that was not the case. I phoned the owner (who was at work at another job) by using a number I found on the paddles. There is no phone number on the website, just an email that gives no response. He said he wasn’t at Otehei today (obviously) and then got angry and aggressive when I suggested he update the website with accurate opening times.

An absolutely awful experience, though the island is lovely and I’m sure the kayaking is great if you happen to turn up on the same day as the owner and don’t get on his bad side. I wish I had read the other reviews first!
Written 27 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I will try and keep this as professional as possible..... as I did on the phone call with you after just being abused for being a "scam artist"!! We took no money off you..... how can we be a scam artist? After covid our business has been decimated. Yes me and my partner have had to get other jobs to support our family. Unless the numbers are there to open our kayak business it is just not feasible. Like I told you on the phone I would much prefer being out on the island running the kayaks than landscaping..... but you didn't seem to care as its all about you mate. All over our website on each activity page right at the bottom it says we are usually open in summer (which is December to February) but its best to email us first to check. You said you email us beforehand while on the phone to me and I asked what your email was..... and I could not find it. I reply to all emails fast so people are aware we are not out there...... you just turned up and weren't happy so threw your toys everywhere. I tried to smooth things over on the phone with you but you already spat the dummy out and there was no solution other than abuse me. You have no consideration for someone working two jobs to stay afloat after covid....... I work hard and I do my very best to be transparent and show people a good time. Take a look our numbers 5 star reviews and many of my own. I will not take being threatened with bad reviews when I do my best to apologise and you cannot even email us to check whether we are open or not like stated on the website. Just as a note to anyone reading this..... yes covid was hard for everyone but imagine having put all your money into a business that virtually shuts down overnight and doesn't really make much for 2-3 years and still isn't fully recovered. Adjustments were made by us to survive but you know what Chris..... adjustments need to be made by you and your attitude to other people. Have a little empathy for others mate or this world and this kind country especially will not be happy! Enjoy our country but don't abuse our kindness. Sam - Owner
Written 5 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

JoR
12 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2023
I rented a kayak in Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island for 3 hours and had a glorious afternoon paddling around some of the island bays. It's a beautiful island to visit and being out on the water is great way to explore it.
Written 18 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Yasmine Y
13 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2022 • Family
Our family and friends (who traveled all the way from overseas to stay in Auckland for a week) went to Otehei island. We were assured by the Ferry staff that Kayaking would be available to hire. Also checked Bay of island Kayaking opening hours online (8am- 5pm). Paid over $300 for the ferry tickets and took 40mintues with a very sea sick kid.
We arrived Otehei Bay around 12pm. Had quick lunch and went to the only activity on the island (Kayaking hiring). We were told the business was closed as he (the owner) decided to go fishing (opening hours online is still 8am-5pm). But it was 12:30 not closing time yet so I told him will make a complaint. He took it as threatening and got very angry at me! He hanged around and 5 minutes later he hired kayaking to anther group of people. He changed his mind! So we went again and he said he can hire to anyone he feels like, and asked me to apologize to him otherwise no kayaking Basically he wasn’t happy that I said to make a complaint. I told him I won’t say sorry and will make a complaint as if he is open, he should open to everyone! He waved his phone and told me he can get his friends to throw me out of the island! This kayaking guy is not horrible!
Written 9 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Manzg
Auckland, New Zealand13 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2021
Fantastic family day out - we love getting our kids out and about (aged 11 & 12) and this was one of the best experiences we have done.
The paddle in the double kayak's was just challenging enough (going around the Island and open sea & swell was exciting), the scenery was out of this world, the swim stop AMAZING, the snorkeling spot fun and Sam the guide was lots of fun, friendly and shared great knowledge on the Bay of Islands and general kayaking and rafting while yarning away.
The ferry ride to Island was fun, the cafe was a wonderful place to spend some time.
The whole day was a highlight of a wonderful holiday in the Bay of Islands.
Written 15 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Amy
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2021 • Couples
Great fun with a personable guide. Great views. Ferries are organised for you so you don't have to worry about that. Good for people with moderate fitness level.
Written 13 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Nigel Kerr
6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2021
A really beautiful location. The canoes were high quality and the guide took us on a real adventure which you wouldn’t get if you self hired the kayaks. The island stopover was also very nice.
Written 13 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

FussyTraveller009
Taupo, New Zealand43 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2021 • Couples
This is a fabulous kayaking tour. Fun guide, great kayaking equipment and spectacular scenery. The swim stop was stunning. Highly recommended tour.
Written 12 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Angela
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2021 • Couples
Had a very good day kayaking for 3 hours. Great scenery. Sam was a very friendly and knowledgeable guide. Would definitely recommend this to others.
Written 12 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Nonthachai P
Auckland Central, New Zealand3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2020 • Couples
Thanks for give us a best holiday and staff extremely nice. Guide us how to kayak where is safe where is not safe appreciated that
Written 14 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

keri3021
Whangaparaoa, New Zealand20 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020
We done the Island time tour and it was a fantastic day. Very lucky that within 10 minutes we had dolphins swimming around! Stopped on 2 different islands and had time to snorkel, have lunch & walk to the look out :)

I'd recommend this tour to someone who wants a 6/7h kayak with pretty good fitness as it's a long day. Really enjoyed our day :)
Written 12 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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BAY OF ISLANDS KAYAKING (Paihia) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go