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Tours in Auckland

Okura River Kayaks

Explore the hidden waterways of the Okura River and Estuary with friends and family. One-way trip with shuttle included.

$59 / per person

  • 2 Hours
  • Tours in Auckland

Canoe & Kayak Ltd have been operating kayak tours since 1994 and is still owned by Peter Townend an original founder.

Tours in Auckland

Okura River Kayak Adventures. Escape the City. Explore the Wild.

Whether you want to paddle at your own pace or learn from the experts, your next outdoor adventure starts here.

Located in the beautiful seaside village of Okura, our kayak experiences start just 20 to 25 minutes north of the CBD. Leave the city hustle behind and immerse yourself in hidden upper channels, peaceful mangrove forests, and some of the finest native coastal bush and wildlife Auckland has to offer.

Choose your adventure

Two ways to explore the Okura Estuary. Both include kayaks, safety gear, a full briefing and our free shuttle from the Okura Community Centre.

Best for first-timers, families and non-swimmers

Guided Kayak Tour

$90 per person

  • Your own qualified guide, with small group sizes
  • Secret spots, local history and help spotting wildlife
  • No experience needed and non-swimmers welcome
  • Ages 11+ (younger children by arrangement)

Best for confident paddlers

Kayak Hire (Self-Guided)

From $59 per person

  • Paddle at your own pace on our recommended route
  • Timed with the tide for calm, flat water
  • Must be a confident swimmer
  • Ages 11+

Pick your date and time, then choose Guided Tour or Kayak Hire.

Book Now

Booking for a family or group? Contact us for family rates and group bookings.

What to Expect?

You’ll explore the Okura Estuary and see some of NZ’s rarest seabirds. You are likely to see fish flying through the air and stingray as they cruise under your kayak.

As the estuary is tidal, we organise the hire so you’re travelling with the tide on calm, flat water – no rapids to contend with.

The estuary is teeming with wildlife. Along the way, look out for eel, heron, and kingfisher amongst the mangroves.

Then, as the estuary widens, take in the stands of native bush, and you may see tui, kingfisher, heron, pied stilts, oyster catchers, NZ dotterel, and bar-tailed godwits.

Canoe & Kayak are vocal supporters of this amazing region, and your attendance with us helps support community projects.

Details

Freedom rental and Guided Kayak Tours are run to suit tides.

No previous experience is necessary, but a reasonable level of mobility and fitness is required. We will give you a comprehensive briefing on the kayaks, the area, and where you are going.

This kayak hire is suitable for children 11 years and over. The guided option can take younger children on a case-by-case basis; please talk with our booking team on 09 479 1002

We meet at the Okura Community Centre and transport you to the launch site. On completion, we transport you back to your vehicles.

Good to know

  • All kayaking and safety equipment
  • Stable kayaks or sit-on-tops are used
  • A comprehensive safety and area briefing
  • Support from experienced, qualified guides
  • Free Shuttle Included: Meet at the Okura Community Centre and let us handle the rest. Our complimentary shuttle services takes you to the launch site and returns you after your kayak experience – simple, stress-free, and all included.

    • Our standard kayaks in our fleet will take most paddlers pretty well! However, if you weigh over 120 kg please let us know so we can make sure that we can best accommodate you with a comfortable time while on tour with us!
    • A reasonable level of fitness is required i.e. happy to walk nonstop for 30 minutes and able to sit on the ground and get back up unaided. If you have any doubts about being fit enough, please call one of the Canoe & Kayak team for a chat and they will let you know if the tour is for you.
    • The Guided Tour has low ratios and experienced and qualified guides.
    • You must be a confident swimmer to go on the Freedom Rental trip. The best option for non-swimmers is the Guided Tour.

Canoe & Kayak are Pest-Free operators within the Hauraki Gulf. Read more here for how we keep our beautiful Hauraki Gulf islands pest-free.

Ready to paddle

Okura River Kayak Adventures. Escape the City. Explore the Wild.

Tours are run on demand, minimum numbers apply.

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