Motukorea / Browns Island Sea Kayak Journey
Description
This is the perfect trip for anyone who wants a relaxed day on the Hauraki Gulf. No previous kayaking experience necessary. Browns Island, named Motukorea (island of the pied oystercatcher bird) is one of the best preserved volcanoes in the Auckland Volcanic Field. Private boats and kayaks are the only means of access to this untouched island. On arriving at Browns Island, you will be given the chance to walk to the summit, which will give you an opportunity to experience spectacular views and the island's fascinating history. There are three pa sites on the island (Maori fortified village), with the largest occupying the slopes of the main scoria cone. Light refreshments are provided on the island before you head back to the sheltered waters from where you started. FREE Auckland City Center pick up and drop off available on request.
Tour Options
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
This will need to be requested on your booking form when booking online. We pick up with our mini-van from outside the Atrium next to the seats. Pick takes place 30 minutes before the trip start time, so if your trip starts at 8:30am, your pickup will be at 8:00am. The Auckland War Memorial Museum, Tāmaki Paenga Hira, is one of New Zealand’s most important museums and war memorials. Its collections concentrate on New Zealand history, natural history, and military history. The taonga (treasures) from Māori, the peoples of Oceania and New Zealand, and our natural world are waiting to be discovered across three floors of magnificent galleries. A great place to learn and explore before heading out, or after paddling with us.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Check your gear and help keep islands Hauraki Gulf pest-free.Protect our wildlife
- Check - your gear for pests such as rodents and insects
- Clean - footwear and gear, removing soil and seeds
- Seal - ensure your gear is zipped up (no open bags)
- Check your gear for pests
- Before you leave the mainland, check and clean your gear.
- Check that your gear is free of rats, mice, ants and skinks - especially camping gear which has ideal places for them to hide when stored.
- Take extra care to clean gear if you have Argentine ants or plague skinks where you live.
- Clean clothing, footwear and camping gear, removing soil and seeds before and after each trip.
- Look out for cleaning stations at the pier and scrub your shoes before boarding.
- Do not bring your pets.
- Pack properly
- Pack food in sealed containers to avoid attracting rodents.
- No open bags or supermarket bags.
Reviews(38)
I booked a private twilight kayaking tour to Motukorea to enjoy with friends on my birthday, and it was phenomenal all around. First, the upfront communication from Auckland Sea Kayaks was fantastic and informative. They also worked to accommodate our group's dietary needs, which was appreciated. Second, our tour guide, Dan, was so knowledgeable and fun! We were all well-equipped and briefed for the adventure ahead. Dan kept us on schedule without feeling rushed, and we managed to see the start of sunset from the peak on the island and then experience the full show from the water in our kayaks. I would absolutely book another adventure with Auckland Sea Kayaks in the future!
We were the only two people on this kayak journey to Brown’s Island. We had a beautiful sunny day for the experience. Our guide, Kaitlyn, was experienced and passionate about kayaking. After paddling about an hour, we arrived at the island and snacked on brownies and coffee. Water was not provided (although I believe it was said to be included in the trip summary) - bring your own! After our snack we hiked to the top of the volcano and around it - we saw some great views, and Kaitlyn identified points of interest. Right after the hike we kayaked back to the put in. Kaitlyn drove us back to the museum, where she had picked us up - she kindly offered to drop us off at a different spot. (We elected to stay at the museum, however - we enjoyed many wonderful exhibits there.) My only suggestion would be for the company to state the pick-up point in the email sent the day before the trip.
Thanks a lot for the lengthy feedback. Glad you enjoyed your kayaking experience with Caitlin along with the snacks and volcanic views. We do normally provide water on our tours, so we apologise it was forgotten that day. we hope you had a wonderful rest of your stay in Aotearoa, New Zealand. All the best.
This trip was the culmination of a two year project to visit all the Auckland volcanos and I think I saved the best for last. Ruby, our guide, was delightful and ensured our safety at all times. As a novice sea kayaker I found this very reassuring. The kayaking experience was as enjoyable as the time on the island itself.
Love this review. Congrats on ticking off all the Auckland maunga. Very impressive and you should be proud. Thanks for choosing Auckland Sea Kayaks to help get you there.
I highly recommend you try kayaking with this company. They provided excellent gear and the trip to browns island was absolutely amazing. It was the perfect amount of paddling without being completely exhausting. The hike can be steep but it’s a very short hike and it’s worth it because of the view at the summit,
Everything was perfect. My sister and I had an amazing experience from the kayaking, snack, and hike around browns island.
Glad you both had an amazing experience!
Equipment was in good shape, our guide Ellie was knowledgeable and fun, the views were fantastic, and the snacks were yummy. It was an hour long kayak trip each way, and a good walk up to the top of the island. Great trip for a fit family!
Glad you enjoyed your tour with Elle. We agree she's an awesome guide! Thanks for choosing Auckland Sea Kayaks.
We had an amazing time. The views were stunning, excellent kayaking experience. They supplied everything and it was wonderful that they can pick you up. Very friendly staff.
Our tour guide is Elle. A french girl. She is a very nice person. We feel nervous at the beginning as this is our first time doing kayaking. She provided extensive information about safety before we start which is helpful. We recommend this to anyone want to challenge yourself. Unforgettable experience.
I went on the Motukorea Island kayak tour with Ben. It was awesome. Scenery was spectacular. I would highly recommend this experience.
My husband, sister, and I needed a half day activity to do before embarking on our ship in the evening. We are so glad that we chose this company and activity! Ben was great and very knowledgeable about the Islands and the wonderful history. He was very kind, patient, and answered all of our questions! This activity is not for the weak, the hike up to the summit is very steep and is pretty strenuous. But the views are breathtaking!
