Auckland Jet Ski Hire: Hauraki Gulf Islands & Fishing Options

Ride Yamaha jet skis from Auckland’s Hibiscus Coast to wild beaches, oyster farms and hidden coves with local tips and fishing gear included

You’ll feel the sea spray as you ride Yamaha jet skis from Auckland’s Hibiscus Coast to places ferries can’t reach—like Tiritiri Matangi or Kawau Island—guided by locals who know every cove. Try fishing right from your jet ski or add an oyster tasting stop if you’re hungry for more adventure. It’s all pretty flexible—just bring your sense of fun (and maybe sunscreen).

What’s included

• Your day includes use of new Yamaha jet skis with lifejackets provided for everyone onboard, plus all fuel costs covered.
• There’s a full safety briefing and driving induction before launch from Hibiscus Coast.
• Fishing setups with Shimano rods and high-def fish finders are available as optional extras if you want to try your luck out there—or just add an oyster farm tasting stop if that’s more your style.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Jetski hire and water activities

• Choose jetski hire option
• Receive safety briefing and instructions
• Enjoy jetski ride on Hibiscus Coast
• Explore hidden beaches and shipwrecks
• Optionally add sea biscuit rental
• Try jetski fishing with provided gear
• Capture action photos and videos
• Optionally join oyster farm tasting experience

The Experience

The first thing I noticed was the salt in the air — not just a whiff, but that sharp tang you get standing on the ramp at Hibiscus Coast, waiting for your jet ski. Our guide, Mark (who honestly looked like he could teach dolphins to surf), handed over lifejackets and did a quick safety chat. I fumbled with the straps a bit — those things never fit me right — but he just grinned and said, “No worries, you’ll be flying soon.” And yeah, when you hit the throttle on a Yamaha jet ski out here, it’s not really about looking cool anyway.

We set out toward Tiritiri Matangi Island first. The water was choppy but not scary — kind of thrilling, actually. There’s this weird silence when you’re skipping along at speed except for the engine and wind in your ears. Every now and then I’d catch a whiff of seaweed or see a flash of silver as fish darted underneath. Mark pointed out some old shipwrecks near Kawau Island (I didn’t expect to feel so curious about rusty metal), and told stories about the old Mansion House there — apparently Queen Victoria sent plants for its gardens? Didn’t know that. We stopped for a breather near a quiet cove; my hands were buzzing from holding on so tight. It felt good though.

If you want to try fishing, they kit out the jet skis with Shimano rods and even this high-tech fish finder thing — I still have no idea how it works but my friend swears she saw something big on it. We didn’t catch much except laughs (and maybe sunburn), but honestly just drifting for a minute with nothing but gulls overhead was worth it. There’s also an option to add an oyster farm tasting stop; we skipped it this time but another couple raved about grilled oysters straight from the farm. Maybe next round.

Jet ski hire here is per ski, not per person, which made splitting costs easy between us. You can bring two adults plus a kid if you want — saw one family towing their kid on this inflatable sea biscuit thing behind them and everyone was screaming (in a good way). The whole vibe is relaxed; nobody rushed us back or hovered over our shoulders. I still think about that moment we cut engines near Great Barrier Island and just floated there, sun on our faces, Auckland skyline way off in the haze.

Top questions

How many people can ride one jet ski?

Up to two adults plus one child (max 190kg) can share each jet ski.

Is fishing gear included in the Auckland jet ski hire?

You can hire fully equipped fishing gear including Shimano rods and reels as an add-on.

Are children allowed on the jet skis?

Yes, children can ride as passengers; minimum age 16 years to drive.

Can we visit Tiritiri Matangi Island or Great Barrier Island?

Yes, both islands are popular destinations during your day trip around Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf.

Do prices include fuel and equipment?

Yes, fuel, lifejackets, safety briefing, driving induction and all basic equipment are included in the price.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests meet at Hibiscus Coast launch point.

Can beginners join this tour?

Yes—there’s a full safety briefing and induction before heading out on your own or with a group.

What is a sea biscuit rental?

A sea biscuit is an inflatable tube you tow behind your jet ski; it fits two kids or two adults for extra fun.