Auckland Bioluminescence Kayak Tour
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Bioluminescence is like Pandora of “Avatar” and scenes in “Life of Pi”
Escape with us to the most pure and otherworldly experience that natural New Zealand has to offer.
See the plankton glow in the dark from your first paddle stroke on the bioluminescent kayak tour. As the night grows dark, step into your very comfortable kayak and get ready for a personal encounter with this remarkable phenomenon.
Our professional guide will lead you to the best spots where the glowing algae accumulates. You will be enchanted by how every stroke of your paddles leaves behind a glowing swirl of bluish light, and fish light up their path like shooting stars in the water.
Additional Info
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Life jacket, kayak, paddle
Toilets
What To Expect
Okura
Auckland Bioluminescence Kayak Tour. Experience Bioluminescent Night Cruising. Be one of the few to see this natural phenomenon known as ‘Sea Sparkle’ or ‘Marine Aurora’. This bioluminescence kayak tour in Auckland is an inspiring night paddle. Watch as your kayak leaves a glittering wake behind you of luminous plankton.
Options
Waiake Beach Tour Location
Meet at Waiake Beach
Starting point:
Waiake Beach, Tāmaki-makau-rau 0630, New Zealand
Okura River Tour Location
Meet: end of Okura River Road
Starting point:
1 Okura River Road, Okura, Auckland 0792, New Zealand
Reviews
27 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wow, wow, wow!
andrewbP126VQ,
Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely phenomenal experience,. The guides were extremely knowledgeable and actually taught us about what we were seeing rather than just showing us the bioluminescence. Entire trip was professionally run. I highly recommend SNM and will come back to them as my first choice for guided trips.
A must if you can
C1057WUfrankb,
Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I have a long time lower back injury and sitting for extended periods in a kayak isn’t on my list. My partner Debbie had this on her bucket list so I went along grudgingly (evening of 22.11.2025) and double seated kayaks with AMAZING BACK REST = no back issues and in water for 1 over 1h. I’m not young ❤️ Fantastic night on milk pond waters and clear start night. Safety priority with the 2 guys and a ‘lot’ of information regarding bioluminescence and astrology. Don’t miss this experience > we witnessed and saw bioluminescence +++
Great tour
Warren C,
Oct 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour with amazing and friendly guides. They were very informative and found us and area with the bioluminescence area within a couple of minutes. Had a nice experience.
We thoroughly enjoyed...
Brian M,
Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We thoroughly enjoyed this experience. Our guide was very knowledgeable, and put everyone at ease on the water
Just….. wow
Dafsj,
Oct 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wow, just wow. Kayaking on shimmering blue water, with the stars above, through thick dark mangroves. Beautiful! Indescribable! Brilliantly led by Hayley and Jonty ❤️
Fantastic company, great guides and brilliant bioluminescence
Culture49076347835,
May 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely unforgettable! I gave this 5-stars because this bioluminescence kayak tour in Auckland blew us away. We paddled through calm waters lit up by four different types of glowing organisms—each more mesmerizing than the last. From sparkling plankton to glowing jellyfish, every stroke of the paddle created a trail of magical light. Our guides Hailey and Lucas were knowledgeable, passionate, and made the experience feel both safe and inspiring. Stargazing and storytelling added a beautiful touch. This was more than just a tour—it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that left us in awe of nature’s wonders. Highly recommend Social Nature Movement and the SNM team to anyone visiting Auckland!
must try!
mybuzzmy,
May 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My whole family went on the trip and I was teamed up with my husband who also didn't have any experience on kayaking. We struggled at the beginning, but with consistant help we were able to enjoy and come back safely. The guide had abundant knowledges about bioluminence as well as stars.
Awesome tour guides, amazing experience and 100% recommend Social Nature Movement
Adventure15231144545,
Apr 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an awesome experience during our pre-booked tour with Social Nature Movement, and we are glad to site a 10/10 experience of bioluminescence phenomenon. Our tour guide Paul and his team-mate were extremely helpful, informative, cooperative and knowledgeable. Keep up the good work guys and we surely recommend Social Nature Movement.
This was a great...
Heidi S,
Apr 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a great experience for us coming from the northern hemisphere. Not only was seeing the bioluminescence amazing but we got to learn more about why it was available to see when we visited. And we also got a little stargazing lesson too which was exciting because we got to see the Milky Way and southern cross
Amazing, magical and suitable for all.
clairekZ6907XN,
Apr 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a wonderful experience! Our guides Chris and Paul did a fantastic job, they were knowledgeable and attentive and ensured we had a good experience. The bioluminescence was magical, flecks of sparkles on our hands, all over the paddles and in the water around us. The trip was suitable for all, there were people in our group who had never been in a kayak before as well as experienced paddlers and everyone had a fantastic time, thank you!
From NZ$110.00
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Operated by Social Nature Movement