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Whenuakura Island: Deluxe Guided Adventure

“Our expert guides take you through a volcanic sea cave that opens into a hidden crystal-clear lagoon — one of nature’s most breathtaking gems.”

START MY ISLAND JOURNEY

KIA ORA

JOIN ONE OF OUR EPIC OCEAN EXPERIENCES

Whether you're kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing , or joining our boat tours, you'll experience stunning natural beauty, encounter diverse wildlife, and create memories to last a lifetime. Whangamtā is truely a gem hiden in teh Coromandel. Come and experience it!

Two people on a boat approaching a sea cave. Clear blue water, rocky walls and a boat with 'SURFSUP' on the side.
BOAT

DISCOVER WHANGAMATA

2 hours | level 3

Jump onboard and explore the Whangamatā Wildlife Sanctuary, including Whenuakura – Donut Island – and the ancient volcanic coastline of the Tunaiti Caldera, all in small, private groups

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People in kayaks paddling on calm water with forested hills in the distance. They are wearing life vests labeled 'SURFSUP'.
Kayak

Whenuakura (Donut) Island

2 hours | level 3

Experience Whangamatā’s most iconic natural wonder — paddle to Whenuakura (Donut Island) and explore its hidden volcanic lagoon.

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Sandy beach meeting clear blue water, with a green, tree-covered hillside. Cloudy skies above the scene.
KAYAK | SUP

Wildlife Excursion on Estuary

2 hours | level 1

Paddle the calm Otahu River. Spot native birds, fish, and lush bush in this sheltered nature haven.

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A group of people enjoying beginner surf lessons paddleboarding on calm ocean waters, with distant mountains in the background under a clear sky.
SURF

Surf Lessons

90 & 60 minutes | all levels

Join our certified coaches at Whangamatā Beach for lessons designed for every skill level. Sessions feature warm-ups, safety training, technique tips, and hands-on time in the waves.”

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SurfSup NZ is a sustainable ocean adventure company based in the beautiful beach town of Whangamatā, on the Coromandel Peninsula.

Since 2015, we have been sharing our passion for the ocean through guided kayak tours, kayak hires, and surf lessons for all experience levels. Our signature experience is exploring the iconic Whenuakura Island — one of the most unique natural attractions in the Coromandel.

In 2024, we introduced a new experience: Discovery Whangamatā – Scenic Boat Tour. This relaxed and interactive boat journey takes you along the spectacular coastline to visit Whenuakura Island and the fascinating Tunaiti Caldera, where dramatic volcanic rock formations tell the story of the region’s ancient geology.

Our experiences combine adventure, local knowledge, and a strong commitment to sustainability, giving visitors a deeper connection with the marine environment and the Whangamatā Wildlife Sanctuary.

Join us on the water and discover the natural beauty of Whangamatā from a truly unique perspective.

About Us
Aerial view of kayakers exploring Whangamata's clear waters near Donut Island, Coromandel NZ. Professional guided kayak tours through pristine coastal scenery.

CORE VALUES

Quality

Delivering high-quality tourism products and experiences to viitors.

Safety

Provide safe experience to visitors and staff.

Community

Making sure our entire community benefits from our operation without causing major harm to the local environment.

Manaakitanga

Welcome and care for community and visitors showing generosity and respect.

Kaitiakitanga

Being mindful of our actions, respect the environment.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS

Guide (Mauro) was super friendly and knowledgeable

So worth taking the guided tour of this place vs renting kayaks on our own. We learned a lot about the history of the island and surrounding town. Guide (Mauro) was super friendly and knowledgeable and his partner Anne was super responsive over emails beforehand. They offer loaner wetsuits keep you warm as well.
Dan Medici

You kayak inside Donut Island and it's just breathtakingly beautiful

Absolutely loved our Donut (Whenuakura) Island tour! The guides were really nice, had so much knowledge and were really funny. We had a great time exploring the islands. You kayak inside Donut Island and it's just breathtakingly beautiful. Clear bright blue water! Was easy enough kayaking out that far and had a little stop in along the way on one of the islands and had a cup of kawakawa tea all together and had a little education session before heading back to shore! You get given a dry-bag for your cameras, a lifejacket of course and a wetsuit if you choose to. Wear a hat and lots of sunblock!
Shannen

I would highly recommend Surfsup for any kayaking tours for the beginners

Went kayaking to doughnut island with my daughter today. Kayaking is not my kinda thing and did this only for her. Booked tour guide through Surfsup. I was very worried as my daughter is 11 and it was our first kayaking together. The guys were beyond amazing with the help and tips they provided. The kayaks were in very good condition lessons given were very helpful. We strayed many times and they came back to get us. Thank you guys, you made the day very memorable for us both. I would highly recommend Surfsup for any kayaking tours for the beginners.
Vindya Naidu
Google Rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars. See all our reviews.Tripadvisor rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars. See all our reviews.

Frequently Asked Question

Whenuakura Island is locate just one Kilometer off the Coat of Whangamata in the Coromandel Peninsula. The island is part of the Whangamata Wild Life Sanctuary due go the presence on Tuataras few year ago.

The paddle will vary according to conditions. During calm light wind days, it takes approximately 30 minutes. On days with westerly winds this time can be less and more when we have winds from the east.

If conditions are not suitable to paddle out to the islands at your booking time, we will:

  1. Suggest you another time.
  2. Suggest you another day.
  3. Offer you an alternative activity or location.
  4. Offer you a voucher to be used at another date.

If none of these options are suitable we will offer you a full refund.

We always recommend around the high tide mark, 2 hours before or after. It is a great time of the day as the lagoon is more spacious and all rocks inside the lagoon are covered by water.

During the low tide there is limited space inside as the rocks get really exposed.

Days with under 12 knots winds under 2 ft waves are the best. We strongly recommend customers to call us beforehand as all tours are weather dependant.