Sea Kayaking Marlborough Sounds – Kayak Hire and Guided Trips

Kayaking Trips on the Marlborough Sounds

Sea kayaking has been described as one of the best ways to explore places that you cannot access by land. Either rent a kayak or join one of our guided tours to explore any of the four Sounds that make up the 1500km of coastline in the Marlborough Sounds, away from the crowds with beauty and wildlife in abundance.

Based just outside Anakiwa on the main road, we are only 10 minutes from the start of the QC track and the head of the Queen Charlotte Sound. We are the only company that does not need expensive water taxi’s or long drives to access the track or paddle outside of the busy harbour.

We specialise in nature-based adventuring for the intrepid traveller, with an emphasis on experiencing the environment without interfering with its delicate ecosystems.

Half and Full Day Guided Kayak Trips on the Marlborough Sounds

If you have limited time in the area but are keen to experience the brilliance that the Marlborough Sounds has to offer, then these are the trips for you. 

Let our professional and qualified guides not only tell you, but show you what makes the Sounds such a special place.

Our half-day trip is based in the Grove Arm of the Queen Charlotte Sound where you can expect to see a variety of sea and forest birdlife and possible sightings of rays, seals, little blue penguins, dolphins and if you are super lucky – Orca!

Marlborough Sounds Half Day Guided Kayak Tour 

The full day trip provides the opportunity to explore more of the Sounds’ secluded beaches and paddle beneath pristine native bush.

Your guide will  find one of the many beautiful beaches to stop for a delicious homemade picnic lunch. 

Returning to Anakiwa we will always do our best to take you a different way home so you never have to paddle the same coast twice.

These trips are also available in the Keneperu Sound from Portage Bay on request. Subject to availability.

Multi Day Sea kayaking trip on the Marlborough Sounds

There is nothing better than spending a night out in the Marlborough Sounds, especially after having spent the day sea kayaking. 

Heading out for an overnight trip with a guide is an ideal way to introduce yourself to multi-day paddling. There are many idyllic uncrowded campsites in which you will be able to set up for the night. 

Alternatively, you could paddle into a lodge for a nice comfy bed for the night, if you prefer.

Take the time to relax in the bush surrounds and enjoy the magnificent water views; after all you are out there for two or more days. 

Your guide will provide all your meals, including snacks on arrival at your campsite.

Having spent a night out, you will wake up to the sounds of the dawn chorus. Have a leisurely breakfast before loading your sea kayak again and heading off to further explore some of the inner sounds’ many bays.

Typically we will depart from and return from Anakiwa. However, we can run these trips in the Kenepuru and/or Pelorus Sound if you wish. 

We meet at our base, junction of Queen Charlotte Drive and Anakiwa Road, at 8:30AM and finish by 4.30PM the final day.

Your guide will be able to teach you about some of the finer points of sea kayaking, take away the stress of needing to interpret the weather, as well as teaching you the odd fact about the local flora, fauna and even a bit of history.

For groups of 6 or more, please contact us for a quote.

Book your Multi Day Guided Sea Kayak:

Includes kayak and kayak clothing, guide
8:30am start time
Minimum two persons

 

Marlborough Sounds Kayak Hire

For those intrepid travellers who want to head off into the wilderness,
and explore on their own

Paddlers can rent kayaks at our base on the corner of Queen Charlotte Drive and Anakiwa Road, just minutes from the picturesque and safe coastline of Anakiwa. 

Our strategic location also enables us to access all three Sounds – Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus Sound – depending on where you wish to embark or finish your independent adventure.

We have high quality, traditional ‘decked’ kayaks. Sea kayaking has been described as one of the best ways to travel and explore places that you cannot access by land. 

It is a peaceful and gentle way to immerse yourself in the environment without disturbing it! Come to our base and try it for yourself.

We run our kayak rental briefings at 8.30am, 10.30am and 12.30pm. It takes roughly 75 minutes to get through the briefing and get you launched. Multi-day briefings can take a little bit longer as there is more information to cover.

For experienced sea kayakers, who prefer to explore on their own, we are happy to provide single kayaks, equipment and trip suggestions, as long as they are rented in pairs. 

To rent our single kayaks we would like to see a logbook and/or qualification to see that you are reasonably skilled. Alternatively you can lodge your trip plan with us if heading off independently with your own gear.

The single kayaks are charged at a premium rate due to the extra instruction involved. Please enquire for these with your logbook and/or qualification.

Double Kayak Hire Rate

Half day Rental: $40pp
Day Rental: $60pp
2 Day Rental: $100pp
3 Day Rental: $125pp
4 Day Rental: $150pp

5th day is free for both doubles and singles!

*Single kayaks available for odd numbered groups or on request

Price:  As above
Start Times:  8.30am, 10.30am or 12.30pm start time
Hire requires:  Minimum two people
Minimum age:  15yrs