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Browns Island Motukorea Sea Kayak Tour

Tours Activities Good for groups Shore Excursions Water activities Reseller exclusions Nature & adventure

Enjoy a 4-hour sea kayak tour from Auckland CBD to Browns Island (Motukorea). Perfect for beginners, enjoy the scenic Hauraki Gulf, Waitemata Harbour vistas and explore the picturesque volcanic island

Highlights

  • Sea Kayak Aucklands' Hauraki Gulf and Waitemata Harbour
  • Explore an uninhabited dormant volcanic island (Motukorea)
  • Look out for marine wildlife like whales and dolphines
  • Spot rare birds whilst venturing around the volcanic island bird sanctuary

Description

Embark on a beginner-friendly Auckland sea kayak adventure with just a half-day of dedication. From downtown Auckland CBD, a mere 15-minute drive or bus ride, a 20-minute cycle, a 25-minute e-scooter journey, or a leisurely 2-hour coffee stroll to St Heliers beach, our starting point. Adventure out on a captivating four-hour sea kayak journey to Browns Island, departing from the scenic St Heliers beach in Auckland. Glide past Gentleman's and Ladies Bays through tranquil turquoise waters, encircling the uninhabited dormant volcanic island reachable solely by sea kayaks and other vessels. The one-way paddle to Browns Island takes 45-60 minutes, offering 1.5-2 hours of leisurely paddling overall. The remaining time is dedicated to coastal exploration, acquainting yourself with sea kayak equipment and your surroundings. Speaking of Auckland's surroundings, the Waitemata Harbour and Hauraki Gulf teem with marine life, including coastal birds like Dotterel and Oystercatchers. Lucky kayakers might glimpse cetaceans like whales and dolphins, or even adorable little blue penguins during their voyage to Browns Island! In Maori, Browns Island is Motukorea, roughly translating to Oystercatcher Island. Its name originates from the European land purchase by William Brown in 1840. Remnants on the island harken back to a time when a pig farm thrived under Brown's care. A lesser-known fact is that Browns Island farmers once swam horses across the harbor to Karaka Bay. Motukorea Island, in the past, bustled with human activity, featuring Māori settlements and fishing spots. Sydney mud cockle remnants found here hint at its ancient geological history. On June 5, 1909, aviation history was etched as siblings Alex and Claude Barnard launched a homemade flying machine from Brown's Island peak. This marked New Zealand's inaugural aeroplane trials. The Browns Island kayak tour unveils a volcanic cone formed around 25,000 years ago, one of Auckland's 53 volcanoes in the still-active Auckland Volcanic Field. Uninhabited and designated a recreational reserve, Browns Island welcomes explorers to discover its natural allure and historic sites. Wildlife Sanctuary: Browns Island's conservation endeavors have created a haven for numerous bird species. Native tūī, pūkeko, and silvereye abound, alongside skinks and geckos. Educational Opportunities: The island provides educational opportunities for students and researchers interested in volcanology, geology, and environmental conservation. Its accessibility and unique features make it an ideal field study location. For more information on this tour visit: https://socialnaturemovement.nz/itinerary/browns-island-motukorea-volcanic-half-day-sea-kayak-tour/

Includes

Professional and experienced guide Kayak / sup / canoe equipment Personal flotation device (PFD)

Important Information

  • For more information about gear visit: https://socialnaturemovement.nz/itinerary/browns-island-motukorea-volcanic-half-day-sea-kayak-tour/ Start times for this tour vary based on the Auckland tides. If you do not have the required gear, please reach out to us, we may be able to help.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

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