Browns Island Motukorea Sea Kayak Tour
- Free cancellation up to 1 day before
- Instant confirmation
- Meet on location, or hotel pickup
- Guided tour in English
About this experience
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.
Next available dates
What’s included
- Food and drinks
- Coffee and/or Tea
- Baked good (muffin or biscuits)
- Life jacket
- Kayak,
- Paddle
- Experienced and Knowledgeable Guide
Not included
- Transportation: Participants must arrange their own transport to and from the launch point.
- Personal Gear: Participants should bring personal items like sunscreen, cameras, or any specific gear not provided by the tour.
Itinerary
- 1
Pre-launch briefing & gear setup (30 mins)
Meet at the designated launch site Introductions and guide overview Safety briefing and hazard awareness Fitting life vests and distributing paddles/kayaks Quick paddling technique recap
- 2
Paddle to Browns Island (45–60 mins)
Group stays together following the guide Steady paddle across the harbor Occasional stops for rest or to regroup Enjoy views of Auckland’s coastline and harbor Observe nearby islands and volcanic landforms
- 3
Walk to the summit (15 mins)
Secure kayaks at landing point Begin short but steep walk uphill Stay on marked or established paths Watch footing on rocky or uneven surfaces Group pace adjusted to suit all abilities
- 4
Summit break & storytelling (10–20 mins)
Take a breather and hydrate Enjoy panoramic views over the Hauraki Gulf Learn about Māori and early settler history Hear about the island’s unique geology and volcano origins Ask questions or take photos
- 5
Walk back to kayaks (15 mins)
Retrace the path carefully downhill Regroup at the shore Prep for paddle back (put on vests, hydrate)
- 6
Paddle back to launch point (45–60 mins)
Return paddle Final chance to enjoy paddling experience Stay alert and follow guide instructions
- 7
Pack away gear & debrief (15 mins)
Pull up kayaks Return all equipment (life vests, paddles, etc.) Quick debrief on experience Open space for feedback or Q&A Farewells and end of tour
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- How you meet
- Meet on location, or hotel pickup
- Confirmation
- Instant confirmation
- Cancellation policy
- Free cancellation up to 1 day before
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Minimum age
- 10+ years
- Guide
- Guided tour in English
- Start times
- 10:00
Know before you go
- Hazards and Risks
- Adventurous activities involve inherent hazards and potential risks, often coupled with the severity of hazards and the likelihood of risks.
- Hazard:
- Anything that could potentially cause harm during this tour, including:
- Natural Features:
- Rocks along the shoreline, uneven or slippery terrain on the island, and open water conditions.
- Potential for strong winds or unexpected currents on the water.
- Changing weather conditions
- Weather Conditions:
- Cold temperatures, wind, or rain may occur, affecting comfort and safety.
- Changing visibility in varying light conditions (particularly at dusk or in the evening).
- Equipment:
- Risks associated with paddling and handling the kayak, including the potential for malfunction or injury from paddles.
- Situational Elements:
- Slippery surfaces on the boat launch areas or when walking around the island.
- Low visibility during parts of the tour (especially on the water).
- Man-Made Hazards:
- Interaction with nearby boats on the water.
- Boating traffic may create a potential hazard to paddlers, particularly if there are high-speed boats or vessels in the vicinity.
- Pontoons and docks used to launch or disembark the kayaks could also present hazards such as trips or falls.
- Risk:
- The potential outcomes that could arise from the hazards listed:
- Minor to Serious Physical Injury:
- Injuries such as slips, falls, strains, or sprains from navigating the terrain, paddling, or interaction with boats.
- Severe Outcomes:
- Risks like hypothermia, drowning, or serious injury due to environmental factors (water, weather, or terrain) or collisions with boats.
- Emotional Distress:
- Emotional distress arising from unexpected situations, such as interactions with nearby boats or challenging water conditions.
- Hazard and Risk Rating: (Low 1 - 5 High)
- This Activity has a Hazard and Risk Rating of 2
- Adventurous activities offered by SNM could be dangerous if they’re not approached with care and responsibility. Participation in such activities is voluntary and not compulsory.
- Hazards and risks are managed using a hierarchy of controls to choose the most effective control measures starting with elimination, then minimisation, substitution and isolation. Further measures take on administration controls and personal protective equipment if risks and hazards remain.
- Clothing
- Shorts / Pants
- Swimwear
- Socks
- Thin merino shirt / thermal shirt
- Fleece / woolen / synthetic jumper
- Wind and Rain-proof Jacket
- Warm beanie / sunhat
- Neck warmer / scarf
- Equipment
- Footwear
- Sunglasses
- Personal medication
- sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Backpack to put all of the above in
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 day before the experience starts.
- 1 day or more before: full refund
- Less than 1 day before: no refund
Meeting point
View on map
St Heliers Bay Boat Ramp (Copy-Paste into Google Maps 36°51'01.6"S 174°51'20.3"E)
- Address
- 384 Tamaki Dr, Auckland, 1071, NZ
- How you meet
- Meet on location, or hotel pickup
- Coordinates
- -36.85066, 174.85561
Illustrative map. Open it in Maps for the exact spot and live directions.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does this experience last?
It lasts 4 hours.
Can I cancel this booking?
Free cancellation up to 1 day before the experience starts. 1 day or more before: full refund · Less than 1 day before: no refund
Is this experience guided, and in what language?
Guided tour in English
Is hotel pickup included?
Hotel pickup is available, or you can meet the group on location.
Where does this experience start?
It starts at St Heliers Bay Boat Ramp (Copy-Paste into Google Maps 36°51'01.6"S 174°51'20.3"E), 384 Tamaki Dr, Auckland, 1071, NZ.
Is there a minimum age?
Travellers must be 10 or older.
Still have a question?
Message our team on WhatsApp — we can help with dates, group bookings and anything else before you book.
From AED 314 per personFree cancellation
