Rippled Earth Kayaks on Lake Wakatipu, one of New Zealand's

Join us on a fantastic kayak adventure across one of New Zealand’s most scenic mountain lakes within the Southern Alps. Kayak the pure alpine waters and explore the secluded beaches of Lake Wakatipu’s Island reserves. Three great kayaking tours depart from both Queenstown & the shores of Glenorchy at the head of Lake Wakatipu. Our trips run from November through to May and are suitable for everyone 8 years and older, and exclusive or group packages are available on request.

Alternately join our Lake Sylvan guided walk, departing from Glenorchy and venturing into the Mount Aspiring National Park passing some iconic scenery featured in films like Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit and Wolverine. Experience an unforgettable walk through ancient beech forest home to some of New Zealands rare native birds before arriving at Lake Sylan.

Rippled Earth Kayaks – Glenorchy Island Safari

Season: All Year Round (Check Departure times)
Price: $135 per person – Departing Queenstown $165 pp
Departs: (winter – May 1st to September 30th) 10 am Pick up Queenstown or meet 10-45 am Glenorchy self drive
(Summer) 8 am Pick up Queenstown or meet 8-45 am Glenorchy self drive
Duration: Approx 4 Hours

Kayak to one of the secluded Island beaches and explore this unique natural wildlife reserve. This half day tour (morning and afternoon) is an easy and spectacular paddle exclusive to Rippled Earth Kayaking.

The Islands on Lake Wakatipu have played a significant part in this areas diverse history. They are now an important natural reserve surrounded by the breathtaking mountainous backdrop of the Southern Alps.

This safari launches from the shores near Glenorchy. A short paddle across the lake will take you to a secluded beach on either Pigeon or Pig Island.

Pick up at Station Building, Camp Street in Queenstown. Please be ready 5 minutes before start time

Rippled Earth Kayaks – Lake Sylvan Guided Walk

Season: Summer only (October 1st to April 30th)
Price: $120 per person – Child $50 per child
Departs: 1 pm
Duration: approx 4 hours

Join your guide for an easy but unforgettable walk through ancient beech forest to the pristine Lake Sylan, part of Te Waipounamu World Heritage Area.

Your guide will meet you in Glenorchy before heading north to the start of the Lake Sylvan track, near the Routeburn. Our two hour return guided walk will take you along a well formed easy track through the beautiful mountain beech forest to the glacier fed Lake Sylvan.

The tour starts with a drive with Rippled Earth Kayaks up into the Routeburn valley, over the Rees and Dart Rivers into the Heart of Mt Aspiring National Park. We enter the forest and take a gentle walk into NZ Beech forest. An easy hike over flat ground to a secluded mountain lake – Lake Sylvan. Stop for afternoon tea on a beach or in the forest listening to the birds around. With an easy return walk to the vehicle and return to Glenorchy.

Departs Glenorchy at 1pm daily . Meet behind the Glenorchy Cafe 21 Mull St (near the public toilets)

Afternoon tea will be served as you enjoy the sights and sounds of the many rare native birds including the Parakeet, Mohua and bush robin.

Rippled Earth Kayaks – Mountains & Lakes Glenorchy Combo

Season: Summer Only (October 1st to April 30th)
Price: $270 per person
Departs: 8 am
Duration: Returns approx 5-30 pm Queenstown

Paddle to Glenorchy Islands and then hike to Lake Sylvan this combines the best of our kayak and walking guided tours

Departing from Queenstown at 8am. Take the Glenorchy road around the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Our Island Safari kayaking tour launches out from a secluded beach and takes you to the conservation reserves Pig and Pigeon island. These sanctuaries are home to native geckos and our flightless bird the Weka. we stop for a break and morning tea on a beach before continuing along the forested island shorelines. Spectacular views and a leisurely pace along with stories of Maori, Miners, Ecology and Geology.
We expect to return from kayaking around 12 noon and you have opportunity for a break in the small town of Glenorchy. There are cafe’s and restaurants here you can purchase lunch or just take a look around.
At 1 pm we board the bus to continue up the valley into the Mt Aspiring National Park, the short drive takes you over the Dart and Rees rivers, past film locations from Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit and Wolverine. We turn off the Routeburn road to Lake Sylvan and take the walk up through beach forest to this secluded mountain lake. The walk is over flat ground and suitable for all ages. Home to native birds such as parakeets, Mohua, bush robins and many others. This is a bird lovers paradise.
We stop for afternoon tea and a snack on the shores of Lake Sylvan, take a swim on a hot day. Return to Glenorchy then on to Queenstown. Return by 5:30pm.