About this experience
Set out on a private kayaking journey from Herald Island, paddling through the calm, sheltered waters of the upper harbour toward the historic Riverhead Tavern. Accompanied by an experienced guide, you’ll enjoy a relaxed, scenic route with time to take in the surrounding coastline and native bush along the way.
This scenic paddle begins at Christmas Beach on Herald Island, where calm tidal waters and mangrove-lined shores create a peaceful launching point into the upper Waitematā Harbour. As you set off, the journey winds through sheltered estuaries, quiet inlets, and stretches of native bush and wetland habitat, offering a close-up perspective of Auckland’s coastal ecosystem.
Paddling upstream along the Rangitopuni and upper harbour waterways, you’ll pass areas rich in birdlife, including pūkeko, herons, shags, kingfishers, paradise shelducks, and migratory wading birds feeding along the mudflats. The route is particularly tranquil at high tide, with reflections of mangroves and surrounding hills creating a mirror-like surface.
The destination, the historic Riverhead Tavern, sits proudly on the waterfront and marks the end of a rewarding journey through one of Auckland’s oldest river transport routes. Dating back to the 1850s, the tavern was once a key stopping point for travellers arriving by water from the city and surrounding settlements.
Combining adventure, natural beauty, and heritage, this paddle offers a unique way to experience Auckland’s waterways—ending with a well-earned stop at one of New Zealand’s oldest riverside pubs.
Arriving at the tavern—one of New Zealand’s oldest riverside establishments—you’ll step ashore for a reserved dining experience, with food and drinks included. Take time to unwind in this character-filled setting before your return transfer, completing a seamless and comfortably paced private outing on the water.
Next available dates
What’s included
- Life jacket, kayak, paddle
- Experienced and Knowledgeable Guide
Not included
- Food and Drinks
Itinerary
- 1
Itinerary
This scenic paddle begins at Christmas Beach on Herald Island, where calm tidal waters and mangrove-lined shores create a peaceful launching point into the upper Waitematā Harbour. As you set off, the journey winds through sheltered estuaries, quiet inlets, and stretches of native bush and wetland habitat, offering a close-up perspective of Auckland’s coastal ecosystem. Paddling upstream along the Rangitopuni and upper harbour waterways, you’ll pass areas rich in birdlife, including pūkeko, herons, shags, kingfishers, paradise shelducks, and migratory wading birds feeding along the mudflats. The route is particularly tranquil at high tide, with reflections of mangroves and surrounding hills creating a mirror-like surface. The destination, the historic Riverhead Tavern, sits proudly on the waterfront and marks the end of a rewarding journey through one of Auckland’s oldest river transport routes. Dating back to the 1850s, the tavern was once a key stopping point for travellers arriving by water from the city and surrounding settlements. Combining adventure, natural beauty, and heritage, this paddle offers a unique way to experience Auckland’s waterways—ending with a well-earned stop at one of New Zealand’s oldest riverside pubs.
Good to know
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Minimum age
- 10+ years
- Guide
- Guided tour in English
- Start times
- 10:00 · 18:00
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 can cause harm. Hazards might be rocks, trees, water (drowning, floods), wildlife, humans, heights (falls, falling objects), machines, tools, weather (hypothermia).
- Risk: the potential of something happening. Risks could be death, serious injury and/or emotional harm.
- 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
- Neck warmer / scarf
- Equipment
- Footwear
- Sunglasses
- Personal medication
- Water bottle
- Backpack to put all of the above in
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 120 days before the experience starts.
- 120 days or more before: full refund
- 90–119 days before: 75% refund
- 60–89 days before: 50% refund
- 30–59 days before: 25% refund
- Less than 30 days before: no refund
Meeting point
View on map
56 The Terrace
- Address
- 56 The Terrace, Auckland, 0618, NZ
- How you meet
- Meet on location
- Coordinates
- -36.77862, 174.65476
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 2 hours.
Can I cancel this booking?
Free cancellation up to 120 days before the experience starts. 120 days or more before: full refund · 90–119 days before: 75% refund · 60–89 days before: 50% refund · 30–59 days before: 25% refund · Less than 30 days before: no refund
Is this experience guided, and in what language?
Guided tour in English
Is hotel pickup included?
No — you make your own way to the meeting point.
Where does this experience start?
It starts at 56 The Terrace, Auckland, 0618, NZ.
Is there a minimum age?
Travellers must be 10 or older.
From AED 2,035 per person
