Top South Island Kayaking Tours - page 2

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

3 Hour guided kayak on Lake Wanaka Includes optional Ruby Island walk Fun, scenic, and accessible for all paddlers approx 7km

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.