Kayaking
Keen for a Paddle?
The Eastern Bay of Plenty is a superb area for kayaking, with many beautiful rivers and lakes, and a stunning coastline. Even the weather is ideal, with light winds and mild temperatures for most of the year. Whether you're a beginner or highly experienced, a family or a group, there are trips here for you. Enjoy the fun.
Useful Information
- River levels/tides: www.ebop.govt.nz and search ‘water levels’
- Weather: www.metservice.co.nz
- KG Kayaks trips/boat hire, kayak around Moutohora (Whale Island) www.kgkayaks.co.nz
- Whakatane Information Office: 0800 942 528
- Kawerau Information Office: 07 323 7550
- Opotiki Information Office: 07 315 3031
- Whitewater river information and kayaking links directory: http://rivers.org.nz/nz
 of moanaroaboat 067.jpg "kayaks & boats") |
Explore our lovely Ohiwa harbour and learn the fascinating local history with a cultural/historic tour or enjoy a romantic sunset cruise. Book a harbour fishing trip or hire kayaks from us. At Moanarua we offer these three hour harbour tours or fishing trips for up to three people at a time. Read more » |
A 2 Hoterini Street, Ohope E Email Us T 07 312 5924 M 021 255 6192 W View Website |
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Kayaking adventures at Whale Island, Ohiwa Harbour and Otarawairere Bay. Guided tours and hires for independent travelers, family groups, businesses and schools. Read more » |
E Email Us T 07 315 4005, 027 27 24 073 W View Website |
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Ohiwa Harbour offers excellent tidal kayaking and fishing with fantastic views of the surrounding countryside. Kayak around the five main islands: Uretara, Ohakana, Hokianga and Pataua. Uretara is administered by the Department of Conservation (DoC). You are welcome to explore this lovely pohutukawa-edged island, though not to camp or light fires. Read more » |
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Stay safe. Choose safe conditions, experienced company and good gear. Read more » |
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ALWAYS clean your boat and gear. Didymo (Didymosphenia geminata) is an invasive alga from overseas that has infested many rivers in the South Island. It sticks to stones and forms a thick brown mat, changing river ecology and affecting native fish, plants and insects. Didymo spoils great kayak spots!
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Here's a few more interesting paddles. The Eastern Bay really is a kayaking paradise. Read more » |
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The mouth of the Waiotahe river is a neat spot for safe paddling, whether that's aboard plastic sit-ons, sea kayaks, multisport racers or tractor tyres. Read more » |
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Ready for whitewater fun? If you’ve got play boats, slalom kayaks, or maybe a couple of old car inner tubes – you’ll have a great time in Kawerau. The Tarawera river passes right by the town. Alongside Boyce Park and Firmin Field, there’s an 800m-long stretch of grade 2-3 rapids, with kayak slalom gates. Read more » |
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Kayak around Kohi Point from Whakatane to Ohope. Or from West End, Ohope to Otarawairere Bay, a stunning spot and one of Whakatane's best kept secrets. Read more » |
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A downstream run on the Rangitaiki river from the powerstation at the base of Lake Aniwhenua towards Lake Matahina. A short version of the trip over 4.2 kilometres allows a stop beside the road while the longer version of nearly 18km takes you down to the bridge just before Lake Matahina. Read more » |
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The sparkling blue waters of Lake Matahina, 30km from Whakatane, sit between steep bush-clad hills. The lake is formed by a hydro-electric dam. It offers excellent family kayaking and is an ideal spot for training. Read more » |
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Paddle down the Whakatane River from the Pekatahi Bridge down to the centre of Whakatane. Read more » |
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The Waioeka river twists down a bush-clad valley south of Opotiki. The river’s a treasure, with plenty of fun grade 1 and 2 paddling and awesome wilderness scenery. Read more » |
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Did You Know?
Holidaymakers
Whakatane welcomes around 50,000 holidaymakers over the summer months.Zip on down!
Whakatane is under five hours’ drive from Auckland, and just 90 minutes from Rotorua.Strike!
Many fishing world records have been set In these warm Pacific Ocean waters.Awesome spot!
This region was central to the first settlement of New Zealand (Aotearoa) by Maori, the tangata whenua (people of the land).Paradise!
Ohiwa Harbour is a haven for many rare and endangered species of birds. The hills above Whakatane are kiwi sanctuaries. There are many projects to restore and protect local environments. Whales, dolphins and Orca are often seen off the coast of Whakatane.Holidaymakers
Whakatane welcomes around 50,000 holidaymakers over the summer months.Zip on down!
Whakatane is under five hours’ drive from Auckland, and just 90 minutes from Rotorua.Strike!
Many fishing world records have been set In these warm Pacific Ocean waters.Awesome spot!
This region was central to the first settlement of New Zealand (Aotearoa) by Maori, the tangata whenua (people of the land).Paradise!
Ohiwa Harbour is a haven for many rare and endangered species of birds. The hills above Whakatane are kiwi sanctuaries. There are many projects to restore and protect local environments. Whales, dolphins and Orca are often seen off the coast of Whakatane.
