Bioluminescence Kayak Tour: Evening Magic

153 Ratings

Auckland

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Experience the magical light show of bioluminescence on a thrilling kayak tour in Auckland’s Okura Waters. Glide through the glowing hues and leave a sparkling wake behind you. Book now!

Duration: 2 hours

Cancellation: 24 hours

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Highlights

Canoe & Kayak Adventures - Enjoy a night paddle in the protected waters of the Long Bay - Okura Marine Reserve.

What's Included

Stable sea kayaks or sit-on-tops are used
All tuition from our experienced qualified kayak guides
All kayaking and safety equipment
1-6 Ratio (Guide-Guest)
Guaranteed good time!

What's Not Included

Gratuities

Additional Information

Discover nature’s most captivating light display with our 2-hour bioluminescence kayak tour. As the sun sets, join the group for a peaceful and awe-inspiring evening paddle, where the enchanting glow of the tiniest marine life will amaze you.
Paddle through calm waters beneath a starlit sky and experience the otherworldly bioluminescence up close. Ideal…

Location

2/20 Ascension Place

Ascension Place

The tour will take place within a 10km radius of the North Shore Canoe & Kayak shop at 2/20 Ascension Place, Mairangi Bay. THIS IS NOT THE TOUR LOCATION, THE LOCATION WILL BE EMAILED TO YOU BEFORE 3.30PM ON THE DAY OF YOUR TOUR.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings

4.2

(153 Ratings)

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1 star

Deannamq2907ih

Mar 25, 2025

Great fun! - Great experience. We saw plenty of bioluminescence. You need to use your paddles or hands to activate them, which I was unaware of. Kayaking at night was pretty fun. You do not go into waves, which I liked. They taught you to kayak and although I’ve kayaked before I did learn something. Great guides. Hard to photograph, just enjoy the fun.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Joaniev1969

Mar 23, 2025

A little bit of magic! - An awesome experience on a beautiful March evening....the water was still, Katalina was hugely informative and we felt confident with her and she explained everything so well! The light in the water was magical especially the "big blue" surrounding the boat! Then....you look up and more magic in the sky with the stars! A very cool, unique experience!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Maureeng_m

Mar 16, 2025

Great adventure - Be prepared to get wet. This tour despite getting caught in a short rain storm was a definite highlight for me. Knowledgeable, pleasant guide. Made sure everyone enjoyed the experience

Review provided by Viator

Thomas_z

Mar 3, 2025

Tour guides were fun and... - Tour guides were fun and knowledgeable. Saw multiple types of bio. Beautiful stars and a couple planets visible for an added bonus.

Review provided by Viator

Wendy_h

Feb 27, 2025

Fun adventure! - Guides were pleasant. Safety was kept in mind. Kayaking in the ocean at night was cool! We didn't see too much bioluminescence but overall the experience was fun. Make sure to look for a kayak that has a back rest if you have back troubles. Changing areas may not be open after the adventure. We had no trouble getting a couple of Ubers back to city central.

Review provided by Viator

Raphael_k

Mar 22, 2025

Not that much bioluminescent - Not that much bioluminescent compared to other places. Need to do it in Bay of Islands. But for people who have never seen it before it is recommended since it is near the city as well.

Review provided by Viator

Curious08949165325

Mar 26, 2025

Unsafe and seemingly unaware - I participated in this tour as a solo traveller. I went with the other operator where we unfortunately didn't see much bio due to bad luck, so I tried these guys and wished I didn't. The kayaks are sub-standard with not back support and you sit in a pool of water, the guides comparitively say very little about the organisms. Worst of all I agree with other reviewers where they turn the kayak lights off just a couple hundred meters from shore which is bizzare at night in the dark other boats could hit us and I presume it is more riskier and harder to manage the people for the guide. 2 stars because the bio was luckily a bit better this time.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Jeanette_s

Mar 26, 2025

Not as bright as photos show - Kayaking was fun however the glow Of the water was underwhelming to my husband… and we could Not get photos and videos like we would have expected! However guides were both very friendly

Review provided by Viator

Eric_l

Mar 3, 2025

Guides were wonderful but... - Guides were wonderful but this experience felt better served to happen during the day time since you're looking at best a few half seconds of bioluminescence. The area we kayaked around was gorgeous and lost in the darkness. You definitely need to be in average at worst fitness level to even attempt this. It was nothing like I imagined in that the water didn't glow as you passed over it. Though there were some lights that showed up for a half second as you paddled but the amount of effort to get there was tedious and exhausting at the end of the day. Not worth it in my opinion unless the allowed for a day kayak adventure.

Review provided by Viator

Tour57284645226

Mar 13, 2025

Strange operator and sparse bioluminessence - The kayaks are uncomfortable with no back support, they have holes in the bottom to allow for water in and water out and we didn't see much of the glowing algae due to the bright moon light. What was the most bizzare is we turned our safety lights on at the beach, went around the corner and turned them off. When I asked why the guide said it is safer to turn them off so the lights don't blind us so we can see other boats...uhh, hello, what about boats needing to see us!?!?

Review provided by Tripadvisor

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