Waiheke's - Special kayak Spots

Onetangi to Thumb Point

Cactus Bay, Garden Cove and Owhiti Beach. These classic sandy beaches are some of the best on Waiheke's remote locations They tend to be deserted all year. Beautiful lush subtropical bush is found in the valleys. Where the sand meets the grassy edge Nikau Palms and the famous Pohotukawa trees (NZ Christmas trees) grow and give shelter in the hot summer months. Paddle further towards Thumb Point and big caves are found. Sheer cliffs and deep clear waters are all along this stretch until you reach the isthmus of Hicks Bay. Just 2 km out from here is a small Island. Here one of the five gannet colonies in New Zealand thrive. This can be a spectacular sight on the right day.

Orapiu to Outer islands

From Orapiu (known as the bottom end of Waiheke) one can paddle over to Ponui island in just 20 minutes. Here on the northern exposed beaches are excellent places for walks and views back towards Coromandel. Just an easy crossing of 15 minutes takes you to another Island Rotorua. We paddle down either side of this gem of an Island to continue to another called Tarahiki Island. Here the Blue Penguin is breeding and the with the Petrel invading at night it can be a real treat for the nature lover of bird watcher. These areas are remote in a wilderness so close to Auckland

Te Matuku Bay and Scenic Reserve

A very special place like a sea lake with two rivers that run up into the Goodwin Reserve. Here is a great mangrove system that towers above a kayaker and winds its way right up to the launching place next to the road. A nice spot to finish or start a trip, Leaves one feeling landlocked next to this little creek. Another area in Te Matuku is quite special. A Sand spit lagoon. Here on the high tide one can paddle into a tranquil world with lots of birds and fish in total solutude.