Kayaking Whenuakura Island: Guided paddle to Donut Island

Whenuakura Island kayaking tour inside the lagoon of a protected wildlife sanctuary

A 2-hour guided kayak to Whenuakura Island (also called Donut Island) near Tauranga, where you paddle through the lagoon of a wildlife sanctuary and learn about the Tuataras being reintroduced there. Small group sizes keep the experience personal. Life jacket, wetsuit and dry bag are provided. Suitable for all skill levels, though moderate fitness is needed.

Step-by-step itinerary

Guided kayak tour to Whenuakura Island

• Meet and greet at meeting location
• Safety briefing
• Paddle to Whenuakura (Donut) Island
• Explore wildlife sanctuary and lagoon

The experience

Two hours on the water gets you to Whenuakura Island and inside its lagoon: the part most kayakers see only from a distance. The island is a protected wildlife sanctuary, home to Tuataras, a lizard endemic to New Zealand that nearly disappeared from here by the mid-1980s due to poaching. The guardians of the island are now working to reintroduce other animals to their island home, and you paddle as part of that story. Your guide leads the way through the water, pointing out the hidden bays and the natural formations that make the lagoon worth the paddle.

You meet at the launch point for a safety briefing, then paddle out with your group. Life jacket and wetsuit are provided if you need one. A dry bag keeps your things safe. The water is clear enough to see what's below, and the small group size means your guide can answer questions and adjust the pace. All skill levels can manage it, though you'll need at least moderate fitness to paddle for two hours.

What’s included

• Kayak.
• life jacket.
• wetsuit.
• dry bag.
• 2-hour guided paddle with an English-speaking guide.
• access to the lagoon and wildlife sanctuary.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 12:00

AgesAdult (14 to 65 years) · Youth (4 to 13 years) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 8 · max 2 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by SurfSup

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and leads at a pace all skill levels can follow, so you don't need kayaking experience. Just moderate fitness to paddle for two hours and a willingness to be on the water.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (4 to 13 years). Under 4: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Whenuakura Island and why is it protected?

Whenuakura Island, known locally as Donut Island, is a wildlife sanctuary protecting Tuataras, a lizard species found only in New Zealand. The island was cleared of these animals by poaching in the mid-1980s, and the current guardians are working to reintroduce them and other species back to their island home.

What do I need to bring or wear for the kayak?

Life jacket, wetsuit and dry bag are all provided. Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet and bring a towel for after. A moderate level of fitness is needed to paddle for two hours.

How many people paddle together on this kayak?

Groups stay small for a personalized experience, so you'll paddle with a handful of other kayakers rather than a large tour group.