WAIHI BEACH SUP AND KAYAK
Home of Stand Up Paddleboarding & Kayak in the Western Bay Of Plenty, New Zealand.
About Us
Welcome to Waihi Beach SUP & Kayak
Your go-to destination for safe, fun and unforgettable paddle adventures in New Zealand’s forever-beautiful Western Bay of Plenty.
At Waihi Beach SUP & Kayak, we create experiences for everyone — families, holiday makers, first-timers, adventure seekers, traveling SUP surfers and paddlers looking to evolve their skills. And of course… the soon-to-be legendary SUP OLYMPICS.
We offer a range of sessions and experiences, including:
What We Offer
• Family Fun Packs – get the whole whānau on the water
• Guided Estuary & Ocean Sessions – explore Athenree Estuary or Waihi Beach
• Progression Sessions – build SUP confidence & skill in a safe environment
• The GIANT SUP – fits 6–8 people at once… seriously good fun
• Beach SUP Sessions – guided paddles off the north end of Waihi Beach
• Performance Sessions – SUP shortboard, SUP longboard, SUP foiling & entry-level wing foiling
• Free professional photos with every booking (video for specialised sessions)
Where We Operate
Our main base is on the Athenree Estuary, where we run three 1-hour sessions each day, scheduled around the high tide.
We also offer low-tide estuary paddles up toward the boat club — a calm-water experience where stingrays are often seen (conditions & wind dependent).
When conditions allow, we launch beach sessions from the north end of Waihi Beach during low tide, especially when the wind and swell are light.
For those sessions, it’s best to contact us via WhatsApp or Messenger.
Who It’s For
Beginners ✔
Intermediate paddlers ✔
Experienced SUP surfers ✔
Adventure seekers ✔
Whānau fun days ✔
If you love the ocean and aquatic environment – we’ve got a session for you.
COMING FEB 2026 – SUP ACADEMY
Launching soon: The Waihi Beach SUP Academy – a performance-focused SUP club for paddlers wanting to push their skills with coaching, video analysis and ocean progression.
🌊 Safe, friendly & professional
📷 Free photos (video for advanced sessions)
🏄♂️ Expert guidance & quality equipment
📍 Operating in one of NZ’s most beautiful beach locations
Summer Of SUP
Holiday Activity Favourites
GUIDED ESTUARY PADDLES
Guided Estuary Paddle – Athenree
Relaxed, scenic and perfect for all levels.
We meet at Waione Ave Reserve in Athenree, where you’ll get a friendly welcome and a quick safety briefing before we hit the water. From there, we follow the estuary loop through the mangroves — a peaceful paddle that suits beginners and experienced paddlers alike.
At the back end the session, there’s an optional 15-minute SUP skills segment where you can:
• Learn new techniques
• Try our buoy turning course and even
take the giant SUP for a spin.
• Build confidence in a safe environment
or simply keep cruising and enjoying the scenery.
it’s totally up to you
What’s Included.
✔ SUP board hire
✔ Paddle & leash
✔ Life jacket (PFD)
✔ 1-hour guided paddle
✔ Complimentary professional water photos
Child 6-14 - Teen 15-18
Got your own gear? Join the session under our BYO Equipment Deal.
Please arrive 20 minutes prior to booking time to sign waiver forms and a safety briefing before we start the session.
GIANT SUP - GROUP ACTIVITY
Our "GIANT SUP" is all about serious fun on the water!
The Ultimate Group Adventure — 6 to 8 People, 1 Giant Board
Looking for something unforgettable this summer?
Meet our GIANT SUP — a one-of-a-kind paddle experience designed for maximum fun, teamwork and laughter.
This is the perfect activity for:
• Family adventures
• Birthdays & celebrations
• Hens & stag parties
• Team-building sessions
• Holiday memories
• “Just because” fun days
With space for 6–8 people on one board, it’s an instant mood-booster. You’ll paddle, laugh, probably fall in — and come away with an epic story to tell.
What’s Included
✔ Exclusive Giant SUP hire (up to 8 people)
✔ Paddles & life jackets
✔ Safety briefing & guidance
✔ Complimentary professional water photos so everyone’s in the picture!
Why It’s a Must-Do
💦 Unique activity you won’t find everywhere
📸 Photos included — no phones needed on the water
👨👩👧👦 Builds connection & teamwork
😄 Guaranteed laughter (and splashes!)
⏰ 1-hour session — easy to fit into your day
Please arrive 20 minutes prior to booking time to sign waiver forms and a safety briefing before we start the session.
FAMILY FUN PACK
Family Paddle Sessions
As a new dad, I wanted to create something for families.
👉 Something safe
👉 Something affordable
👉 Something that brings everyone together, because the best summer memories are made on the water.
No phones, no distractions, just connection, big fun,
big smiles and laughter, that’s why I created our Family Paddle Sessions, a easy, stress-free way to get the whole whānau on the water enjoying the Athenree Estuary.
I take care of the safety, equipment and guidance…
you just enjoy your kids having a blast.
And to make it even more special every family paddle includes complimentary professional water photos, captured by me, Mickie Williams. So you don’t just have a great day — you’ll have memories to keep forever.
Please arrive 20 minutes prior to booking time to sign waiver forms and a safety briefing before we start the session.
1hr Sup Hire
1-Hour Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Hire
Explore the stunning Athenree Estuary with our hassle
free 1-hour SUP hire available as adult & youth Hire and Perfect for beginners and experienced paddlers alike, this option gives you the freedom to enjoy the water at your own pace.
Your hire includes:
• High-quality SUP board
• Adjustable paddle
• Safety leash
• Life jacket (PFD)
Our team will set you up with everything you need, including a quick on-shore briefing to ensure you feel confident and safe before heading out.
Please note:
Adults must accompany children under 15 on the water.
This hire does not include complimentary professional photography or access to the Giant SUP.
BYO SUP Guided
Estuary Paddles
Have your own equipment but want to join the fun?
BYO SUP – Join the Paddle Crew
Have your own board? Come join the fun!
If you already have your own SUP gear, you’re invited to bring it along and take part in our guided estuary paddles.
Challenge yourself on our SUP skills & buoy course, build confidence on the water, and connect with other paddlers in a friendly, supportive environment.
This session is designed to grow the local SUP community, giving experienced paddlers a chance to learn, improve, and be part of what we’re building here at Waihi Beach SUP & Kayak.
Why You’ll Love the BYO Session
✔ Guided estuary paddle for all levels
✔ Skills & buoy course to take your paddling to the next level
✔ Meet and connect with other local SUP enthusiasts
✔ Practice and progress with your own equipment
✔ Be part of a growing SUP community
Bring your board. Join the crew. Paddle, learn, and connect.
Please arrive 20 minutes prior to booking time to sign waiver forms and a safety briefing before we start the session.
Guided Sunrise Ocean Paddles & Ocean Paddles
Guided Ocean SunriseOcean & Ocean Paddles
Waihi Beach, North End.
Meet at first light to explore the beach, the waves, and the open water.
Join us for guided sunrise ocean paddles off the north end of Waihi Beach. We launch from the corner and paddle south before turning back, offering a fun and scenic way to experience the beach.
These paddle sessions are only available on low swell and low wind mornings that offer calm conditions.
Best to join the WhatsApp chat so we can keep you in the loop if we need to reschedule.
Weather dependent:
• Small, clean swells = session goes ahead
• Large swells or strong winds = session rescheduled for safety
Ocean paddles are scheduled around low tides as we operate in the estuary on the incoming tide and high tide.
All sessions include complimentary professional water photos, so you’ll take home memories as well as great photos.
Please arrive 20 minutes prior to booking time to sign waiver forms and a safety briefing before we start the session.
BYO Guided
Ocean Paddles
BYO Sunrise & Ocean Paddles
Waihi Beach, North End.
Bring your own board and join the adventure.
Already have your own SUP or kayak? Join us for BYO ocean paddles off the north end of Waihi Beach. Launch from the corner and paddle south before turning back — a scenic and exhilarating way to experience the beach on your own equipment.
Morning sessions only, timed around low tides best conditions.
Weather dependent:
• Small, clean swells & low tide = session goes ahead
• Large swells or strong winds = session rescheduled for safety
Take the opportunity to challenge yourself on the water, test your skills, and enjoy the ocean with other local paddlers.
All sessions include complimentary professional water photos, so you can capture the fun without worrying about snapping your own shots.
Please arrive 20 minutes prior to booking time to sign waiver forms and a safety briefing before we start the session.
Estuary Explorer
ESTUARY EXPLORER PADDLE
Low Tide Adventure – A Different Side of SUP
When the tide drops, a whole new playground appears.
Our Estuary Explorer Paddle takes you into the hidden channels and shallow waterways of the estuary — a peaceful, adventurous session full of nature, learning, and technical SUP skills.
This isn’t a downgrade from high tide.
It’s a different kind of experience.
🌿 WHAT TO EXPECT
This guided paddle explores the estuary at low tide — where winding channels, mudflats, wildlife and sandbanks create a unique SUP adventure. It’s slower-paced, perfect for learning, and ideal for beginners and families.
You’ll discover:
• Shallow channels & winding waterways
• Wildlife feeding on the flats (stingrays, fish, birdlife)
• Safe zones for kids to hop off and explore
• How tides & estuaries work
• Technical paddling skills for better control & confidence
🏄 WHO IT’S PERFECT FOR
✔ Families & kids
✔ Beginner paddlers
✔ Nature lovers
✔ Windy days when the ocean is rough
✔ Anyone wanting to explore something different
🧭 SESSION FORMAT (80–90 mins)
1. Welcome & safety briefing
2. Intro to shallow-water techniques
3. Guided estuary paddle
4. Wildlife & nature stop
5. Optional hop-off zones (great for kids!)
6. Technique focus on the paddle back
7. Recap + photo time
🤙 OUR APPROACH
High tide = scenic cruise.
Low tide = estuary adventure.
Two different sessions. Both amazing.
We run this session when conditions are right for exploration — especially when the ocean is too rough or windy. Every low tide reveals something new.
📸 BRING YOUR CAMERA!
Wildlife, sandbanks, reflections and channels make for awesome photos. Drone shots and GoPro footage welcome!
🧢 WHAT TO BRING
• Sun protection
• Optional footwear (some shells underfoot)
• Water & snacks
• Sense of adventure!
📍 READY TO EXPLORE?
Low tide might not look like “perfect paddling conditions” — but it’s one of the most interesting places to learn, explore and connect with nature.
👉 Bookings now open — come explore the estuary with us!
Please arrive 20 minutes prior to booking time to sign waiver forms and a safety briefing before we start the session.
Contact Us
Waione Ave Reserve, Athenree & Waihi Beach, New Zealand
WhatsApp +64 204 018 4316
