We took the ~4 hour kayak tour to Motukorea/ Brown Island. Chloe took good care of us and made sure we stayed safe on the water. Though we had kayaked once before, this was our first time sea kayaking. It was more work than we thought it might be since we’re a bit older. That said, it was worth the experience and the sense of accomplishment to kayak to Motukorea/ Brown Island. Since only kayaks can land on the island, we were the only ones on the entire island! We had a nice hike (not too long and not too short) to the top of the island where we had 360 degree views of the bay. Chloe had brought tea and coffee including milk and sugar, and also had a rich chocolate dessert as a snack. We had originally thought of doing the Rangitoto island kayak trip, but were thankful we did the Motukorea/ Brown Island trip since it was a shorter trip and wonderful to have an island to ourselves!
A few tips:
If you wear water shoes in the kayak, bring some comfortable shoes for the hike. If grass on your skin is irritating, wear long quick dry pants. I had some on and was glad to have the protection since you hike through a grassy stretch on the island. Use the toilets on the mainland before starting your tour as there are no toilets once you get in your canoe. There is a place to rinse off your feet after the tour up by the bathrooms, and on the street side of the bathroom building there is a drinking fountain where you can fill up your water bottle after the trip.
We were so thankful to have experienced the harbour from the kayak.