Overview
Available languages
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Paddle out to the middle of the wonderfully calm Lake McLaren in a 18 seater canoe if you are from a Cruise Ship, where serenity takes a new name. On days when there is no Cruise Ship in the Port of Tauranga you will be in kayaks
Additional Info
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The tour can operate in almost all weather conditions
Please dress appropriately for the weather
Easy pace scenic tour
If Hotel/Accommodation pick up is needed please book the Hotel Pick up option upon checkout.
What To Expect
IF YOU ARE FROM A CRUISE SHIP, THIS TOUR WILL TAKE PLACE IN A 18 SEATER CANOE - NOT IN KAYAKS Enjoy the wonderful calm Lake McLaren where serenity takes a new name. Gently paddle past a multitude of birdlife, literally within paddles' reach. Sheer cliffs break the stark lush native bush as gentle streams enter the lake's edge. Paddle into the stunning Mangapapa canyon with water as deep as the cliffs on the sides, where the native bush appears to touch and form a cave.
Options
Lake McLaren with Hotel Pickup
Lake McLaren & Hotel Pickup: Costs Extra
Lake McLaren Kayak Tour
Scenic Lake McLaren Kayak Tour: Standard tour meeting at Waimarino Adventure Park - no transport included
What‘s Included
Full safety briefing with the trip guide
All relevant canoe & kayaking equipment
Gratuities
Food and drinks (some snacks available for purchase at reception)
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
45 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Cxld
737susanner,May 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00It was cancelled by operator due to not enough signups.
Kayaking with friends
594francesl,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent kayak tour. Our guide was wonderful and informative, we had an awesome morning. The weather was absolutely perfect for it also.
New Zealand Canoe Trip
William N,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our Scottish guide was SO entertaining! We thoroughly enjoyed all his tales. :) The lake was beautiful, saw lots of birds and lush flora. The boat was very stable and we were picked up by the guide right at the port which was easy and convenient.
We had a great time with Eurin and the other guide. I probably spelled his name wrong. he is from Scotland and had a great perso
JD H,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guides were awesome. I think his name was Eurin or Euan from Scotland. Great personality and very knowledgeable. Great time
Great outdoor experience close to Auckland
Brett M,Sep 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide Troy was excellent company very informative really nice guy and made all the effort to make the great experience. The lake and the gorge absolutely amazing really beautiful and worth the effort to come down and do the kayak experience
Incredible tour and guide!
Bree L,Jun 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Craig was such a great guide for this amazing tour! Even though it was raining for half of it, my family, friend and I really enjoyed the whole experience. We appreciated the rain jackets that they supply and the skirt that goes around your waste in the kayak. We were pretty wet, but not as wet as we would have been without them. We were very warm with the fleece sweaters provided as well. The canyon was breathtaking with the water dripping all around us, ferns, and moss everywhere.
Beautiful and tranquil
Trickster77,Mar 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If you need a break from rushing round trying to see everything, take this kayak trip. It was a great way to take in Tauranga and really immerse yourself in the rainforest, paddling your way through the nature that you couldn't see on foot. Our guide was safe, informative and enthusiastic about the surroundings, which made it all the more enjoyable. I thoroughly recommend this trip.
Big Disappointment
Jane I,Mar 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00Booked this months in advance because we were only in the area 1 day. The day before our kayaking was to take place , it was cancelled due to only 2 of us being signed up. Too late for us to arrange something else.
Beautiful Location
ChurchSingerForever,Mar 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful location. Craig and Maddy were knowledgeable and courteous. Loved seeing black swans and all the other flying creatures.
A great kayaking experience
Charles D,Mar 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A great day with Craig on the lake kayaking through some beautiful scenery. We highly recommend this tour.
Related Experiences
Operated by Waimarino Kayak Tours