WHERE TO PADDLE · NEW ZEALAND KAYAKING TOURS
Every trip has one free day too few. These 15 new zealand kayaking tours justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to packing.
Kayak to Cathedral Cove through sea caves and marine reserve waters, with small groups, expert guides, hot drinks, snacks, and great views.
“Great experience! Well worth it as you spend over 3 hours and get to beach on Cathedral Cove. Brad was a great guide and shared a lot of the history of New Zealand and surrounding islands as well!”
Paddle Lake Karapiro at dusk, then drift through the Pokaiwhenua Stream beneath thousands of glowworms and stars.
“To see the glowworms, I tried the Waitomo tour, with the caves. I much preferred seeing them through this kayak tour. We go up the river before nightfall, on the way, we meet wild geese and the guide tells us a little about the history of the Read more”
Paddle Kaikoura’s marine reserve with expert guides, fur seals, seabirds and possible dolphins, plus practical advice on gear, effort and value.
“Our guide Rosie was amazing! It was such a tranquil and fun experience going up to the seal colony and observing them up close. Totally worth a try!”
Review of Kaikoura’s 3-hour pedal-kayak tour, with fur seals, dolphins, birds, practical tips, pricing, fitness needs, and booking advice.
“Awesome time out on the kayak. Super comfortable and easy with the peddle, definitely spoiled for future kayaking! We got up pretty close to the seal, lots of great pictures and a beautiful afternoon on the water. Both guides were excellent, super knowledgeable and made everyone in the group feel at ease. Really great Kaikoura activity!”
Paddle Lake Mapourika from Franz Josef, explore ancient rainforest and kiwi country, and enjoy guides, gear, transport, and photos.
“It was an absolute blast ! Ollie our guide was a total legend , great sense of humour and his knowledge of te reo maori was immaculate ! Highly recommend and will be back again for more.”
Paddle Kaikoura’s rugged coast, meet fur seals, and watch for dolphins and penguins on this friendly, beginner-ready three-hour kayak tour.
“Such a good way to spend a morning out on the water. Both guides were super easy going, patient, and made all the effort to keep an eye out for whales and any other wildlife to ensure we all got the most out of our experience. 10/10 recommend”
Kayak Lake Okareka at dusk, then enter glow-worm caves beneath the stars on this beginner-friendly Rotorua night tour.
“It was so worth it! One if the greatest things I've ever done! 100% recommended :)”
Ride the Dart River by jet boat and funyak through Mt. Aspiring National Park, with mountain scenery, lunch, gear, and Queenstown transport.
“A great day! Cool jet boat, wonderful scenery, GREAT staff, and lunch on the river. Just perfect. We did over 12 activities (helicopters, Hobbits, Dinners, rafting over waterfalls etc etc...) on our trip to New Zealand, and this was the highlight...”
Review of Rotorua’s Glow Worm Kayak Tour, with practical tips on gear, caves, stargazing, price, weather, and who should book.
“The girl guide was v informative and caring. We’ve got to see a lot of glowworms closely inside caves. The lake is calm and the sky is really starry and beautiful”
Paddle Lake McLaren at sunset, then see glowing worms beneath Tauranga’s cliffs on this guided evening kayak tour.
“It was a wonderful experience, we had a small group , and our guide was very knowledgeable and helpful. It was a beautiful evening.”
Paddle Auckland’s dark coastal waters as bioluminescent plankton glow beneath the stars on this guided small-group kayak tour.
“Really enjoyed the evening, Paul and Conrad were knowledgeable and were keen for us to find the bioluminescence.”
Paddle Auckland’s Long Bay at night and watch bioluminescent plankton sparkle, with friendly guides, safe kayaks, and a small group setting.
“Awesome experience with the bioluminescsnt water, great team and super easy to kayak, no need for skill.”
Kayak across Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour, hike Rangitoto at sunset, enjoy a Kiwi BBQ, and paddle back beneath the city lights.
“Incredible! Even in the rain this was a spectacular experience! Definitely want to be in kayak shape to cross the channel! But 100% worth the trip! The guides were super friendly and knowledgeable. My husband and I loved every minute! Just a heads up even though they provide jackets— it’s best to pack warm! And bring a change of clothing if you don’t want to stay wet during the hike. Hope this helps!”
Kayak and walk through Abel Tasman National Park, with a beach lunch, coastal views, guided support, and practical tips from Marahau.
“Sam was an excellent guide for the kayaking portion of our experience. There are compartments on the kayaks to store your gear. They also include a dry bag for phones and keys. We were on the water about 3 hrs and took breaks along thRead more”
Review of Akaroa’s guided sea-kayaking shore excursion, with wildlife, volcanic scenery, practical tips, costs, weather advice, and who should book.
“We are avid kaykers and have kayaked the west coast of BC. Jake and Joey were fantastic guides. Their passion for knowledge of the history of the area and the flora and fauna was most impressive. Great day on the water!!”
Pick a coast, a cave, a river or a tunnel.
