Glide through Otokia Creek from a century-old boatshed and into Brighton’s quiet wetlands. Choose 30, 60, or 120 minutes of family-friendly rowboat hire—lifejackets included and accessible only by small craft.
Glide through Otokia Creek from a century-old boatshed and into Brighton’s quiet wetlands. Choose 30, 60, or 120 minutes of family-friendly rowboat hire—lifejackets included and accessible only by small craft.
The boat shed sits low on Otokia Creek like a practical promise: weathered boards, stacked oars, and a line of rowboats that glance toward the reeds. Push off and the marsh opens—black-stemmed raupō and native sedges parting as you find a rhythm with the oars. The creek narrows and widens, offering quiet channels where grey warblers flit and an occasional pukeko warns of your approach.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Brighton Boat Hire · Brighton, Otago
The boat shed sits low on Otokia Creek like a practical promise: weathered boards, stacked oars, and a line of rowboats that glance toward the reeds. Push off and the marsh opens—black-stemmed raupō and native sedges parting as you find a rhythm with the oars. The creek narrows and widens, offering quiet channels where grey warblers flit and an occasional pukeko warns of your approach.
The boat shed has served Brighton for more than a century, a small local enterprise that keeps access to Otokia Marsh & Wetlands simple and hands-on. Geologically, the creek serves as a coastal drainage through outwash plains and sandy dunes; sediments and tidal influence create soft banks where sedges and willows hold the shoreline. Culturally, this stretch of coastline has long been used by local families for gathering and quiet recreation, and the wetlands play an outsized role in supporting shorebirds and freshwater ecosystems.
Practical guidance: boats fit up to two adults and three children (or three adults). Lifejackets are supplied in XXS–XXL; infants must sit on laps. Trips run 30, 60, or 120 minutes—pick short for a gentle loop, longer to explore quieter arms of the marsh. Expect easy flat-water rowing with light steering skills; wind can make the return leg more demanding. Bring sun protection, a dry bag for phones, layered clothing for coastal breezes, and water. Check weather before launch—operators cancel in bad conditions—and keep a respectful distance from nesting birds. This is a low-impact, family-friendly way to experience Dunedin’s coastal wetland ecology up close.
Each large row boat can carry up to 2 adults and 3 children, or up to 3 adults—operators recommend evenly distributing weight for stability.
Yes—lifejackets in sizes XXS to XXL are provided and must be worn by all passengers as required by the operator.
The site is stroller-accessible on land and service animals are allowed; however, infants must sit on an adult’s lap while on the boat.
The operator cancels in bad weather and offers a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled time; check directly for rescheduling options.
Brighton Boat Hire operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




The boat shed sits low on Otokia Creek like a practical promise: weathered boards, stacked oars, and a line of rowboats that glance toward the reeds. Push off and the marsh opens—black-stemmed raupō and native sedges parting as you find a rhythm with the oars. The creek narrows and widens, offering quiet channels where grey warblers flit and an occasional pukeko warns of your approach.
The boat shed sits low on Otokia Creek like a practical promise: weathered boards, stacked oars, and a line of rowboats that glance toward the reeds. Push off and the marsh opens—black-stemmed raupō and native sedges parting as you find a rhythm with the oars. The creek narrows and widens, offering quiet channels where grey warblers flit and an occasional pukeko warns of your approach.
The boat shed has served Brighton for more than a century, a small local enterprise that keeps access to Otokia Marsh & Wetlands simple and hands-on. Geologically, the creek serves as a coastal drainage through outwash plains and sandy dunes; sediments and tidal influence create soft banks where sedges and willows hold the shoreline. Culturally, this stretch of coastline has long been used by local families for gathering and quiet recreation, and the wetlands play an outsized role in supporting shorebirds and freshwater ecosystems.
Practical guidance: boats fit up to two adults and three children (or three adults). Lifejackets are supplied in XXS–XXL; infants must sit on laps. Trips run 30, 60, or 120 minutes—pick short for a gentle loop, longer to explore quieter arms of the marsh. Expect easy flat-water rowing with light steering skills; wind can make the return leg more demanding. Bring sun protection, a dry bag for phones, layered clothing for coastal breezes, and water. Check weather before launch—operators cancel in bad conditions—and keep a respectful distance from nesting birds. This is a low-impact, family-friendly way to experience Dunedin’s coastal wetland ecology up close.