Whangamatā Sunrise: Exclusive Whenuakura Island Kayak Experience

Whangamatā Sunrise: Whenuakura Willife Sanctuary by kayak

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Beginner Level but can vary with weather    |   TIME : 3 HOURS

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At first light, the coastline of Whangamatā feels untouched—calm seas, golden skies, and the quiet rhythm of a land shaped by fire. This intimate sunrise tour, limited to just eight guests, offers a slower, more personal journey along an ancient volcanic coastline, where stories are revealed in the details.

As you travel, your guide shares the origins of the land, pointing out fragments of Obsidian—a powerful link between geology and Māori culture. In the soft morning light, you’ll reach Whenuakura Island, its hidden lagoon glowing with stillness and reflection.

The journey continues to the remote Rawengaiti Island, part of a protected sanctuary once home to the ancient Tuatara. Here, nature feels undisturbed, offering a rare sense of connection to New Zealand’s ecological past.

Onshore, pause beneath native bush to share a warm cup of Kawakawa tea—an earthy, traditional Māori remedy that grounds the experience in culture and wellbeing.

Over 180 minutes, this private, small-group tour blends landscape, history, and culture into a sunrise experience that feels both timeless and deeply personal.

Highlights:

• Sunrise small-group tour (max 8 guests) in Whangamatā
  


• Visit Whenuakura Island and explore an ancient volcanic coastline
  


• Discover Obsidian and Māori cultural connections to the land
  


• Explore Rawengaiti Island and learn about native wildlife including the Tuatara
  


• Enjoy traditional Kawakawa tea in a peaceful natural setting

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COST INCLUDES:

• Kayak & Paddle set up on the beach
• Local Guide
• Life Jacket
• Dry Bag
• Wetsuit
• KawaKawa Tea

REQUIREMENTS

• No major health issues
• Medium level of fitness     
• Be able to deal with waves and windy conditions   
• If you are scared of water or waves please think twice before booking this option as there is a chance of capsizing your kayak
  
• Age over 4 years old

WHAT TO BRING

• Sun Block
• Hat
• Bottle of water
• Swimming clothes (Lycra shirt is ideal)

WHERE TO MEET

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WEATHER

Please observe that all tours and hires are weather dependent. Conditions can change on daily and even hourly basis we request all customers to call before hand to confirm their bookings. We are not responsible for any inconvenience if tours have to be cancelled last minute due to weather conditions.

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WHEN WE DON'T GO

Ocean conditions are an important part of every Whenuakura Island trip. We do not operate simply because a booking has been made.

Before departure, our guides assess relevant conditions including wind, wave height, swell, weather forecast, tides, visibility and the experience and capability of the group.

The trip may be modified, postponed or cancelled when conditions are outside our operating parameters or when our guides determine that the activity cannot be conducted safely.

This may mean changing the planned route, visiting a different location, delaying departure or cancelling the trip altogether.

We understand that changing plans can be disappointing, but conditions at sea can change quickly. Our decision is based on the conditions and the safety and wellbeing of participants, guides and the environment.

If SurfSup cancels the experience due to unsuitable conditions, our normal cancellation and rescheduling policy will apply.

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ACCOMMODATION

If you are looking to spend the night in Whangamata and are
looking for accommodation check out accommodation options here.

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RISK DISCLOUSURE

Thank you for choosing SurfSup Whangamatā.

Kayaking is an adventure activity that takes place in a natural and changing coastal environment. Ocean conditions, weather, tides and other environmental factors can change quickly. While we actively manage risks through trained and experienced guides, appropriate equipment, safety procedures, weather and sea-state assessments and regular equipment inspections, some inherent risks cannot be completely eliminated.

Your safety is our priority. Please listen carefully to your guide and follow all instructions throughout the experience.

Inherent Risks

Potential hazards include, but are not limited to:

Water-related hazards: Waves, currents, deep water, changing sea conditions, submerged objects, capsizing, falling into the water, cold-water exposure and, in the unlikely event of a significant natural event, tsunami.

Natural and Environmental hazards: Uneven or slippery surfaces, rocky shorelines, volcanic rock formations, changing tides, marine debris and other natural coastal hazards. Natural events such as earthquakes or tsunami may also affect the coastal environment.

Physical strain: Paddling, entering and exiting kayaks, maintaining balance, lifting or moving equipment and physical exertion associated with an active outdoor experience.

Wildlife encounters: Potential encounters with seabirds, marine mammals, insects and other wildlife. Wildlife must not be approached, touched or disturbed.

Equipment failure: All kayaks, paddles, personal flotation devices and other safety equipment are regularly checked, maintained and inspected. However, as with all equipment, there remains a small possibility of equipment failure.

Equipment misuse: Equipment must be used only as instructed by your guide. Participants must follow all instructions regarding paddling, balance, loading and movement in the kayak.

Weather conditions: Wind, lightning, rain, swell, waves, tides and rapidly changing weather can affect coastal conditions and may require the route or activity to be modified, postponed or cancelled.

These risks may result in capsizing, falling into the water, drowning, slipping, collision, bruising, cuts, strains, fatigue, cold-water exposure, hypothermia and delayed access to medical assistance.

Participant Responsibilities:

- Health and fitness: Participants must be in suitable physical condition for an active kayaking experience and must disclose any medical condition, injury or relevant medication that may affect their ability to participate safely.

- Safety instructions: You must follow all instructions and guidance provided by your guide at all times.

- Personal judgement: Tell your guide immediately if you feel uncomfortable, unwell, fatigued or concerned about any aspect of the activity.

- Suitable clothing and equipment: Wear clothing suitable for an active outdoor activity that may get wet. Life jackets must be worn as instructed. Dry bags and other specialist equipment are provided by SurfSup.

Guided Experience
Our guides are trained and experienced in leading guests by kayak along the Whangamatā coastline and around Whenuakura and Hauturu Islands. Before entering the water, your guide will provide a safety briefing, explain the equipment, demonstrate basic paddling and safety techniques, discuss the planned route and explain what to do in the event of a capsize or other unexpected situation.

Your guide will remain with the group throughout the experience and continually monitor participants, ocean conditions, weather and the suitability of the planned route. The route may be changed, shortened or the activity stopped if conditions become unsuitable.

Acknowledgement of Risk

By participating in the activity, you confirm that:

• You understand the inherent risks associated with guided ocean kayaking

• You agree to follow all instructions provided by your guide

• You are participating voluntarily

• You are not impaired by alcohol, recreational drugs or medication that may affect your ability to participate safely

If you have any questions about the physical requirements, medical conditions or suitability of the experience, please contact our team before booking.

ACCOMMODATION

If you are looking to spend the night in Whangamata and are
looking for accommodation check out accommodation options here.