SINKING FEELING: Blues flanker Steven Luatua sets off on the ill-fated kayaking trip to Rangitoto Island.

The Blues rugby team needed rescuing from Auckland Harbour today when their kayaks capsized during a pre-season excursion.

The fitness activity went belly up when three Waka submerged on the way from Takapuna Beach to Rangitoto Island.

The team had planned to kayak across and then run over the volcano in the Hauraki Gulf but needed assistance from emergency services to return safely.

Blues coach Sir John Kirwan issued a statement to explain the unexpected turn of events.

"The Blues rugby team undertook a fitness event with a waka-ama paddle to Rangitoto and a planned run to the top and then return," Kirwan said.

"This was managed by experienced waka-ama personnel who briefed the players who had previous experience with the craft in their recent training camp in Northland.

"Two of the waka took on water – and the safety procedures were put in place. The safety support boat moved in and craft from a yachting event nearby were asked to assist getting players to shore.

"Coastguard and the police boat then arrived to assist.

"At no stage were any of the players were in any danger and thanked those who assisted."

Coastguard spokeswoman Georgie Smith described the incident as a "mass rescue", saying more than 30 people had been plucked from the water.

"We were advised by a phone informant that people were in the water halfway between Takapuna and Rangitoto," she said.

"Coastguard pulled people from the water and delivered them at the beach. Everyone is accounted for and safe and dry on shore."

She didn't know how the capsize happened.