About Coastal Kayakers
Coastal Kayakers is the Bay of Islands' premier sea kayaking operator, offering guided tours and kayak hire that explore the region's 144 islands, hidden lagoons, natural rock caves, and quiet sandy beaches. Based in Paihia, they run trips ranging from half-day paddles through the inner islands to full-day expeditions reaching the outer islands and their dramatic coastlines, as well as unique mangrove forest tours to Haruru Falls.
Their guided tours are led by experienced local guides who share knowledge of Maori history, marine ecology, and the geology of the bay. Kayaks are stable, modern sit-on-top designs suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. For independent adventurers, Coastal Kayakers offers half-day, full-day, and multi-day hire options with waterproof maps, safety gear, and route recommendations tailored to conditions and experience level. Stand-up paddleboard hire is also available.
What makes Coastal Kayakers stand out is the diversity of their routes. The outer islands tour takes paddlers through crystal-clear lagoons and past sea caves that are inaccessible by larger boats, while the Haruru Falls paddle follows a tidal mangrove estuary inland to a horseshoe waterfall — a completely different experience from the open-water island trips. This range, combined with small group sizes, makes them a favourite for visitors who want to get closer to the bay than any cruise can offer.
