Some Great Local Places to go Sea Kayaking
Recommendations from the club's most experienced sea kayaker, Max Grant
Titahi Bay
Titahi Bay has one of the best and safest beaches for learning and improving your surfing skills. It has a gradually sloping shore which allows for a longer surf break with no dumping waves. As well as surfing it is a good place to practise sea kayaking skills such as re-entry into your kayak after a capsize – ‘deep water rescues’. For a short and interesting cruise a trip northwards to the Whitireia Park Reserve, Onehunga Bay, takes approximately 1 hour and passes along some interesting coastline. There are public toilets at both Titahi Bay and Whitireia Park.
Mana Island, Porirua Harbour
This is a Department of Conservation scientific reserve, home to many rare species including the giant weta, takahe, endangered skinks and geckos, and Cook's scurvy grass. Permission to land should be obtained from DOC, Ph 04 384 7770. On the island there are some short walks and a small museum with interesting displays.
The paddle from Titahi Bay to Mana Island takes about an hour in good conditions. Care should be taken if you are crossing at half tide as the sea is shallow and there are very strong tidal currents that flow on both sides of the island. As with Kapiti Island, the western side of the island is very rugged and there are many rocky outcrops where care should be taken when paddling around these.
Somes/Matiu & Ward/Makaro Islands, Wellington Harbour
After being inhabited by Maori for many years, Somes/Matiu and Ward/Makaro Islands became a human & animal quarantine station, plus an internment camp during both world wars. The islands are now DoC reserves that can be paddled to from virtually anywhere within the Harbour. Ward Is. is an open reserve and landing is permitted at any time. Somes Is. is a safe haven for rare natives such as Tuatara & Kakariki, so landing is only permitted between 8.30am & 5pm on the NE corner near the wharves for biosecurity checks. No landing is allowed on Mokopuna Island (The northern tip of Somes) as this is a closed reserve. There are a number of short walks on Somes through the regenerating bush, passing a gun embankment and old lighthouse. Camp sites & houses that can be booked for overnight stays. A paddle around the Island will reveal interesting sea caves and a thriving spotted shag colony. Please let DOC know beforehand if you are planning a kayak trip to Somes Is., Ph 04 384 7770.
Cape Kidnappers
The trip from Clifton Beach to visit the gannet colony at Cape Kiddnappers, is the most popular day trip in Hawke Bay. The sea trip from Clifton to Black Reef is about 5 km and is well sheltered from the southerly and westerly winds by spectacular cliffs. The first gannet colony is on Black Reef. If the sea is calm, you can kayak through the reef in several places and continue 1km across the bay and around Cape Kiddnappers to another gannet colony which has a convenient beach to land on. If conditions are too rough to go through or around the reef, there is a beach you can land on at black reef. From here you can walk to the information/picnic area and then on to the main gannet colony, about 1 to 2 hour walk. Cape Kidnappers can also be kayaked to from Ocean Beach, but this is very exposed and much longer - 14km.
An information brochure on Cape Kiddnappers can be obtained from any Department of Conservation office.
Kapiti Island
Many protected species inhabit this island, most of which is Department of Conservation nature reserve. These include kokako, takahe, kiwi, weka, kakariki, saddleback and blue penguin. The island also has a fascinating Maori and European history. A small information booklet can be purchased at any DoC office.
To reduce the risk of predation, no vessels are allowed to beach on the island. This effectively excludes kayakers from landing on this part of the island. They can circumnavigate the island, and land on Tahoramaurea (Brown’s) Island, at the south-east of Kapiti, but they should call in at the house on nearby Motungarara (Fisherman’s) Island first. Karl Webber resides here and always makes any kayakers feel extremely welcome. Karl also has camping sites and facilities available for those wanting to camp overnight. His contact number is; 027 5446677.
Cape Kapiti is an easy one to two hour paddle from Paraparaumu Beach. Crossings should be done at low or full tide, as at half tide there are strong tidal streams on both sides of the island. The outgoing tide, which moves in a southerly direction, is about one knot stronger than the incoming tide, so trips should be in an anticlockwise direction and when the tide is going out.
The west of the island is very rugged, and has several long through caves, which can be paddled in calm conditions. There is usually a calm sea on the western side when the wind is from the south or east.
Before departure, fill in a five-minute form at the Paraparaumu Boat Club.
Whanganui National Park, Whanganui River
From very early years of our history, the Whanganui River has been the most travelled river in New Zealand. And with its front and rear storage areas, durable plastic hull, and maneuverability, the Penguin is the most suitable kayak to use for this trip today. Whether you plan for a five day trip from Taumarunui to Pipiriki, or a three day trip from Whakahoro to Pipiriki, you will thoroughly enjoy a trip though this beautiful National Park.
There are several DOC huts and campsites along the river which you should plan to use during your trip. For further information, there is a booklet available from the New Zealand Recreational Canoeing Association; P.O. Box 284, Wellington, called ‘Guide to the Whanganui River’.
Lake Waikaremoana
Set in Te Urewera National Park, this natural lake can only be accessed by State Highway 38, which links Murupara and Wairoa. The Lake Waikaremoana walking track follows the shoreline for most of the lake from Onepoto to Hopuruahine bridge. Four of the five huts on this track are easily accessible to kayakers, and have fresh water, toilets, heating stoves, benches, and bunks with mattresses. Tickets to stay in these huts can be purchased at Lake Waikaremoana Motor Camp, along with fishing licenses, petrol and food supplies
Lake Waikaremoana is suitable to kayak all year round, and is most suitable for three to five day trips. Besides the huts there are many camp sites suitable for pitching tents. Care should be taken to avoid camping on private land. Wind direction based on cloud movement is not always the same on water as there are many landforms, which seem to turn the wind in all directions at times.
This is a very beautiful lake surrounded by 650 types of native plants and many of our native birds live in the forest, e.g., kaka, kakariki, N.Z. robin and falcon, and brown kiwi. For further information about Lake Waikaremoana, write or phone the Aniwaniwa Visitor Centre, Te Urewera National Park, Private Bag 2213, Wairoa. Phone/fax 06 837 3803.
Queen Charlotte Sound, Marlborough Sounds
There are many beautiful bays to explore within Queen Charlotte Sounds, with good areas set aside for overnight camping. Most of the designated campsites have good walking opportunities.
As a general rule, the further out into the Sound, the more abundant the wildlife and the wilderness experience. Seals are plentiful and the occasional dolphins and orca make this a trip full of surprises. The Captain Cook memorial at Ships Cove is a spectacular place to visit, and there is plenty of bird life at the DOC bird sanctuary on Motuara Island. This island also has a viewing platform with a spectacular view of the Sound and Cook Strait.
It is best to allow a few days to paddle to the many different bays, or use one of the water taxi services situated at Picton to and from the outer sounds area.
Abel Tasman National Park
With its golden beaches, sheltered coasts, uninhabited granite islands and abundant wildlife, Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand’s kayaking wonderland.
There are numerous beautiful bays and islands to meander around, where you can stop and swim or snorkel. Tonga Island Marine Reserve is in the middle of the park and you can get up close and personal with the NZ fur seals on Tonga Island.
DOC huts and campsites are situated throughout the park from Marahau to Separation Point. The park is easily accessible from Marahau or Totaranui.
Further information can be obtained from the Abel Tasman National Park Information Centre, or any of the kayak hire companies.
Titahi Bay
Titahi Bay has one of the best and safest beaches for learning and improving your surfing skills. It has a gradually sloping shore which allows for a longer surf break with no dumping waves. As well as surfing it is a good place to practise sea kayaking skills such as re-entry into your kayak after a capsize – ‘deep water rescues’. For a short and interesting cruise a trip northwards to the Whitireia Park Reserve, Onehunga Bay, takes approximately 1 hour and passes along some interesting coastline. There are public toilets at both Titahi Bay and Whitireia Park.
Mana Island, Porirua Harbour
This is a Department of Conservation scientific reserve, home to many rare species including the giant weta, takahe, endangered skinks and geckos, and Cook's scurvy grass. Permission to land should be obtained from DOC, Ph 04 384 7770. On the island there are some short walks and a small museum with interesting displays.
The paddle from Titahi Bay to Mana Island takes about an hour in good conditions. Care should be taken if you are crossing at half tide as the sea is shallow and there are very strong tidal currents that flow on both sides of the island. As with Kapiti Island, the western side of the island is very rugged and there are many rocky outcrops where care should be taken when paddling around these.
Somes/Matiu & Ward/Makaro Islands, Wellington Harbour
After being inhabited by Maori for many years, Somes/Matiu and Ward/Makaro Islands became a human & animal quarantine station, plus an internment camp during both world wars. The islands are now DoC reserves that can be paddled to from virtually anywhere within the Harbour. Ward Is. is an open reserve and landing is permitted at any time. Somes Is. is a safe haven for rare natives such as Tuatara & Kakariki, so landing is only permitted between 8.30am & 5pm on the NE corner near the wharves for biosecurity checks. No landing is allowed on Mokopuna Island (The northern tip of Somes) as this is a closed reserve. There are a number of short walks on Somes through the regenerating bush, passing a gun embankment and old lighthouse. Camp sites & houses that can be booked for overnight stays. A paddle around the Island will reveal interesting sea caves and a thriving spotted shag colony. Please let DOC know beforehand if you are planning a kayak trip to Somes Is., Ph 04 384 7770.
Cape Kidnappers
The trip from Clifton Beach to visit the gannet colony at Cape Kiddnappers, is the most popular day trip in Hawke Bay. The sea trip from Clifton to Black Reef is about 5 km and is well sheltered from the southerly and westerly winds by spectacular cliffs. The first gannet colony is on Black Reef. If the sea is calm, you can kayak through the reef in several places and continue 1km across the bay and around Cape Kiddnappers to another gannet colony which has a convenient beach to land on. If conditions are too rough to go through or around the reef, there is a beach you can land on at black reef. From here you can walk to the information/picnic area and then on to the main gannet colony, about 1 to 2 hour walk. Cape Kidnappers can also be kayaked to from Ocean Beach, but this is very exposed and much longer - 14km.
An information brochure on Cape Kiddnappers can be obtained from any Department of Conservation office.
Kapiti Island
Many protected species inhabit this island, most of which is Department of Conservation nature reserve. These include kokako, takahe, kiwi, weka, kakariki, saddleback and blue penguin. The island also has a fascinating Maori and European history. A small information booklet can be purchased at any DoC office.
To reduce the risk of predation, no vessels are allowed to beach on the island. This effectively excludes kayakers from landing on this part of the island. They can circumnavigate the island, and land on Tahoramaurea (Brown’s) Island, at the south-east of Kapiti, but they should call in at the house on nearby Motungarara (Fisherman’s) Island first. Karl Webber resides here and always makes any kayakers feel extremely welcome. Karl also has camping sites and facilities available for those wanting to camp overnight. His contact number is; 027 5446677.
Cape Kapiti is an easy one to two hour paddle from Paraparaumu Beach. Crossings should be done at low or full tide, as at half tide there are strong tidal streams on both sides of the island. The outgoing tide, which moves in a southerly direction, is about one knot stronger than the incoming tide, so trips should be in an anticlockwise direction and when the tide is going out.
The west of the island is very rugged, and has several long through caves, which can be paddled in calm conditions. There is usually a calm sea on the western side when the wind is from the south or east.
Before departure, fill in a five-minute form at the Paraparaumu Boat Club.
Whanganui National Park, Whanganui River
From very early years of our history, the Whanganui River has been the most travelled river in New Zealand. And with its front and rear storage areas, durable plastic hull, and maneuverability, the Penguin is the most suitable kayak to use for this trip today. Whether you plan for a five day trip from Taumarunui to Pipiriki, or a three day trip from Whakahoro to Pipiriki, you will thoroughly enjoy a trip though this beautiful National Park.
There are several DOC huts and campsites along the river which you should plan to use during your trip. For further information, there is a booklet available from the New Zealand Recreational Canoeing Association; P.O. Box 284, Wellington, called ‘Guide to the Whanganui River’.
Lake Waikaremoana
Set in Te Urewera National Park, this natural lake can only be accessed by State Highway 38, which links Murupara and Wairoa. The Lake Waikaremoana walking track follows the shoreline for most of the lake from Onepoto to Hopuruahine bridge. Four of the five huts on this track are easily accessible to kayakers, and have fresh water, toilets, heating stoves, benches, and bunks with mattresses. Tickets to stay in these huts can be purchased at Lake Waikaremoana Motor Camp, along with fishing licenses, petrol and food supplies
Lake Waikaremoana is suitable to kayak all year round, and is most suitable for three to five day trips. Besides the huts there are many camp sites suitable for pitching tents. Care should be taken to avoid camping on private land. Wind direction based on cloud movement is not always the same on water as there are many landforms, which seem to turn the wind in all directions at times.
This is a very beautiful lake surrounded by 650 types of native plants and many of our native birds live in the forest, e.g., kaka, kakariki, N.Z. robin and falcon, and brown kiwi. For further information about Lake Waikaremoana, write or phone the Aniwaniwa Visitor Centre, Te Urewera National Park, Private Bag 2213, Wairoa. Phone/fax 06 837 3803.
Queen Charlotte Sound, Marlborough Sounds
There are many beautiful bays to explore within Queen Charlotte Sounds, with good areas set aside for overnight camping. Most of the designated campsites have good walking opportunities.
As a general rule, the further out into the Sound, the more abundant the wildlife and the wilderness experience. Seals are plentiful and the occasional dolphins and orca make this a trip full of surprises. The Captain Cook memorial at Ships Cove is a spectacular place to visit, and there is plenty of bird life at the DOC bird sanctuary on Motuara Island. This island also has a viewing platform with a spectacular view of the Sound and Cook Strait.
It is best to allow a few days to paddle to the many different bays, or use one of the water taxi services situated at Picton to and from the outer sounds area.
Abel Tasman National Park
With its golden beaches, sheltered coasts, uninhabited granite islands and abundant wildlife, Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand’s kayaking wonderland.
There are numerous beautiful bays and islands to meander around, where you can stop and swim or snorkel. Tonga Island Marine Reserve is in the middle of the park and you can get up close and personal with the NZ fur seals on Tonga Island.
DOC huts and campsites are situated throughout the park from Marahau to Separation Point. The park is easily accessible from Marahau or Totaranui.
Further information can be obtained from the Abel Tasman National Park Information Centre, or any of the kayak hire companies.