Auckland Bioluminescence Kayak Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

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 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.

Admission Not Applicable

What‘s Included

Life jacket, kayak, paddle

Toilets

Options

Okura River Tour Location

Meet: end of Okura River Road
Starting point:
1 Okura River Road, Okura, Auckland 0792, New Zealand

Waiake Beach Tour Location

Meet at Waiake Beach
Starting point:
Waiake Beach, Tāmaki-makau-rau 0630, New Zealand

Reviews

5.00

32 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

A beautiful experience of...
Lucy B,,Jan 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
A beautiful experience of bioluminescence with knowledgable guides who explained what we were seeing.
Blue Bio Brilliance!
hannahcG8839SD,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I'm almost lost for words. From the moment we turned our red safety night lights on to the eagerly awaited moment nature turned her blue lights on, it was magical. Thanks Paul and Marius our guides
Mesmerizing and magical
penelopel329,,Dec 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was simply astounding! Not just was the glowing plankton a spectacle but actually the guides and their science story when we stop to learn about it. The night was calm and clear, the company gear is good and they run a slick operation. I only wished it were longer :-)
Best experience ever
Carina F,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was such an amazing experience! We loved every second of it. It was extremely well organized, they made sure we were safe and comfortable. They were very knowledgeable and shared valuable information. A plus: they offer transportation
Wow, wow, wow!
andrewbP126VQ,,Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Absolutely 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
5.00
I 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
5.00
Great 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
5.00
We 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
5.00
Wow, 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
5.00
Absolutely 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!