Top South Island Kayaking Tours - page 2

Located in the heart of Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound forms part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site. Explore the stunning fiord in a way few tourists will—by air and water during a half-day excursion. The exhilarating, round-trip helicopter flight from Queenstown includes a glacier or alpine landing. Perhaps spot dolphins, seals, and penguins during an unforgettable cruise.

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.

Board the vintage TSS Earnslaw steamship or the modern Spirit of Queenstown for an evening cruise on Lake Wakatipu. Sail to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a buffet dinner featuring local meats, salads, vegetables, and desserts, then watch farm demonstrations or relax in the bar. The cruise returns to the same central Queenstown location. The TSS Earnslaw undergoes winter maintenance, when the Spirit of Queenstown is available instead.

Visit "The Lord of the Rings" filming locations in and around Glenorchy, traveling by 4WD from Queenstown with a guide. This half-day tour includes stunning landscapes chosen by director Peter Jackson. See where famous scenes were filmed, the landscapes representing the Fortress of Isengard, Lothlórien, Ithilien Camp, and Forest of Amon Hen.

Active travelers seeking an easy, family-friendly outdoor adventure will enjoy this half-day kayaking tour of the Abel Tasman National Park coastline. Departing from Marahau, you’ll paddle to the dramatic Split Apple Rock, enjoying beautiful views along the way. Check out sea caves and look out for birds, including graceful cormorants. This is roughly a three-hour tour.

Explore the stunning coastline of Abel Tasman with Golden Bay’s original family-run kayak company. This guided kayak tour unveils the hidden beauty of Golden Bay, where you’ll glide through tranquil waters, discover secluded coves, and encounter playful marine wildlife. Led by local experts, these tours ensure a personalized experience filled with stories and insights about the culture and environment. Paddle alongside a team that has been sharing these waters since 1988, and enjoy a safe, fun-filled adventure on the water.

Walk, kayak and relax on this 3 Day/2 Night journey into Abel Tasman National Park. No need to give up modern comforts. Stay at our Beachfront Eco-Lodges, Torrent Bay Lodge and Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa, with ensuite rooms, hot showers and delicious meals cooked for you. We take care of the details, so you get to escape from stress, revive your senses and reconnect with what’s important to you. Discover how life just seems better here.

Get active on a 2–3-hour kayaking tour from Akaroa and enjoy spotting native wildlife. Paddle your way around remote bays, inlets, and sandy beaches; admire the dramatic scenery of the once-active volcanic basin; and end with a refreshing swim. Along the way, look out for some of New Zealand’s rarest wildlife, including Hector’s dolphins, penguins, and orcas.

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.

Whether you just have a couple of hours to spare or want to spend the whole day kayaking, this rental service is ideal. Pick up your double kayak in Marahau, at the entrance to the Abel Tasman National Park. Explore the coastline at your own pace, without a guide telling you want to do or a group to keep up with.

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.

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.

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.

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

Discover remote bays and native marine wildlife on this half-day sea-kayaking tour from Akaroa. After orientation, paddle out onto the waters around Akaroa’s extinct volcanic basin with your guide. Test your new skills in the shallows. Then, head out onto the gently rolling waves and enjoy panoramic views over the rugged coastline. Watch the skies for native birds and keep an eye on the waves for seals and dolphins.

Active travelers will love this kayaking tour along the coast of the Abel Tasman National Park from Marahau. Avoid the risk of getting lost or straying into risky water by going with a guide and a small group (max. 8). Check out colonies of fur seals at Shag Harbour and Tonga Island. Paddle to idyllic Anchorage Beach before getting a water taxi back to Marahau.

Active travelers won’t want to miss the chance to kayak through one of New Zealand’s most beautiful national parks. Starting from Marahau, paddle along the coast of the Abel Tasman National Park. Look out for seals, listen to native birdsong, and enjoy a refreshing swim at a golden-sand beach during your lunch stop. If there’s a breeze, save your energy on the return trip by hoisting a sail and gliding.

Cruise port time in Akaroa is limited, and it can be hard to fit in something truly memorable without worrying about logistics. This active shore excursion makes it easy to get straight on the water for a guided sea kayaking experience just steps from the port. Paddle through sheltered bays and inlets inside the basin of an extinct volcano, an area known for its calm conditions and scenic coastline. As you explore, watch for local wildlife such as penguins, orcas, and the rare Hector’s dolphin.

Explore the glorious Abel Tasman National Park on this private boat charter. This trip through one of New Zealand’s most famous parks is easily personalized to suit your needs. With hiking, swimming, and kayaking opportunities available to all fitness levels, this day traversing the park's emerald waters and golden sands can be full of adventure or relaxation - the choice is up to you.

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.

Come and enjoy a kayaking tour to a wildlife sanctuary not able to be accessed by the general public. Unless you have a kayak in your back pocket, you will not be able to access Pigeon Island. These Islands are fantastic places with wildlife, beaches surrounded by mountains, and away from the crowds

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.

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.

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