2-Day Waiheke Island Sea Kayaking: Hauraki Gulf & Batch Winery

Paddle to an island, hike its forest, sleep under canvas, paddle back

A 2-day sea kayaking tour from Auckland to Waiheke Island in the Hauraki Gulf, where you paddle to the island on day one, explore Whakanewha Regional Park's native forest and Nikau trees, stay overnight in glamping at Poukaraka Flats, and paddle back to the mainland on day two. The tour includes kayak and life jacket, a three-course dinner at Batch Winery overlooking the gulf, and all camping gear; it suits all fitness levels and welcomes children from age 10.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Maraetai to Waiheke Island

• Sea kayak from Maraetai to Waiheke
• Explore Whakanewha Regional Park trails
• Enjoy 3-course meal at Batch Winery
• Relax with glamping at Poukaraka Flats

Day 2 — Waiheke Island to Maraetai

• Paddle back to mainland via Hauraki Gulf
• Spot seals, seabirds, and penguins
• Enjoy views of Auckland landscape

The Experience

Day one starts with a paddle across the Hauraki Gulf from Maraetai to Waiheke Island. The water here holds fish, stingrays, and occasional dolphins or orcas, and you'll watch for seals on rocks as you cross. Once on the island, you explore Whakanewha Regional Park on foot, moving through Nikau forest and native vegetation on maintained paths—the canopy offers real shelter from summer heat and rain. The day ends at Batch Winery, where a three-course meal and drinks come with views across the gulf toward Auckland's skyline; the menu draws from local, fresh ingredients.

You stay overnight at Poukaraka Flats campground in glamping tents that come fully equipped—no setup required, just arrive and settle in. Day two reverses the route: you paddle back across the Hauraki Gulf to Maraetai, watching for seabirds, seals, and the occasional penguin. The guide leads both days and speaks English.

What’s included

• Sea kayak and paddle for both days.
• life jacket.
• three-course dinner at Batch Winery with drinks.
• overnight glamping accommodation at Poukaraka Flats with all bedding and camping essentials provided.
• guided exploration of Whakanewha Regional Park.

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Social Nature Movement

Is this one for you?The paddle across the Hauraki Gulf and back is the core of the two days, so this suits someone comfortable on the water and ready for an early start each morning. The overnight at Poukaraka Flats removes the need to return to Auckland the same day, which is what makes the island's slower pace—forest walks, a proper meal, time on the water—actually possible inside a short trip.

Top questions

What marine life might I see while paddling the Hauraki Gulf?

The Hauraki Gulf holds fish, stingrays, and occasional dolphins or orcas. Seals bask on rocks along the route, and seabirds soar overhead; penguins appear occasionally on the return paddle.

What's included in the overnight stay at Poukaraka Flats?

Poukaraka Flats provides glamping in well-ventilated tents with all essentials and extra comforts supplied—you arrive, relax, and leave without arranging bedding or gear.

Do I need kayaking experience to book this tour?

The tour suits all physical fitness levels and welcomes children from age 10, so no prior experience is required.

What happens at Batch Winery?

Batch Winery, operating since 1998, serves a three-course meal with drinks while you take in panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf and Auckland City. The winery is known for Chardonnay, Syrah, and Pinot Gris.

What's the Whakanewha Regional Park like to walk through?

Whakanewha Regional Park on Waiheke Island features well-maintained paths through Nikau forest and native vegetation, with a protective canopy that provides shade in summer and shelter from rain.

Is the guide with us the whole time?

A live guide in English leads the tour across both days, paddling with you and guiding the island exploration.