Top New Zealand Kayaking Tours - page 2

Picton is the gateway to the Marlborough Sounds for many, whether your cruise ship is in port or you’ve arrived by ferry from Wellington. This half-day kayak tour is a great way to experience the bays, beaches, and bush-lined coasts of the sounds in half a day. Head out in the morning or afternoon in your sea kayak with a guide to show you around so you don’t get lost.

This is a fantastic kayak and walk combo in the middle section of the park. Tailoring the start and finish kayaking points around the tide timetable means on any given departure your experience the best part of the park and are able to explore the marine reserve to the fullest. Explore the realm of Tangaroa, God of the sea and feel the presence of Tane Mahuta, God of the forest on this trip. Start Awaroa/Finish Bark Bay or Start Onetahuti/Finish Anchorage

Set out across the Hauraki Gulf on an evening sea kayak journey to Tiritiri Matangi Island — a living sanctuary where wildlife thrives and the ocean meets the stars. Paddle through calm summer waters as the sun begins its slow descent, painting the sky in shades of gold and crimson. Upon arrival, enjoy a luxury sunset grazing platter in a secluded coastal setting, complete with sweeping views of the Gulf. As twilight deepens, witness little blue penguins waddling home from the sea. The adventure continues with a guided nocturnal walk, revealing rare creatures like Tuatara and Kiwi. End your night paddling back with bioluminescent plankton shimmering beneath you and the Milky Way above.

Channel your inner Hobbit and enjoy outdoor adventure in the heart of New Zealand on this Hobbit barrel run rafting tour on the Pelorus River. Pull on your wetsuit and hop aboard your raft, then drift onto the Pelorus River — made famous in the 2013 movie "The Desolation of Smaug." Stop off at filming locations used in the making of the movie to hear behind-the-scenes stories.

Kaikoura's Original Kayak Operator - Est 1998 Celebrating 27 years of operation! 100% guaranteed to view Fur Seals on all tours. Family Friendly - operating year round. New Zealand's only Sea Kayak operator that holds a marine mammal permit to view Whales. Kaikoura's only Kayak operator that holds a marine mammal permit to view Dolphins, Seals and Whales. New Zealand's 1st Friend of the Sea sustainable operator for Dolphin and Whale viewing. Traditional double sea kayaks with cockpits and spray skirts for a dry ride and rudders for easy steering. Qualified Sea Kayak guides. The Sunset Evening Classic tour has left a lasting impression with people from all over the world!

Visiting a wildlife sanctuary is a great way for animal lovers to immerse themselves in nature, but other tourists can sometimes dampen the experience. Avoid the crowds and explore a secluded wildlife sanctuary not open to the general public on this private kayaking tour across Lake Wakatipu to Pigeon Island, a haven for flightless birds nestled in the Southern Alps.

Active travelers wanting to experience Rotorua’s unique landscapes will love this private kayaking tour. Walk through Waimangu Volcanic Valley, one of the world’s youngest geothermal systems, to Lake Rotomahana. Paddle along its shores and admire the steaming cliffs, colorful geothermal features, and dramatic geysers, learning about Māori culture along the way. This is a fun way to get some exercise and explore some of Rotorua’s less-visited attractions.

Experience Waiheke Island through a leisurely, eco-friendly sea kayaking adventure. Discover its stunning beaches, clear waters, and diverse marine life, including dolphins and orcas. Try ocean fishing and spot native birds along the coast. Explore Whakanewha Regional Park's Nikau forest and native vegetation, offering shade in summer and shelter from rain. Encounter a variety of flora and birdlife on well-maintained paths. Relax at Batch Winery with vineyards dating back to 1998, known for Chardonnay, Syrah, and Pinot Gris. Enjoy a three-course meal with stunning views of Hauraki Gulf and Auckland City. Poukaraka Flats campground offers glamping, providing all you need for a comfortable stay in well-ventilated tents. Discover Waiheke's slower island life through sea kayaking, fishing, delicious food, and sun-soaked relaxation.

Get up close to some of Kaikoura’s beautiful wildlife on this private 3.5-hour kayaking tour. You’re guaranteed to see fur seals and there’s a good chance of seeing other wildlife, too. Paddle alongside fur seals as they hunt and play, look out for dusky dolphins and blue penguins, and admire the views of the beautiful Kaikoura coastline and mountains beyond.

Enjoy an authentic Maori tradition—without dealing with any logistics—on this waka canoe experience. Learn how to paddle a real wooden waka before setting off on the Otakaro (Avon) River. As you paddle down the river, listen to stories from your guide about the river and Christchurch, the original Ngai Tahu iwi, and European settlers. Discover Maori culture and heritage in a hands-on, immersive way.

When your ship docks at Waitangi Wharf, explore the beautiful Bay of Islands and see the best of Northland. Travel through the Bay of Islands with your guide and take in top attractions including the Kawiti Glow Worm Caves, roaring Haruru Falls, and Manginangina Kauri Walk, where you can stroll among ancient trees. Also sample local sweet treats at the Makana Chocolate Factory.

Avoid the stress of self-driving through distractingly beautiful landscapes on a full-day tour from Queenstown to Milford Sound. Peer through the panoramic windows of a luxury coach as you travel through UNESCO World Heritage–listed Fiordland National Park with a guide, stopping at sites of interest en route. At Milford Sound, board a catamaran for a memorable sightseeing cruise past Mitre Peak and magnificent cliff-side waterfalls. Look out for wildlife, too.

Active, nature-loving travelers will enjoy this half-day kayaking excursion on Moke Lake, a short drive from Queenstown. With a small group you’ll be taken to the lake and given a thorough safety briefing and a map before enjoying free time to paddle at your own pace on the beautiful lake surrounded by mountains. Learn about the area from your guide during the bus journey. Refuel with refreshments after.

The marine reserve of Tonga Island lies along the coast of the Abel Tasman National Park and is known for its large population of Kekeno—New Zealand fur seals. On this tour, paddle out to the island by kayak and spend an entire day exploring the rugged coastline and beautiful beaches. Look out for fur seal and blue penguins, learn about the local ecosystems, and stop to enjoy lunch by the beachside.

Get out of Auckland for the night, away from the harsh neon lights, and experience a natural light party on this kayaking adventure. Paddle along the northern coast of Auckland and witness the bioluminescent plankton that live in the ocean. Watch as it lights up the beach at night, with only the sounds of the Hauraki Gulf and the native birds in the background.

An intimate privately guided wildlife experience around the Kaikoura peninsula on hands free pedal kayaks, allowing for the ultimate kayaking experience. Let us take you and your group around the rugged coastline encountering seals, penguins and seabirds with the jaw-dropping mountains as a backdrop. With expert local commentary along the way on indigenous local history, post colonial sealing and whaling and everything in between This immersive experience can be tailored to suit any traveller. Whether your special private tour is for a honeymooning couple, avid wildlife group or just a special family adventure, the team at Seal Kayak Kaikoura will make sure you create memories that last a lifetime

Get up close to wild dolphins in their natural habitat during a half-day dolphin cruise from Tauranga. You can watch from the boat or interact with these playful marine mammals as you swim and snorkel alongside them in the water. Hear informative live commentary and enjoy hot drinks on board. The tour operates during the summer months from November to May.

Make the most of your limited time on land with a handy shore excursion from Akaroa Harbour through the Banks Peninsula and to Christchurch. Drive past city landmarks, including the Christ Church Cathedral that is being rebuilt after devastating earthquakes, and stroll through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens with a guide to tell you about the city’s history and culture. This is an easy way to discover Christchurch’s highlights without self-driving.

Active, nature-loving travelers will enjoy this small-group kayaking and hiking tour of the southern part of the Abel Tasman National Park. Starting from Marahau, head out to little Adele Island, where you’re likely to spot fur seals basking in the sun. Continue your adventure on land, hiking to panoramic viewpoints and listening to the birdsong, so far from roads and settlements.

Experience nature is at its best on a 40-minute Bay of Islands cruise followed by a kayak excursion. Paddle past mangrove forests to a wondrous waterfall, with the option to depart in the morning, afternoon or at sunset. If you’d like, opt for a paddleboard instead. You’ll view birdlife and learn the cultural history of the Maori people with commentary by a knowledgeable guide.

Experience the unique and special natural beauty of Rotorua, the geothermal hot spot of New Zealand, just 1 hour's drive from Tauranga. Learn about the geothermal features and its use by the Maori people, the first to settle in New Zealand over 800 years ago. Entry is not included to the private geothermal reserves, but we do see boiling mud pools, crystal clear bubbling hot springs and volcanic lakes. Relax at the foot bathing pools in Kuirau Park, (towels provided) after a short walk to see the bubbling mud and steaming lakes. Whakarewarewa Village is our stop for a snack lunch, here you can take a peek at the village (entry not incl.) before our final stop, the Redwoods Forrest. Here we take a short, guided tour through a purpose-built Glow Worm Cave, then a walk among the treetops on a network of easy-to-use rope swing bridges, with access by a gentle spiral ramp, no steps are needed. The tour start time will be confirmed when your booking is accepted by us.

See the highlights of Rotorua on a full-day shore excursion from Tauranga. Travel to one of New Zealand’s most famous places, Rotorua. Spend the day exploring the otherworldly geothermal landscapes, visiting the Pohutu Geyser at Whakarewarewa, towering redwood trees, and the beautifully manicured Government Gardens. Also receive a traditional welcome at a Māori cultural village, and more. Guaranteed return to your ship at the end of the day.

Embark on an unforgettable full-day journey through the Marlborough Sounds, blending adventure with refined indulgence. Begin your morning with a professionally guided kayaking experience, exploring the tranquil, sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound/Totaranui. Paddle past secluded coves, glide beneath native bush-clad hills, and encounter marine wildlife such as seals, rays, and native birdlife in their natural habitat.  Following your morning on the water, step aboard our catamaran for an exclusive afternoon seafood cruise. Relax in comfort as you cruise through the stunning waterways, enjoy sampling local seafood such as salmon, and Greenshell mussels, complemented by premium Marlborough wines available to purchase. Breathe in the fresh sea air, soak in breathtaking coastal vistas, and immerse yourself in the moment.

Spend a magical evening kayaking on Lake Rotoiti, where you visit glowworm caves and have plenty of time to soak in natural hot springs before a barbecue picnic dinner. Paddle with an expert guide into lakeside caves only accessed by boat to see glowworms and crayfish, then revel in the sunset reflected on the tranquil waters. Instruction, equipment, and round-trip hotel transport from Rotorua are all included.