Visit coves, caves and other splendid seafaring locations, beneath rocky cliffs where only sea kayaks can reach by ocean exploration. Feel the expansive ocean freedom, relax in our comfortable kayaks and let your ‘blue mind’ spirit soar as we paddle in Auckland onto the Pacific Ocean. Sparkling swims, exfoliating sand between your toes and shells/fossil finding is all possible along with constant photo opportunities.
The first thing you will notice on SNM ‘s sea kayaking tours is our enthusiasm and pride in our waterworks, and the water-based areas we call home.
SNM caters kayak tours for a wide variety of groups ranging from Schools, Polytechnics, Tourists, Corporate Groups, and Outdoor Clubs, through to every kind of traveler you can think of. We put together school packages within the EOTC guidelines or even run a Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey. At SNM, we love to put together special sea kayak packages to suit anyone.
A sea kayak or touring kayak is a kayak developed for the sport of paddling on open waters of lakes, bays, and the ocean. Sea kayaks are seaworthy small boats. They trade off the maneuverability of whitewater kayaks for higher cruising speed, cargo capacity, ease of straight-line paddling, and comfort for long journeys.
The term “sea kayak” is said to have originated with the 1981 publication of a book by John Dowd, who said “it wasn’t called sea kayaking until my book came out, it was called kayak touring or sea canoeing or canoe touring, blue-water paddling, coastal paddling, all those things.”
Contemporary sea kayaks trace their origin to the native boats of Alaska, northern Canada, and Southwest Greenland. Inuit (formerly Eskimo) hunters developed a fast seagoing craft to hunt seals and walrus. The ancient Aleut name for a Aleutian kayak is Iqyak, and earliest models were constructed from a light wooden frame (tied together with sinew or baleen) and covered with sea mammal (sea lion or seal) hides. Archaeologists have found evidence indicating that some kayaks are at least 4,000 years old. Rotomolded plastic kayaks we use today first appeared in 1984.
Sea kayaks are used around the world for marine (sea) journeys from a few hours to many weeks, as they can accommodate one or more paddlers together with room for camping gear, food, water, and other supplies. A sea kayak usually ranges anywhere from 3.0–5.5 m for solo craft, and up to 8.0 m for tandem craft. Beam width may be as little as 53 cm, and may be up to 90 cm.
SNM operating thresholds:
Wind: up to 20 knots, maximum
Waves: up to 1 meter, maximum
Swell: up to 1 meter, maximum
Do it all: Kayaking, Paddling, Camping, Cooking, Snorkeling, Sunbathing, Amazing scenery, Beautiful beaches, unique NZ Flora and Fauna all combined in making our sea kayak tours some of the most brilliant in New Zealand.
Experience New Zealand at its best with our range of Sea Kayak Tours to inspire you. SNM are specialists in all things kayaking. Get the correct, independent expert advice from experienced and qualified staff to show you Auckland’s best kept secret marine gems.
Our amazing sea kayak tours are for those looking for the iconic kiwi adventure, needing look no further than Auckland sea kayaking. Every trip is unique like each of our clients.
We have easy ocean paddles for families and those looking to explore the Hauraki Gulf and Waitemata Harbour. Explore with your sea kayak guide the coastlines of Auckland. Check out sea caves, learn about the shag (Coromorant) colony and explore small islands before returning to shore. There is plenty of time to take that perfect picture of the skylines, before enjoying an afternoon snack and refreshments on the beach.
Most of our kayak tours are set up for people with no sea kayaking experience. Many of our tours stick to the coastlines so we are never too far away from the shoreline. Spend sunny days out on the water, away from crowds and getting in touch with nature again. Auckland Sea Kayaking with SNM explores the special areas of the Hauraki Gulf and gives paddlers the true sense of adventure.
Treat yourself to marine memories you’ll cherish for life. Our fully-outfitted sea kayak adventures take you along Auckland coastlines. Completely immerse yourself in the natural aquatic wonders of Auckland. Experience our blue planet from paddling with seals, penguins, relaxing on numerous beaches, exploring lagoons, local islands and Maori Pa (village) sites to learning about local history and lore. Be wowed by the night sky, the milky way is truly amazing from where we camp. Enjoy drifting off to sleep listening to the waves before waking up to hear bird song.
Auckland sea kayaking a relaxing, content rich guided kayak and camping experience, fully catered with food. You can rest and recharge with a snack before returning to your sea kayaks and paddling home across the mighty Waitemata.
Join us if you are new to the watersport and keen to learn. You will become familiar with setting up your sea kayak and how to paddle effectively, as well as potentially learning how to rescue yourself or someone else in the event of a capsize.
Our Auckland sea kayak trips offer many special facets of the Manukau and Waitemata Harbours. The Hauraki Gulf is also home to many of New Zealand’s best sunny sandy beaches, some voted the best in New Zealand, with clear waters and sheltered bays making it a stunning place to paddle.
Social Nature Movement also offers Auckland sea kayak lessons.
Check out our booking tab, click the book now button or make a trip enquiry.
Get help booking. Have questions? Click our FAQ’s, call a specialist (0800 76 62 66) or message one (support@snm.nz)
KASK was initially set up to promote and encourage the sport of sea kayaking, promote safety standards, develop techniques and equipment, deal with issues of coastal access and protection, organize a biennial sea kayaking forum and publish the New Zealand Sea Kayaker Newsletter.
AdventureMark™ is New Zealand’s largest adventure certification body. They work with over 200 operators here in New Zealand and in several countries worldwide providing our health and safety audit and adventure certification services across the globe.
WorkSafe is New Zealand’s primary workplace health and safety regulator. Our audit is registered by WorkSafe New Zealand under the Adventure Activities Certification Scheme
Coastguard Boating Education courses for all members of the family or crew, including those new to boating. Particularly suited to those with responsibility of being a skipper on their own vessel.
The Manukau Harbour Restoration Society (MHRS) was formed in 2011 by Auckland residents living around the harbour committed to improving the condition of the harbour and its environs.
The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park was established in 2000, and protects the natural and historic features of the Hauraki Gulf.
Helping keep Hauraki Gulf islands pest free by checking bags and gear for pests, cleaning shoes and gear, closing bags and containers. Read more hereÂ
