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| Have board will travel! |
Bay of Islands
The subtropical climate of Northland’s Bay of Island's,
as well as the many sheltered coves, bays and inlets, make this place
perfect to explore by paddleboard. Located towards the northern tip of
the North Island and 3 hours' drive from Auckland, the water here is
warm year-round. If you’re lucky, you might be joined by dolphins which
are often seen in this area. Base yourself in the seaside towns of
Paihia, Russell or Kerikeri.
Leigh
Combine paddleboarding with some of the best snorkelling in New Zealand when you paddle out to Goat Island, off
the coast of Leigh - an hours' drive north of Auckland, and the perfect
day trip from Auckland. You’ll glide over seaweed jungles and see a
variety of fish species through the crystal-clear water. Goat Island is a
marine reserve, so it is recommended that you strap snorkelling gear to
your paddleboard so you have the option to jump in and experience what
is below the water as well.
Auckland
Since New Zealand's largest city sits right on the water, Auckland's sheltered inlets around Auckland are a great place to explore by paddleboard. Easily accessible and
centrally located, paddleboarding here is great to get a different
perspective on the city. Lessons are offered from the beaches around
Orakei, Point Chevalier and Takapuna – all within 20 minutes' drive of
the CBD.
Raglan
This spectacular West Coast beach is a quintessential New Zealand 'surf town'. It offers something for everybody – Raglan is home to a calm harbour, the stunning pancake rocks as well
as adrenaline-pumping surf for the experienced. Raglan is a 2-hour drive
south from Auckland. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, grab fish and
chips and eat it on the beach, kiwi-style!
Coromandel
Head out for a paddleboarding session from Whangamata,
one of the Coromandel’s most beautiful beaches. The Coromandel is a
peninsula 2 hours' south-east of Auckland, full of small beach towns and
inland rainforest. Enjoy the calm estuary, or if you’re confident and
after a challenge, paddle out to Donut Island and back – a 2km
round-trip.
Tauranga
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| Mount Maunganui |
The calm waters of the Tauranga Harbour are the perfect place for beginners to get the hang of
paddleboarding, without swells or waves coming at you. For more of a
challenge, head out off Mount Maunganui beach – a cool coastal town with lots of cafes, bars and surfers. Only
20 minutes from central Tauranga, the waves of 'The Mount' - as locals
call it - will put your Paddleboarding skills to the test.
Rotorua
Rotorua, located in
the central North Island, is perhaps the most unusual place in New
Zealand to go paddleboarding. A town famous for its geothermal activity
and Maori culture, Rotorua is only a 3-hour drive south of Auckland.
Here you can explore lakes, narrow channels, freshwater springs and even
hot springs on your Paddleboard. Crystal-clear water will makes you
feel like you are floating on air. Head to Lake Rotoiti, Lake Tikitapu
and Lake Tarawera.
Gisborne
There’s both sheltered estuaries and pumping surf in Gisborne,
located on the East Coast of the North Island – so there’s something
for everybody. This region is heartland New Zealand and a 6-hour drive
from Auckland. Gisborne is the first place to see the sun in New
Zealand, so an early-morning Paddleboarding session here is truly magic.
After getting out on the water, make sure you get out and experience
the culture and heritage that is abundant here.
Abel Tasman
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| Abel Tasman National Park |
The Abel Tasman National Park,
located at the tip of the South Island, is known for its high sunshine
hours and settled weather conditions – as well as its translucent
waters, white-sand beaches, rocky outcrops and fascinating wildlife.
You’ll share the water with fur seals and dolphins, making
paddleboarding here a truly unforgettable experience. Head to Marahau, the gateway to the national park as a starting point, and make sure you allow a few days - camping here is spectacular.
Christchurch
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| Lyttelton Harbour |
During summer, the waterways around Christchurch are a great place to paddleboard. Explore Lyttelton Harbour, a 20-minute drive from central Christchurch, or take an hours' drive to Akaroa and paddle with penguins and the world's smallest (and cutest) dolphins, the Hector's dolphin.
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