This is a guide to SUP paddling in and around Auckland. It will be added to and updated on a regular basis so check back here for new information.
Auckland is blessed with great conditions for SUP and places to explore. This guide is designed to help plan flat water routes and to give paddlers all the information they need to plan a paddle.
Note: Some of the longer direct/downwinder paddle routes may require two cars at the start and finish.
Weather can be changeable so always check the marine weather situation before you paddle!:
Auckland Marine Weather Link. Met Service Auckland Marine Forecast
WindGuru Forecast - WindGuru Auckland Forecast Well known and still the most accurate for wind speed and direction.
Auckland Harbour SUP Paddle Routes:
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Torpedo Bay, Devonport -----> Stanley Bay-----> Bayswater
This is a great paddle to take in Devonport and views of downtown Auckland with some lava reefs to explore and wharfs to paddle under. It can be in either direction with or against the tide.
Paddle Time: Torpedo Bay/Stanley Bay is 30mins reasonable paddling but add more time if cruising/exploring. If heading to/from Torpedo Bay to Bayswater allow for about 45min each way.
Launch/Parking: Torpedo Bay, Stanley Bay, and Bayswater Ferry Wharf
Experience/Fitness Level: Not for beginners as board wake and hazards. Intermediate+
Tide: Any - but tide rips in/out so can paddle against it for fitness and/or with it for down-winder fun.
Hazards: Shipping, ferries, boaties, yachties, naval base, nasty chop, fast flowing tides, look out for random boat/ferry wakes! Stay out of the shipping lane at all times!
Wind: S-SW-W blows across/down the harbour so need light winds in those directions or gets choppy quickly. NW-N-NE winds are ok as blow 'off shore' over Devonport. E-SE winds start to blow up the harbour and can make it choppy so need light winds.
Tips: Paddle close to the shore as there are a lot of vessels in the harbour and stay out of the shipping lane at all times! Paddle under Devonport wharf if enough headroom but keep and eye out for the ferry coming from Downtown! DO NOT paddle into the naval base! - but you can paddle past the moored ships and around the naval base and into Stanley Bay.
Things to explore: Lava reefs exposed from mid tide at Torpedo Bay. Pull in at Duders Beach below the Masonic Tavern and pop in for a quick pint :-). Paddle under Devonport Yacht Club wharf and explore the exposed lava reefs along the waterfront towards Windsor Reserve. Paddle up to and under Devonport Ferry terminal/wharf. Paddle towards the Naval base and past the moored ships. Keep paddling around the naval base and into Stanley Bay for a rest. Paddle from Stanley Bay past Stanley Point and across Ngataringa Bay to Bayswater Marina. Paddle through the marina and enjoy flat water and admire the boats.
Amenities: Toilets and drinking water at Devonport's Windsor Reserve and Stanley Bay, Bayswater Ferry Terminal?, Cafes/Bars in Devonport.
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