Best Places to Kayak in New Zealand
Best Places to Kayak & Canoe in NZ’s North & South Island
Welcome to the Ultimate Guide: Best Places to Kayak in New Zealand!
Embark on an exhilarating aquatic adventure as we unveil the breathtaking beauty and unmatched thrills of New Zealand’s pristine waters. Whether you’re an avid kayaker seeking adrenaline-pumping rapids or a nature enthusiast longing to explore serene coastlines, this guide is your compass to discovering the most remarkable kayaking destinations in the Land of the Long White Cloud.
Immerse yourself in a symphony of turquoise lakes, winding rivers, and rugged fjords that paint the landscape of this remarkable country. From the North Island’s captivating bays to the South Island’s dramatic fjords, New Zealand boasts a diverse range of kayaking experiences that cater to every skill level and preference.
Navigate through crystal-clear waters, past lush forests, and under the shadows of towering mountains as we take you on a virtual journey to the heart of New Zealand’s kayaking paradise.
Whether you’re a seasoned paddler looking for your next challenge or a novice eager to dip your paddle into the unknown, our curated selection of destinations and insider tips will ensure your kayaking escapade is nothing short of extraordinary.
Join us as we unveil hidden gems, share insider insights, and provide you with all the essential information to plan your ultimate kayaking expedition in New Zealand. Let the water be your guide, the scenery be your inspiration, and the thrill of discovery be your constant companion. Your dream kayak adventure in New Zealand starts here.
Kayaking North Island New Zealand
Kayaking Trips in the Bay of Islands
Bay of Islands Sea Kayaking Trips
What better way to experience the marine paradise that is the Bay of Islands than with a sea kayaking tour. Bay of Islands Kayaking is fully Kiwi-owned and operated and the only NZ sea kayak company that offers day trips out to the main islands of the Bay.
Our sea kayaking tours options start from a fun day tour to custom planned multi day tours and our mission is to offer you an unforgettable New Zealand kayaking experience. Explore the islands, kayak with dolphins, paddle under a waterfall or fish for a delicious Snapper… Enjoy great weather, magnificent scenery and white sand beaches…
It is our mission to show you a piece of true Aotearoa with your trip with us, and it’s our goal to keep our sea kayak trips small and personal.
Sea Kayaking in Auckland
Social Nature movement
Visit coves, caves and other splendid seafaring locations, beneath rocky cliffs where only sea kayaks can reach by ocean exploration. Feel the expansive ocean freedom, relax in our comfortable kayaks and let your ‘blue mind’ spirit soar as we paddle in Auckland onto the Pacific Ocean. Sparkling swims, exfoliating sand between your toes and shells/fossil finding is all possible along with constant photo opportunities.
The first thing you will notice on SNM ‘s sea kayaking tours is our enthusiasm and pride in our waterworks, and the water-based areas we call home.
SNM caters kayak tours for a wide variety of groups ranging from Schools, Polytechnics, Tourists, Corporate Groups, and Outdoor Clubs, through to every kind of traveler you can think of. We put together school packages within the EOTC guidelines or even run a Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey. At SNM, we love to put together special sea kayak packages to suit anyone.
Auckland Sea Kayaks
Join Auckland Sea Kayaks a premier sea kayaking company for a relaxing day on the waters of Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf, a sea kayaker’s paradise. Auckland is one of the world’s most unique sea kayaking locations, a region of exceptional natural beauty, volcanic islands, sandy beaches and abundant with marine wildlife.
Auckland Sea Kayaks offers exceptional kayaking adventures ranging from 1/2 a day to 5 days. Guided by very experienced and skilled sea kayakers, no sea kayaking experience is required on any of their kayaking adventures.
Kayaking Trips Tauranga
Waimarino Kayak Tours
Tauranga’s Waimarino Kayak Tours boasts some of the best kayak tours in New Zealand.
Based in beautiful heart of the Bay of Plenty, Waimarino Kayak Tours offers some of New Zealand’s most breath-taking kayak adventures.
With four awesome kayak tours in Tauranga that include our most popular kayak tour with the glow worms and caves also scenic kayak tours on Lake McLaren, sea kayaking on Tauranga Harbour as well as the Wairoa River kayak tour.
Kayaking on Lake Rotorua
Rotorua kayaking trips in Geothermal Lakes & Gloworm Caves
Are you visiting Rotorua and want to see the lakes from a new perspective? then join ‘Kayak Rotorua’ for one of their unique kayaking tours.
The Geothermal Kayak Tour explores the shorelines of Lake Rotoiti to a natural hot water stream that enters the lake. Explore the stream and relax in the natural spa temperature waters, a truly unique bathing experience that is worlds apart from the mass tourist hot pools in the city.
Discover a unique and magical kayaking experience in the evening hours in Rotorua. The Glow Worm Kayaking tour is an absolute must do, simply a magical evening kayaking as the sunsets on a pristine lake shoreline as you are guided to a hidden cave home to a galaxy formation of glow worms.
Kayaking on Lake Taupo
Taupo Kayaking Adventures
Taupo Kayaking Adventures will take you kayaking on crystal clear water of New Zealand’s largest fresh water lake its rivers and tributary streams, enjoying the beautiful scenery from the lake that includes native bush, an active volcano, Maori rock carvings and unspoiled areas that can be only reached on the water.
Our nature-based paddling trips focus on exploring the natural environment, without disturbing its precious ecosystems and wildlife. With unrivalled natural beauty, fascinating history, gourmet outdoor food, and passionate, knowledgeable guides, we offer a unique kayaking experience to remember.
Our most popular trips are our kayak trips to the famous Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings. Other popular kayak trips include kayaking to The Squeeze, gentle floats down the Waikato River (great for families!), relaxing evening paddles on the lake and kayak fishing tours.
Kayaking in the South Island, New Zealand
Kayaking in the Marlborough Sounds
Wilderness Guides Picton
Wilderness Guides can show you the Marlborough Sounds New Zealand like no-one else!
The Marlborough Sounds, at the top of the South Island, is fast becoming the place of choice for visitors looking for wilderness and adventure – while at the same time enjoying personal comfort and lots of options for relaxed or challenging experiences.
Your guides are local people who live, work and play in this fantastic region. Experience their passion and commitment – this is where your adventure begins!
More Information:
Kayaking in the Abel Tasman
Kahu Kayaks guided & Freedom hire in the Abel Tasman
Discover the magic of Abel Tasman National Park with Kahu Kayaks. Immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of this New Zealand paradise as you embark on a kayaking adventure like no other.
Let us guide you through turquoise waters, golden beaches, and lush forests, all while learning about the area’s rich history and diverse wildlife.
Experience the thrill of exploration and the serenity of nature with Kahu Kayaks in Abel Tasman.
Kaiteriteri Kayaks Abel Tasman
Kaiteriteri Kayaks has been showcasing over 50 kilometres of the stunning coastline in the Abel Tasman National Park for more than 20 years. We offer kayak rentals straight off of Kaiteriteri Beach, half day, full day and multi-day guided kayak trips.
With dozens of golden sand beaches to visit, coves and lagoons with plenty of interesting nooks and crannies to explore and a world of sea and bird life encounters with animals such as penguins, seals and dolphins.
Pelorous Eco Hobbit Tour
Although not a kayak but an inflatable canoe, we thought this adventure should still be included in the top kayaking destinations
Kayaking West Coast of the South Island
Wilderness Tours – Franz Josef
Book a guided kayak tour with Wilderness Tours for a kayaking tour that you will never forget where you can experience Franz Josef’s unique landscape up close, from Westland’s protected wetlands, untouched forest and rugged coastline to the dramatic Southern Alps.
As you paddle through the protected habitat of the Kiwi, you will enjoy unbeatable panoramic views of mountains and glaciers. Operating a number of guided Kayak Tours, your amazing kayak adventure is just a few minutes away from the Franz Josef Glacier.
Our Guided Kayak Eco-Tours operate in the Westland National Park, boasting Lake Mapourika with it’s stunning reflective water, panoramic snow capped mountain views and the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, a photographers paradise.
Hanmer Springs Canoeing Adventures
Hanmer Springs Canoeing Trips
If you want experience a canoeing trip down through Hanmer’s Waiau River Gorge followed by Jet Boating then this is the trip for you! This two hour canoeing adventure starts at Amuri Rafting and Jet boating river base where your guide will kit you out in your safety gear, followed by a safety brief and show you the paddling techniques for your trip down the Waiau River.
Your experienced guide will help you negotiate the river in the safe, durable and fun inflatable vessels, along with entertaining and informative commentary on the surroundings as we meander down river through the scenic Waiau gorge in this scenic part of Hanmer Springs. Our return trip back up river is by an exhilarating return journey in a jet boat! ……With relaxed yet challenging waters this is a great family activity and each canoe can hold up to two passengers.
Kayaking in Kaikoura
Kaikoura Kayaks
Experience the kayaking adventure of a lifetime! Catch up with the local fur seals, blue penguins and dusky dolphins as they duck and dive around the scenic Kaikoura coastline. From our guided seal kayaking, family kayaking and Sunset kayak tours to hiring stand up paddleboards or sit on top kayaks, our qualified instructors are trained professionals who can skilfully guide you with comprehensive safety procedures and paddling techniques to keep you safe and dry.
Kayaking in Lake Wanaka
Paddle Wanaka
Lake Wanaka is one of New Zealand’s largest lakes situated in a glacier carved basin and is surrounded by the majestic snow capped mountains of the Southern Alps. This makes it the ideal location for an unforgettable kayaking adventure and Paddle Wanaka offer both guided kayaking & Stand Up Paddle board (SUP) trips on the glassy wasters of Lake Wanaka & the Clutha River. We also provide beach rentals and self guided tours on the lake
Depending on your chosen tour your guide will take you on an exploration of Lake Wanaka to discover hidden gems such as Mou Waho Island (Predator free) where you can take a short walk to see a lake on an island that is on a lake. Here you can also enjoy a gourmet lunch on the beach.
For for the more adventurous Paddle Wanaka provide an introduction into white water kayaking on the Mighty Clutha River in rapids of grade 1-2 white water …….. be prepared to get a little wet!
Paddle Wanaka will provide you with a full safety briefing prior to your trip, no previous kayaking experience is necessary and all tours are at a leisurely pace to provide you with an enjoyable, relaxing trip.
There is a kayak trip suitable for everyone from half day to multi day tours with the team at Paddle Wanaka who always strive to create an unforgettable outdoor experience. Whether you are a complete beginner, looking for some adventure or a family friendly activity in Wanaka.
Kayaking in Queenstown
Paddle Queenstown
Experience Lake Wakatipu by Kayak Surrounded by the mountain ranges Framed by stunning mountain ranges and clear alpine water, there’s no better place to paddle than on Queenstown’s scenic Lake Wakatipu.
Paddle Queenstown have designed their kayaking trips with adventurer in mind. Whether you want to explore Lake Wakatipu in your own group, or join one of our experienced guides on a tour, we have kayaking and paddle board options to suit you.
Experienced paddler? Want to explore Lake Wakatipu yourselves and picnic on the shores of this majestic lake in your own time? Take our ‘Freedom’ paddle boards or kayaks rental option and explore one of our recommended routes at your own pace, with our awesome Freedom Adventure Hire taking in the sights and scenery of the Wakatipu basin
Beginner? Don’t want to go it alone? Take one of our short paddle board or kayak tours with an experienced guide. Have fun learning the basics of paddling whilst discovering the history of Queenstown and the routes of the early travellers.
Trips are suitable for first time kayakers and even non-swimmers. However, if you have kayaked before please advise us of your previous experience on booking so we can adjust the trip to reflect this.
Kayaking Doubtful Sound
Doubtful Sound Kayak
Fiordland is a popular destination for those that want to experience this unique and dramatic landscapes.
This is an exclusive kayaking experience in Fiordland’s Doubtful Sound, forget about the crowds and join Doubtful Sound Kayaks on a small group guided day tour. There is time to relax, absorb the surroundings and share an intimate experience with unique fiordland’s bird and wildlife.
Beautiful native beech and podocarp forests blanket the surrounding mountains and valleys. Snow highlights the high mountain peaks throughout most of the year. Doubtful Sounds Kayak are a local company showing Doubtful Sound to only 10 guests per adventure. This ensures a personal experience is provided by your Kayak Nature Guide.
Your Doubtful Sound Kayak adventure is the longest kayaking day tour of Doubtful Sound. During your approx 5 hour paddle you will journey up to 15km* into Doubtful Sound following Hall Arm, “The Sound of Silence”. before being picked up by water taxi
