Auckland Volcano - Motukorea / Browns Island Sea Kayak Tour
Overview
This is the perfect trip for anyone who wants a relaxed day on the Hauraki Gulf. No previous kayaking experience necessary.
Browns Island, named Motukorea (island of the pied oystercatcher bird) is one of the best preserved volcanoes in the Auckland Volcanic Field. Private boats and kayaks are the only means of access to this untouched island.
On arriving at Browns Island, you will be given the chance to walk to the summit, which will give you an opportunity to experience spectacular views and the island's fascinating history. There are three pa sites on the island (Maori fortified village), with the largest occupying the slopes of the main scoria cone.
Light refreshments are provided on the island before you head back to the sheltered waters from where you started.
FREE Auckland City Center pick up and drop off available on request.
What's Included
- Tea and coffee Coffee and/or Tea
- Top quality sea kayak equipment
- Small friendly groups
- Over 20 years of kayaking knowledge
- Suitable for people with little or no kayaking experience
- Fresh morning tea and refreshments
- Experienced guides
- N/A
Meeting and Pickup
Museum Circuit
Parnell, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
This will need to be requested on your booking form when booking online. We pick up with our mini-van from outside the Atrium next to the seats. Pick takes place 30 minutes before the trip start time, so if your trip starts at 8:30am, your pickup will be at 8:00am.The Auckland War Memorial Museum, Tāmaki Paenga Hira, is one of New Zealand’s most important museums and war memorials. Its collections concentrate on New Zealand history, natural history, and military history. The taonga (treasures) from Māori, the peoples of Oceania and New Zealand, and our natural world are waiting to be discovered across three floors of magnificent galleries. A great place to learn and explore before heading out, or after paddling with us.
384 Tamaki Drive
St Heliers, Auckland 1071, New Zealand
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
What To Expect
Motukorea / Browns Island has a fascinating history. It was heavily cultivated by local Maori pre-European arrival and was the first home of Sir Logan Campbell (mayor of Auckland) and William Brown (1st Auckland member of parliament). These men are considered the founders of Auckland city.
On arriving at Motukorea, we trek to the summit, taking in the panoramic views as we go and learning about the island’s history. There are three ancient pa sites (Maori fortified village) on the island. The largest occupying the slopes of the main scoria cone.
Light refreshments are provided on the island before we head back into the Auckland skyline.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Check your gear and help keep islands Hauraki Gulf pest-free.Protect our wildlife
- Check - your gear for pests such as rodents and insects
- Clean - footwear and gear, removing soil and seeds
- Seal - ensure your gear is zipped up (no open bags)
- Check your gear for pests
- Before you leave the mainland, check and clean your gear.
- Check that your gear is free of rats, mice, ants and skinks - especially camping gear which has ideal places for them to hide when stored.
- Take extra care to clean gear if you have Argentine ants or plague skinks where you live.
- Clean clothing, footwear and camping gear, removing soil and seeds before and after each trip.
- Look out for cleaning stations at the pier and scrub your shoes before boarding.
- Do not bring your pets.
- Pack properly
- Pack food in sealed containers to avoid attracting rodents.
- No open bags or supermarket bags.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (12)
Q: Are there any weight restrictions for kayaking?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-48027P3
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 38 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (12)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
The maximum weight capacity for kayaking is 340 lbs / 154 kg.
Nov 2021No experience is necessary! Beginners are welcome on all of our kayak tours. Most of our guests have never been in a sea kayak before. Anyone in average physical condition may join a kayak tour. If you can hike or bike, you can paddle our sea kayaks. You do not need any swimming skills either.
The only prerequisite is a healthy spirit of curiosity and adventure.
Regardless of age or skill level you will find that our expeditions offer enough flexibility to make your experience with us safe and rewarding. We will show you proper sea kayaking technique and water safety before leaving the beach. And your expert guides will be with you throughout the adventure to give you pointers and improve your skills.
Sep 2022Your safety is Cool Shore Excursions’s number one concern. In general, sea kayaking is safer than most other outdoor pursuits, even bicycling.
Jan 2023If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Tea and coffee. Coffee and/or Tea.
- Top quality sea kayak equipment.
- Small friendly groups.
- Over 20 years of kayaking knowledge.
- Suitable for people with little or no kayaking experience.
- Fresh morning tea and refreshments.
- Experienced guides.
- N/A.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 12. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Auckland Volcano - Motukorea / Browns Island Sea Kayak Tour is as follows:
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Auckland Volcano – Motukorea / Browns Island Sea Kayak Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Tea and coffeeCoffee and/or Tea
- Top quality sea kayak equipment
- Small friendly groups
- Over 20 years of kayaking knowledge
- Suitable for people with little or no kayaking experience
- Fresh morning tea and refreshments
- Experienced guides
- N/A
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Check your gear and help keep islands Hauraki Gulf pest-free.Protect our wildlife
- Check - your gear for pests such as rodents and insects
- Clean - footwear and gear, removing soil and seeds
- Seal - ensure your gear is zipped up (no open bags)
- Check your gear for pests
- Before you leave the mainland, check and clean your gear.
- Check that your gear is free of rats, mice, ants and skinks - especially camping gear which has ideal places for them to hide when stored.
- Take extra care to clean gear if you have Argentine ants or plague skinks where you live.
- Clean clothing, footwear and camping gear, removing soil and seeds before and after each trip.
- Look out for cleaning stations at the pier and scrub your shoes before boarding.
- Do not bring your pets.
- Pack properly
- Pack food in sealed containers to avoid attracting rodents.
- No open bags or supermarket bags.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
