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Auckland Sea Kayaks has been named a finalist in two categories of the 2025 New Zealand Tourism Awards: the Community Engagement Award and the Tourism Excellence Award for Micro Business (annual turnover under $1.5 million).
The recognition comes as the business prepares to host a sold-out community kayak clean-up day this Saturday at Motukorea / Browns Island in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. With 16 volunteers confirmed and 30-plus people waitlisted, the event highlights strong community demand for hands-on conservation on Auckland’s doorstep.
Auckland Sea Kayaks launched its Community Conservation Fund in 2024 after staff noticed an increase in beach rubbish over summer with higher boating traffic in the Gulf. The fund is financed directly by Auckland Sea Kayaks and supported in part by optional $5 guest contributions at checkout. It enables the business to run quarterly beach clean-ups and support 15+ additional events each year in partnership with the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust.
Recent impact highlights include:
April 2025: Five large bags (approx. 320L) of rubbish and multiple tyres removed from Motukorea with support from students completing Duke of Edinburgh service hours.
May 2025: 300L of rubbish collected from Ponui Island with students from Rosehill College.
“The whole team is really stoked to be named finalists in two categories at the New Zealand Tourism Awards,” says Auckland Sea Kayaks owner Nic Mead.
“For us, it’s validation that we can run a successful business while being an active and engaged member of our community. Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland is such a unique place, with two stunning harbours, fascinating waterways, and predator-free offshore islands to explore and protect — we feel lucky to share that with visitors while also giving back to the environment that sustains us.”
Winners of the New Zealand Tourism Awards will be announced at the gala dinner on November 6, 2025, at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre, following Tourism Summit Aotearoa.
