Bioluminescence Kayak Night Tour

Experience nature’s enchanting light show put on by the smallest of living sea creatures!
- Watch the sunset slip below the horizon and enjoy an exhilarating night paddle.
- Be one of the few to see this natural phenomenon.
- Bioluminescence naturally occurs when several factors are present; the correct temperature and nutrients to allow reproduction, and then the tide and wind to bring it all together. Darkness is an essential part of the equation and so the darker the night, the better the view.
Auckland’s North Shore is great for this as we have minimal light pollution in the area the tour runs. New Zealand’s other name is Aotearoa or ‘Land of the long white cloud’, so even on a full moon we often get enough cloud cover to make for a magical night.

There are four distinct bioluminescence we look for:
1. ‘Blue’ is where the surface of the water lights up with amazing blue plankton.
2. ‘Galaxy’ is seen when your hand or paddle moved under the water lights up with tiny bioluminescent stars. It looks like a whole new galaxy underwater.
3. ‘Iceberg’ is a zoo plankton called salps, we believe it is eating so much Phytoplankton that it glows continuously as it floats past you.
4. ‘Magical Fish’, these small fish are about 10mm to 15mm. They are thought to be eating so much phytoplankton that they glow continuously. They swim around glowing and leaving a supper fine trail of bioluminescence, you can sometimes pick them up in your cupped hand, it's just extraordinary!

We have a 95%+ chance of seeing at least one of these types of Bioluminescence on every trip. However, Iceberg and Magical Fish are very rare (5%) but, on some extraordinary nights you may be lucky enough to see all four.

Canoe & Kayak Ltd have been operating kayak tours since 1994 and is still owned by Peter Townend an original founder. You will often find Peter leading or supporting these trips. As the Managing Director he insists on a very low guide ratio of 1 guide to 6 customers, this ensures safety is first and that every participant receives personal service that is second to none.

Bookings Are Essential.
Children can attend, however, they must be accompanied by an adult. This kayak tour is suitable for children 11 years and over, although younger children over 5 are welcome if the conditions are suitable (each child must be accompanied by an adult).

Canoe & Kayak are vocal supporters of this amazing region and your attendance on these trips helps support community projects as Canoe & Kayak donates for every trip we do.

What's Included:
- All kayaking and safety equipment
- Stable sea kayaks or sit-on-tops are used
- All tuition from our experienced qualified kayak guides
- A guaranteed great time!

What to bring:
- For kayaking bring swimming clothes and warm extra layers – avoid wearing cotton, wear well-fitting wet shoes and a lightweight windbreaker/raincoat are recommended.
- Also bring a towel, hat, personal medication, waterproof camera and polaroid sunglasses.
- For when the tour has finished please have a change of warm clothes, thermals, fleeces etc.