Randonnée Kayak Bioluminescence - Est. 1994

If you ever get the chance to experience the bioluminescent waters off Auckland’s North Shore—take it. And if you can do it with Canoe & Kayak Adventures, even better. What made this night truly unforgettable wasn’t just the surreal glow lighting up every paddle stroke—it was Paul and Matt. These two didn’t just guide a tour; they elevated the entire experience into something that felt personal, effortless, and genuinely special. From the moment we arrived at Waiake Beach, their energy was calm, welcoming, and quietly confident—the kind that instantly makes you feel like you’re in the best hands possible. Out on the water, they struck that rare balance: giving us space to soak in the magic while also sharing just enough insight, stories, and humor to deepen the moment without ever overwhelming it. Every question was met with enthusiasm, every detail handled seamlessly, and every guest made to feel like part of something unique. And then there was the bioluminescence itself—like paddling through a sky full of stars that had somehow slipped into the ocean. Every movement created this glowing ripple, and somehow, Paul and Matt made sure we experienced it in the most immersive, unhurried way possible. This wasn’t just a tour. It was one of those rare experiences that stays with you—equal parts awe, peace, and quiet excitement. Massive thanks to Paul for turning a beautiful natural phenomenon into something truly unforgettable. If you’re even thinking about it—just go. And hope you get these two legends as your guides.

I'm not sure what your justification will be for yet another bad moon experience after reading many of the others complaining about the same issue. This was the only date we could do it with the other company unavailable so we gave it a go anyway, with regret. The moon was indeed big and bright, the water shines so much and you can barely see specks. Unless you guys can take us into caves or something i'm not sure how rafting us up to make shadows helps a bad situation when you are mostly thinking about being wet, cold and mostly unsatisfied.

I was reluctant again because I already try this last season, but my friends make me try one more. Still no improvement. Once a mistake, twice a coincidence...I won't be back third time

Amazing experience! A must do! Seeing the big blue was just ocean magic! Purple team was a vibe on Saturday night and I can’t thank Keith enough for being the best tour guide! His leadership, kindness, knowledge on EVERYTHING. Was truly mind blowing and learnt so much from you. Also thank you to Jane who I paired up with she was a blessing to me. Thank you Keith for making this experience the most memorable 🫶🏼 Purple 5 signing out 💜

A very well organised and safety conscious activity. Great, friendly and experienced guides. The group max of 6 is the perfect number out on the water. I would recommend going to anyone who has never experienced kayaking in the dark. A really great gift idea (we took 2 kids for their 16th birthday).

We saw the bioluminescence! It was amazing! Beautiful sky also. Great night!

It was an incredible night! Josh was super cool and had all sorts of tricks that really helped us see more blue! The stars were out in full view as well. Seriously couldn't have asked for better. Make sure you bring shoes you don't mind getting wet though, and please read the instructions on the email! 🙂

It was a fantastic night paddle conducted by a well-organised and friendly crew. We felt in absolutely safe hands! We went with our pre-teenage grand children, and they found it very exciting. Even for us locals it was awesome to be out on the water in front of Long Bay/Torbay in the dark, enjoying the bioluminescence as well as the night sky.

Only nice thing on our tour was the moon, but that's not what we paid for and it made for poor viewing so the guides tried to get us to bunch up to make dark shadows so we could only just see it in the water with some sparse sparkles

I’d give it five stars but there wasn’t enough info about gear for when I was packing. 1. You don’t need to be super fit, if you can sit on a low bench and get back up, you are good, 2. You will get wet and a bit muddy, you can still get an uber (they give you a garbage bag to sit on), 3. Plastic slides, crocs, water shoes are a must, 4. Clothes that dry quick are best. Other than that, you will stay in the estuary and not go out to sea, there are zero scary wildlife situations, 5. The guides are lovely and the water is spectacular.