Top South Island Kayaking Tours - page 2

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

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.

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.

Camping overnight is what’s special about the Abel Tasman – it will rejuvenate the soul. There is something perfect about this trip. Spend three days kayaking the Abel Tasman National Park. Start and finish in Marahau.

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.

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.

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.

With transport from Christchurch, this small-group kayaking tour makes it easy to enjoy Lyttelton Harbour's natural beauty. Paddle sheltered waters around Quail Island, spotting native birds and wildlife. The small group size means you get personalized attention from your guide. Learn basic kayaking techniques and explore the harbour further with your guide before returning to Christchurch in time for your evening plans.

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.

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.

See the exquisite Marlborough Sounds from the water during a full-day adventure by sea kayak. Depart from the Picton waterfront and prepare to be wowed as you paddle past secluded coves in Queen Charlotte Sound. Your knowledgeable guide points out marine life such as eagle rays, cormorants, little blue penguins, New Zealand fur seals, and more. Stop at a sheltered beach for a delicious lunch on-the-go.

Kaikōura, whose name translates to ‘eat crayfish’ in English, is a small coastal town often overlooked by tourists. Caught between the Kaikōura Ranges - which in the winter are snowcapped and a sight to behold - and the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean (Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa), this area is truly breathtaking. Known for the wildlife who love to inhabit this part of Aotearoa’s east coast, the town experienced significant damage and seabed uplift following a magnitude 7.8 earthquake in 2016. Almost 10 years on, Kaikōura has come a long way; even being named one of the most beautiful small towns in the world by luxury travel bible, Conde Nast Traveler, in 2023. You will be driven in comfort by our modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter (or similar) packed with the extras to make the trip that bit easier. Led by our fun, knowledgeable, and passionate tour guides, and including a Wildlife Kayak Experience (approximately 3 hours) this journey is one you will never forget.

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

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.

Fiordland is one of New Zealand’s most beautiful destinations, but self-driving through the landscape of snow-capped mountains, towering waterfalls, and emerald greenery can be challenging—and distracting. Eliminate the hassle when you travel with a small group by coach from Queenstown. Pass Lake Te Anau, the South Island’s largest lake, and enter the hand-carved Homer Tunnel on your way to Milford Sound, where you relax on a scenic nature cruise.

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.

Available 01 October to 30 April. Seals, dolphins and whales - what more could you want in a three-day break! Head north from Christchurch to the coastal town of Kaikoura. Kaikoura township is bustling with many cafes, restaurants and shops but the main reason for visiting is the wildlife. Your tour includes a magical swimming encounter with Dusky Dolphins, the world-famous Kaikoura Whale Watch tour and a half-day kayaking tour before heading home. This is an Independent coach tour, where you travel on a combination of touring coaches and sightseeing services with commentary and/or point to point coaches which may not have commentary. You will be with different people on each part of the tour and different drivers. You have free time to explore on your own and are free to choose where and when to eat, meals are not included unless specified.

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.

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.

This will be one of the best if not THE best experiences you will have during your NZ vacation! There is no better way to maximise your day in stunning Akaroa! If you love to get some exercise while exploring with a local guide this tour is for you. Get the best of both worlds as you pedal and paddle your way through this action packed unforgettable day of adventure with us. Incredible views from the top of the Crater while riding to the summit await! Get up close and personal with the marine/nature reserve as you sea kayak through its pristine turquoise waters. Enjoy touring with Local knowledgeable guides who love to share their knowledge Small intimate groups are key for safety and opportunity to chat with the guides through out the tours Exploring the area from two different perspectives will blow your mind and there is no better way to make the most of your time in this special place! And of course you get some Great exercise!

Cruise Milford Sound and explore Fiordland on a full-day trip from Queenstown by luxury coach. See some of the South Island’s most dramatic scenery along the way. Then, cruise on Milford Sound past towering waterfalls and seal colonies to the Tasman Sea. The views are great, whatever the weather. Handy Queenstown transfers are included so you don’t get distracted driving yourself in this beautiful mountainous area.

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.

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.

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.