Discover the Best Paddleboarding Spots on New Zealand’s North Island
New Zealand’s North Island is renowned for its diverse landscapes, ranging from calm lakes and rivers to stunning coastal beaches. For paddle boarders, it offers a wide variety of spots to suit every skill level, from beginners to well seasoned paddlers. Whether you’re looking for tranquil waters, breathtaking views, or a bit of adventure, the North Island has something for everyone. Here’s a look at our top 10 paddleboarding spots across the North Island.
1. Lake Taupō
Why it’s great:
A volcanic crater and New Zealand’s largest lake, Lake Taupō is a haven for paddle boarders. The calm, expansive waters offer ideal conditions for both beginners and more experienced paddlers. Surrounded by stunning mountains and forests, the lake offers incredible views and a peaceful atmosphere. For those who love exploring, the 120 mile perimeter of the lake has plenty of secluded bays and beaches to discover. A must see for paddle boarders is the Māori rock carvings on the north-west side of the lake in the cliffs of Mine Bay, which are only accessible by kayak or paddle board!
Where to park & launch:
You can park at Taupō Boat Harbour or a 20 minuet drive away is Kinloch Marina, both offer ample parking and easy lake access via boat ramps into the water.
2. Raglan Harbour
Why it’s great:
World known for its surf, Raglan is also a fantastic spot for paddleboarding. The sheltered waters of Raglan Harbour offer a calm alternative to the famous surf beaches, making it a perfect place to explore on a paddle board. You can paddle through the calm estuaries, surrounded by rugged cliffs and native bush. With some luck you may even spot a dolphin, orca or seal splashing about the harbour too. After your day of paddleboarding, take a short drive to Waireinga/Bridal Veil Falls, which is arguably one of the most breathtaking waterfalls in New Zealand. A short, easy walk through native bush leads you to the 55-meter cascade, where you can enjoy epic views from multiple vantage points.
Where to park & launch:
There's parking available at Raglan by The Wharf or by Lorenzen Bay, both convenient for paddleboarding in the harbour. Launch from Lorenzen Bay for calm estuary paddling or from The Wharf for a scenic tour of the harbour.
3. Bay of Islands
Why it’s great:
This iconic North Island destination offers over 140 subtropical islands with crystal-clear waters, making it one of the top paddleboarding spots in the country, if not the world! The calm seas in the sheltered bay provide ideal conditions for paddleboarding, and the marine life, including dolphins, is a highlight for paddlers. We recommend taking a picnic and paddling out to a secluded beach on one of the many islands for a relaxing afternoon.
Where to park & launch:
Paihia has multiple parking options near the wharf, making it easy to start your paddleboarding journey. Launch from Paihia Beach for access to the nearby islands.
4. Auckland’s Eastern Beaches
Why it’s great:
Auckland’s eastern beaches, including Mission Bay, Kohimarama, and St Heliers, are excellent for paddleboarding due to their calm waters and easy access from the city. These spots are perfect for a quick paddle after work or on the weekends, close enough to commute from the city but still far enough away you can leave the daily grind behind. The white sand beaches and beautiful views of Rangitoto Island in the background make for an unforgettable paddling experience. We recommend grabbing fish and chips from the local chippy post paddle to really finish the experience off!
Where to park & launch:
Theres a car park at Mission Bay, next to the Calisthenics Park. Launch directly from Mission Bay Beach, Kohimarama, or St Heliers for calm waters and scenic paddling.
5. Lake Rotoiti
Why it’s great:
Located in the Rotorua Lakes District, Lake Rotoiti is a beautiful place for paddleboarding. With its calm, clear waters surrounded by lush greenery, cliff jumps and thermal hot pools, it’s the perfect place to unwind, have fun and connect with nature. Paddle around the lake and find your way to the water accessible only hot pools for a relaxing dip while taking in a great view of the lake. At one end of the lake is the start of the Kaituna river, where, if you are feeling daring, you can book on for a whitewater rafting trip which includes the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world!
Where to park & launch:
Park and launch from the Okawa Bay boat ramp for easy access to the lake or park at the public boat ramp on Otaramarae Road for an easier crossing to the Lake Rotoiti Hot Pools.
6. Whangamata Harbour
Why it’s great:
Whangamata, located on the southeast end of the Coromandel Peninsula, is well-known for its surfing, but its harbour provides calm, sheltered waters for paddleboarding. Whangamata’s white-sand beaches and surrounding forests makes for a lovely paddling experience. The calm waters are great for all skill levels, and there are small islands nearby to explore for the more adventurous, including Whenuakura Island (also known as Doughnut Island), where you can paddle through a stone arch to access a beach in the middle of the island!
Where to park & launch:
Parking is available at the Whangamata Wharf or by the estuary entrance close to the Whangamata marina, near the public boat ramp, both with easy water access.
7. Tutukaka Coast
Why it’s great:
The Tutukaka Coast is renowned for its pristine beaches and marine reserves, making it a paddleboarder’s paradise. Paddleboarding around the coastline offers views to the Poor Knights Islands, a world-famous marine reserve. There are plenty of free camping spots near the beach which allows van travellers to pitch up for the weekend and spend the days paddling and exploring.
Where to park & launch:
Park in front of Matapouri Beach or the Tutukaka Marina, depending on where you’d like to start your paddle. Launching from Matapouri Beach gives you easy access to Horseshoe Bay and Whale Bay and its pristine coastline, while Tutukaka Harbour offers a more sheltered experience.
8. Mount Maunganui
Why it’s great:
Mount Maunganui, or "The Mount," is one of New Zealand’s most popular coastal destinations, with long stretches of beach and crystal-clear waters perfect for paddleboarding. The gentle waves and calm harbours provide a great place for beginners and intermediate paddleboarders alike. The stunning views of the Mount, an old volcano, in the background add to the experience, and you can paddle from the beach around the mount to Pilot Bay for a quieter session. Another option is to pack up a picnic and paddle over to Matakana Island, a long flat barrier island with pristine sand. Do be wary of traffic crossing the Tauranga harbour inlet.
Where to park & launch:
Parking is available at Main Beach or Pilot Bay, with both spots offering paddleboard-friendly areas. Launch from Main Beach for ocean paddling or Pilot Bay for calmer, more beginner-friendly waters.
9. Waikato River
Why it’s great:
The Waikato River, New Zealand’s longest river, provides a unique paddleboarding experience. Starting just upstream from the bungee jump site you can paddle downstream along this scenic river, making sure to take out at Hipapatua Recreational Reserve as downstream the river descends over the impressive Huka Falls. The gentle current helps carry you along, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed, easy-going paddle. There are natural hot pools from the Otumuheke Stream that are a delight to stop at on you way down the river.
Where to park & launch:
Parking is available at the end of Waikato street and at the Hipapatua Recreational Reserve, perfect for a one-way downstream paddle if you set shuttle first. Launch from Waikato street and paddle 2 km to the take out at Hipapatua Reserve.
10. Lake Tarawera
Why it’s great:
Located just outside Rotorua, Lake Tarawera is a peaceful and picturesque paddleboarding spot steeped in history. Surrounded by lush native forest and framed by Mount Tarawera, this lake offers stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere. The crystal-clear waters are ideal for paddleboarding, with plenty of hidden coves and bays to explore. One of the unique highlights of Lake Tarawera is the opportunity to paddle to the natural hot water beach, where you can dig into the sand to create your own hot pool.
Where to park & launch:
Park at Stoney Point Boat Ramp for easy access to the lake, or Kariri Point Boat Ramp. Launch from Kariri Point Boat Ramp or Stoney Point Reserve for direct access to hidden bays and hot water beaches.
The North Island of New Zealand offers a diverse range of paddleboarding spots, each with its own unique charm. Whether you prefer the calm waters of lakes and harbours or the excitement of exploring coastal areas, these top 10 locations provide something for every paddleboarder. So grab your board, hit the water, and start exploring the beauty of the North Island’s best paddleboarding spots!
Check out our top 10 places to paddle in the South Island HERE.
