Top South Island Kayaking Tours

Explore the coast of Kaikoura from a unique perspective – by kayak. Paddle through protected waters to see an array of wildlife, potentially including dolphins, seals and even whales (in season). With small group sizes and a certified guide leading the way, this half-day tour is perfect for nature lovers who want the chance to get up close with some of New Zealand's most iconic animals.

Adele Island is a wildlife sanctuary off the coast of the Abel Tasman National Park, but it’s hard to get to alone. On this tour, travel one way by kayak and one way by water taxi, allowing time to explore beaches and islands. Admire white-sand beaches and wild landscapes as you paddle, look out for fur seals and blue penguins, then stop to enjoy a picnic lunch on a beach.

While lots of experiences let you kayak through the Kaikoura Peninsula, not many allow you to paddle through waters glistening with golden-hued light as the sun sets over the region. Keep an eye out for local wildlife on this half-day small-group tour, including New Zealand fur seals, blue penguins, and albatross as you make your way through the peninsula.

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!

Tour the western end of Queen Charlotte Sound on a half-day paddling adventure from Picton. Settle into your sea kayak and follow an expert guide from the waterfront to sheltered coves and remote beaches. Search the waters for eagle rays, cormorants, little blue penguins, New Zealand fur seals, and dolphins while you learn about the natural history of the Marlborough Sounds.

Kaikoura is a must-visit destination when visiting Christchurch, but self-driving can be distracting because of the beautiful views and winding roads. Simplify your day trip on this tour from Christchurch to Kaikoura, with sea kayaking to look for native marine life. Kaikoura is famous for its whales, but you can also see dolphins and fur seals. Lunch, snacks, and water are included, so there’s no need to pack a picnic.

See the glowworm caves of Te Anau on an underground adventure sure to charm visitors of all ages. An informative guide joins you on the tour, which starts with a cruise across Lake Te Anau. Then marvel at the shimmering illumination of thousands of glowworms as you glide through the quiet darkness of this magical underground world.

Explore the serene waters of Lake Mapourika on this kayak adventure from Franz Josef town. Paddle with your guide out onto Lake Mapourika, avoiding the risk of getting lost and learning about the landscape and geology as you go. Enjoy uninterrupted views and marvel at the reflective views of the Southern Alps. Head into a kiwi sanctuary in a protected estuary and explore some of the country’s oldest untouched rainforest.t.

Explore the 12 golden beaches of the Astrolabe area. Experience a day kayaking unguided in the Abel Tasman National Park. You can kayak out and back from Marahau. We provide a safety briefing before you head off.

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.

This full-day adventure includes a “funyak” (inflatable canoe) and jet boat ride on the Dart River, within Mt. Aspiring National Park. Take the complimentary return coach from Queenstown or make your own way to Glenorchy. From there, speed upriver on a thrilling jet boat before climbing aboard an easy-to-handle funyak. No previous experience is necessary and you paddle in a flotilla behind your guide.

Ideal for thrill seekers, this experience lets you take a jet boat ride on the Shotover River canyons. Experience adrenaline-fueled fun as the jet boat skims the water’s surface at high speed and fishtails into 360-degree spins. Hold on tight as the captain maneuvers the jet boat over rapids and through narrow canyons during one heart-pounding adventure you won’t soon forget.

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.

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.

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.

Spend your day sea kayaking around Queen Charlotte Sound on a guided excursion from Picton. Paddle across the harbor and stop for morning tea at a remote beach, then continue into the Grove Arm of the sound and enjoy lunch in a tranquil bay. Keep an eye out for cormorants and other wildlife as you listen to expert commentary about the Marlborough Sounds from the guide.

Experience Lake Wānaka from the water on a 3-hour guided kayaking adventure through the scenic waters of Roy’s Bay. Paddle approximately 7 km with a local guide while taking in spectacular views of the Southern Alps, surrounding mountains and crystal-clear lake. Enjoy a relaxed pace with time to take photos, explore the shoreline and learn about the lake and surrounding area from your guide. Depending on weather and lake conditions, the route may offer views of iconic Wānaka landmarks including the famous Wānaka Tree and Ruby Island. Suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers, this is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Lake Wānaka while enjoying an active outdoor adventure.

Share a landscape full of stories. No experience required. Your guide supplies all the gear and information you need.

Our best one day kayak trip using the tide to explore the best of the park on any given day. Abel Tasman Kayaks is one of only three operators authorised to undertake marine mammal viewing from sea kayaks at Tonga.

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.

Discover the natural wonders of Lake Mapourika on this half-day kayaking adventure. Paddle across the lake's glassy waters against a backdrop of the Southern Alps, then hike through the ancient Jurassic age rainforest of the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary. Lake Mapourika is conveniently located a short distance from Franz Josef village, making this an easy excursion to fit in before or after glacier viewing.

Begin with an official mihi whakatau, a traditional Maori welcome rarely experienced by visitors to Christchurch. Hosted by local Māori guides, you will be welcomed onto the peaceful waters of the Otakaro Avon River. Step aboard a traditional waka and paddle the calm, spring-fed river as you take on the role of kaitiaki guardian of the awa. As your paddle moves through the clear water, hear the stories of this historic mahinga kai, once an important food gathering place for Maori. Along the leafy riverbanks, learn how the principle of kaitiakitanga, guardianship of the environment, guides the ongoing restoration of the river today. In just 45 minutes, connect with the history, culture, and living landscape of this special place.

Enjoy an authentic Māori tradition—without dealing with any logistics—on this guided waka canoe experience starting at 794 Colombo Street. Learn how to paddle a real wooden waka before setting off on the Otakaro (Avon) River. As you paddle, listen to stories about the river, Christchurch, the Ngai Tahu iwi, and European settlers. Discover Māori culture and heritage in a hands-on, immersive way.