Top Experiences in Hauraki Gulf Islands

Swap your morning routine for a spectacular 'Sunrise Sea Kayaking Tour'. Experience the magic as we meet one hour before sunrise during dawn's nautical stages and journey through civil twilight. The "golden hour" awaits, capturing nature's finest moments.

Embark on a sea kayaking adventure from Auckland CBD to Browns Island (Motukorea) and savor the beauty of the sunrise. Ideal for beginners, this expedition offers stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf and Waitemata Harbour. Keep an eye out for marine life, birds, and the possibility of encountering dolphins and whales while basking in the morning light.

Sunrises offer renewal and inspiration, symbolizing fresh starts and the potential for growth. They invite inner calm and mindfulness, fostering tranquility, reflection, and gratitude.

Sunrise experiences highlight nature's beauty, connecting you with the world and fostering appreciation. They infuse energy and vitality, awakening the senses and boosting mood.

Embrace the sunrise!

Experience the best things to see in Auckland with a 24 or 48-hour hop on hop off bus ticket! The routes each take approximately 1 hour to complete – however, you will want to hop off and take your time to discover the great city sights, tree-lined streets, picturesque beaches, and fashionable shopping districts at your own pace. The Auckland Explorer Bus is a great way to navigate your way around New Zealand’s largest city.

Discover the outer Hauraki Gulf aboard the 41-foot catamaran Pacific Star, with daily departures from Waiheke Island.

We’ll stop at a pest-free island for a guided walk, plus you’ll have opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and stand-up paddleboarding.

Our guide will help you learn about the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, its islands and people. You’ll spot seabirds and may see dolphins, and even whales, as we glide along with the wind in our sails.

This unique eco adventure is the only day sailing trip offered in the outer gulf and departing from Waiheke Island.

If you’d like to take the helm or help us trim the sails, skipper Bruce will be happy to show you the ropes.

Your itinerary will depend on the wind direction and weather, so that we can give you the most enjoyable and comfortable experience.

Experience the magic of a sunset tour as the day ends. We gather an hour before sunset, progressing through twilight phases, witnessing the "golden hour," ideal for introspection, pause to appreciate the day's events and contemplate your journey.

Embark on Sunset Paddleboarding adventure in the Waitemata Harbour starting from Point Chevalier Beach. Enjoy the scenery as the sun kisses the water as it decends down from the sky. Explore beaches and rocky outcrops as we paddle along the coastal landscapes with the setting sun.

Breathtaking beauty awakens your creativity and imagination. Express gratitude for life's simple joys and feel unity with the world. Sunset experiences offer serenity, reflection, and beauty.

Embrace the Sunset!

Experience Waiheke Island through a leisurely, eco-friendly sea kayaking adventure. Discover its stunning beaches, clear waters, and diverse marine life, including dolphins and orcas. Try ocean fishing and spot native birds along the coast.

Explore Whakanewha Regional Park's Nikau forest and native vegetation, offering shade in summer and shelter from rain. Encounter a variety of flora and birdlife on well-maintained paths.

Relax at Batch Winery with vineyards dating back to 1998, known for Chardonnay, Syrah, and Pinot Gris. Enjoy a three-course meal with stunning views of Hauraki Gulf and Auckland City.

Poukaraka Flats campground offers glamping, providing all you need for a comfortable stay in well-ventilated tents.

Discover Waiheke's slower island life through sea kayaking, fishing, delicious food, and sun-soaked relaxation.

IMPORTANT: TO BOOK THIS CHARTER, PLEASE SET THE NUMBER OF TRAVELERS = 1. YOU CAN BRING UP TO 11 FRIENDS WITH YOU!

Discover the outer Hauraki Gulf aboard the 41-foot catamaran Pacific Star, with daily departures from Waiheke Island.

Your charter is for exclusive use of the yacht with two crew (captain and host).

We can stop at a pest-free island for a guided walk, plus you’ll have opportunities for swimming, snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding.

Our guide will help you learn about the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, its islands and people. You’ll spot seabirds and may see dolphins, and even whales, as we glide along with the wind in our sails.

This is the only day sailing trip offered in the outer gulf and departing from Waiheke Island.

If you’d like to take the helm or help us trim the sails, skipper Bruce will show you the ropes.

Your itinerary will depend on the wind direction and weather, so that we can give you the most enjoyable and comfortable experience.

Look for whales, dolphins and seabirds in the pristine waters of Hauraki Gulf just a short boat ride from Auckland city's Viaduct Harbour. Learn from experts on board working to protect these precious creatures and their fragile home.  As an active marine-mammal research vessel every passenger contributes to important conservation efforts, just by coming on board.
A dollar from every ticket purchased goes towards the Hauraki Gulf Guardians fund which supports organisations and programs that aim to regenerate the Hauraki Gulf and ensure its future.

A day of excitement and nature awaits on Waiheke Island, with three zipline flights above the forest, an interpretive walk through native bushland, and a mini-tour of the island. Just a short ferry ride from Auckland, Waiheke Island is an idyllic location for a zipline adventure, with stunning views over the Hauraki Gulf.

Escape for the day to Waiheke, New Zealand’s "Island of Wine". Enjoy a relaxing and informative day on Waiheke in the safe hands of a knowledgeable guide. 

You will visit three of Waiheke’s top vineyards and sample a range of their wines. Along the way, enjoy a scenic drive with live commentary to learn about the island’s history, geography, people and culture.

After your wine-tasting experience, sit back, relax and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading back to the ferry or your accommodation. Lunch is at your own expense.

Experience the best sights of Auckland City and the marine village of Devonport on Auckland’s North Shore on a Private Luxury Tour just for you. Be amazed by spectacular views of ancient volcanoes, the beautiful Waitemata Harbour and Hauraki Gulf, drive across the Auckland Harbour Bridge and explore some of Auckland’s most famous beaches.

The Captain is a unique kiwi with a friendly and helpful disposition.

Over the years I have been referred to as Captain Lozza and it’s stuck. I have been fishing these waters for the past 20 years in a variety of vessels and I am very familiar with the Hauraki Gulf which makes the sightseeing option one that won't leave clients disappointed. I have been lucky to have learnt from the best, he has vast experience as a commercial and recreational fisher in the Hauraki and especially the Coromandel region. As is the case with most traditional hunting disciplines, the Master passes on his skills and knowledge to the apprentice. I was the apprentice for many years, also learning from other great anglers and after completing my SRL Skippers ticket last year I have graduated to Master. I know a lot about fishing and guarantee to show you a good time and will do my best to assist you in landing the big one!

Let me customise your experience to ignite your fishing or sightseeing pleasure!

Discover Browns Island's rich history near Auckland. Horses were swum across the harbor by early settlers, while Māori thrived with farming and fishing centuries ago, leaving behind remnants of pā sites. Even more intriguingly, remnants of the Sydney mud cockle were found within volcanic shell beds.

In 1909, New Zealand's aviation history took flight as Alex and Claude Barnard launched a homemade flying machine from the island's peak, marking the nation's first aeroplane trials.

Browns Island is a volcanic cone from an eruption 25,000 years ago, part of the active Auckland Volcanic Field. Now uninhabited, it's a recreational reserve turned wildlife sanctuary, home to native birds like tūī, pūkeko, silvereye, as well as unique wildlife such as skinks and geckos.

For students and researchers, Browns Island offers educational opportunities in volcanology, geology, and environmental conservation, making it an ideal field study destination.