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Bioluminescence Kayak Tour – Canoe & Kayak Adventures

Highlights

Experience the beauty of bioluminescence on a peaceful night kayak ride.
Enjoy a two-hour tour as you discover the magical glow of bioluminescent organisms in their natural habitat.
Engage with knowledgeable and friendly guides to ensure a comfortable, safe, memorable experience.
Join in for a kayaking experience with all kayaking and safety equipment included.

Experience nature's magic on a bioluminescent kayaking tour, where the water sparkles beneath a starlit sky!

Witness the stunning glow of bioluminescent plankton on this two-hour tour, suitable for families, friends, and solo adventurers - just bring a healthy appetite for adventure!

The friendly and knowledgeable guides ensure a safe and memorable journey, with a 95% chance of spotting bioluminescence. If you're one of the 5% that don't get to see bioluminescence, we will offer you a complimentary trip (*Conditions apply).

Suitable for ages 11 and up, this adventure promises an unforgettable evening. This magical tour offers a personalised experience with a low guide-to-guest ratio of 1 guide to 6 customers for maximum safety.

Join in for a peaceful paddle and create lasting memories!

*Lack of bioluminescence must be verified by the guide on the night.

Per person $119.00

What's included

All kayaking and safety equipment
Stable sea kayaks or sit-on-tops are used
Experienced qualified kayak guides

Duration

Allow approximately 2 hours for the whole experience

Location

Start Location: Long Bay Okura Marine Reserve (25 minutes north of Auckland).
Specific meeting location is arranged closer to tour departure due to tides / weather conditions.

Restrictions

Minimum age: 11
Suitable for children 11+ but must be accompanied by an adult.
Younger children are welcome if the conditions are suitable, but you must contact Canoe & Kayak directly after booking to check the conditions on the day and if possible, add them on directly.
Their contact details will be provided on the confirmation email.

Child Friendly

This experience welcomes families with children.

Bad Weather Refunds

If your experience is cancelled by the operator (because of the bad weather, safety concerns, unscheduled maintenance etc) you will be entitled to a full refund.

Notes

Please Note: Minimum numbers are required for the tour to go ahead. If minimum numbers are not met you will be offered either an alternative date or a full refund.
Weather Cancellations: As much as we endeavour to go on the time scheduled, your safety is paramount. In the event of adverse weather the tour will be cancelled. You will be offered either an alternative date or a full refund.
Important: Kayaking is a wet sport you can expect to get wet. Please wear clothes that can handle water and ideally bring a change of clothes.
Moonlight Notice: Moonlight affects this tour and how brightly the bioluminescence will be. When the moon is brighter (i.e. full moon), the glow of the bioluminescence will be visible, but can be more subtle. For the best effect, booking near a new moon or on nights where the moonrises later is recommended. Over the period of November till April, the glow of the bioluminescence is often bright enough to enjoy on most nights.
How to get there: The start location is accessible with Uber/Taxi. Or, use AT Journey Planner if using public transportation.

Available Bookings from30 May to 12 Jun 2026

All prices are shown inNZD ($)

Change Dates

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Per person$101.00 Less than 6 at this price!

Per person$95.00

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Authenticated Reviews

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16 reviews

Bioluminescence Kayak Tour – Canoe & Kayak Adventures

Showing all 16 authenticated Bookme reviews

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Sophie MxKay from New Zealand wrote on 26 May 2026

Incredible experience

We went on a casual Monday night, absolutely blown away. To think this magical place has been on our back doorstep this entire time! Like paddling through stars. Welcomed back with a fire, tea and home made biscuits. Would 100 percent recommend!

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maries18 from New Zealand wrote on 30 April 2026

What an amazing night

The team that took us all out into the waterways were great. The bioluminescence was outstanding, dripping off the paddles and sparking in the splashes. A fantastic way to spend an evening in Auckland. Well done for providing this tour.

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From Bioluminescence Kayak Tour – Canoe & Kayak Adventures

Thanks for the review, Marie. Weâre stoked to hear that you had a great time out on the water with us experiencing the magic of bioluminescence.

chubbyzhang1992 from New Zealand wrote on 19 April 2026

Best experience ever!

I had the most amazing time with my parents. Josh (our guide) was professional and very considerate too. He always patiently waited for me to translate for my parents before giving more instructions. We even saw a shooting star that night. Highly recommend!

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kristelle garay from France wrote on 08 April 2026

Perfect

This is one of the best experience I have ever had, we can feel the passion and love of new zealand of the guide I do recommand

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aakashk3 from United Kingdom wrote on 14 March 2026

Beautiful evening experience

The team were all very friendly and knowledgeable. After a brief safety briefing we went out and were explained what to look out for. We felt like we had time to explore. We managed to see some decent bioluminescence so were happy with this. I would recommend not trying to take photos as they don't come out too well, just enjoy the experience. Would recommend

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Bookme Help Terms & Conditions Operators

10:00 a.m.Thursday 13 July

Per person

^*This option must be made together with another price type.

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This award is evidence of a sophisticated tourism business that consistently exceeds visitor expectations. Their proactive leadership and management ensure the business's focus on continuously improving their economic, social and environmental performance to create genuine, constantly evolving and sustainable tourism experiences.

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The Qualmark Bronze award recognizes a business that operates with a high level of professionalism, is mindful of its environmental impact, and is dedicated to putting customers first.