Elevate your paddling finesse with Canoe & Kayak’s three-session Kayak Development Course on Auckland’s scenic North Shore. Challenge dynamic waters while refining skills and connecting with a passionate paddling community.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 sessions of 3 hours each
Fitness Level
Participants should have a reasonable fitness base including endurance and core strength to handle paddling and balance challenges.
Wildlife
History
The North Shore area has a rich Māori heritage with archaeological sites and traditional fishing grounds nearby.
Conservation
Canoe & Kayak emphasizes low-impact paddle practices to preserve fragile marine habitats and coastal vegetation.
Canoe & Kayak
Elevate your paddling finesse with Canoe & Kayak’s three-session Kayak Development Course on Auckland’s scenic North Shore. Challenge dynamic waters while refining skills and connecting with a passionate paddling community.
Canoe & Kayak is a New Zealand-based paddling operator offering guided sea kayak tours and structured kayaking courses. The company runs skill-building courses on the North Shore and guided day trips across the Hauraki Gulf, focusing on safety, technique, and wildlife appreciation. Canoe & Kayak's core offerings include a North Shore Kayaking Course that teaches self-rescue, paddling techniques, and risk management; a full-day Tiritiri Matangi Sea Kayak Tour to a wildlife sanctuary with opportunities to see native birds, dolphins, and penguins; a Bioluminescence Kayak Tour that explores glowing marine life on a two-hour night paddle; and a three-session Kayak Development Course designed to advance paddling skills in varied conditions.
Instruction is delivered by experienced paddling instructors who emphasize safe progression and practical skills for real-world conditions. Equipment is provided or recommended per trip requirements, and courses include shore-based and on-water practice. Route choices and timings reflect seasonal considerations and local conservation guidelines, particularly for visits to Tiritiri Matangi, a protected island reserve.
Canoe & Kayak positions itself for a wide range of paddlers: beginners seeking foundational skills, intermediate paddlers refining technique, and nature-focused visitors wanting guided wildlife experiences. The operator’s combination of formal courses and interpretive tours aims to build competence and promote responsible outdoor recreation. Clear trip summaries, skill-focused curricula, and local route knowledge support informed booking decisions and safe, memorable paddling experiences. Bookings are structured with clear pre-trip information, safety briefings, and skill-level guidance so participants can choose the right trip with confidence and equipment advice provided promptly.
Tours Offered
4
Four distinct guided trips and courses
Key Destination
Tiritiri Matangi
Protected island sanctuary visits
Suitable For
All levels
Beginners to intermediate paddlers
Duration Range
2 hours – full-day
Short night paddles to full-day tours
Secure a spot on a North Shore course or a guided Hauraki Gulf sea kayak adventure today.
Check tides before each session
Tide changes impact water conditions greatly, so review tides in advance to prepare for surf or estuary paddling.
Bring layered paddling clothing
Wearing moisture-wicking layers helps regulate temperature when transitioning between water and shore.
Use sun protection
UV exposure on the water is intense—wear water-resistant sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a hat.
Arrive early to get fitted for gear
Arriving at least 30 minutes early ensures smooth gear fitting and maximizes your water time.
Personal flotation device (PFD)
A mandatory safety item to keep you buoyant and secure on the water.
Wetsuit or paddling top
Protects against cold water and wind chill during cooler months.
spring|fall|winter
Waterproof dry bag
Keeps phone, keys, and snacks dry during wet paddling sessions.
Paddle gloves
Help maintain grip and protect hands in colder or wetter conditions.
fall|winter