WHERE TO PADDLE · SEA KAYAKING IN NEW ZEALAND
Good sea kayaking trips in New Zealand fill up weeks ahead and the best ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
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 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!!”
Paddle at sunrise in Akaroa’s marine reserve, with Hector’s dolphins, seals, birds, volcanic scenery, photos, and a small group.
“The kayak guide, experience and local knowledge. Good sized group. Doing the kayak in pairs made it like team building”
Paddle Akaroa’s volcanic marine reserve, watch for dolphins and seals, and enjoy a gentle guided sea-kayaking trip for active visitors.
“Great way to see the coastline in Akaroa. Jake was a great guide. Very informative and engaging. We really enjoyed it.”
Review of Akaroa’s 2.5-hour sea kayaking tour, with volcanic-crater scenery, wildlife chances, guide tips, price, and practical advice.
“Our guide was amazing. Interesting, fun, and attentive to all.”
Paddle from Auckland to volcanic Rangitoto Island, hike its summit, enjoy a Kiwi BBQ, and return by kayak on this active half-day tour.
“We were lucky to have perfect weather for this daylong adventure. Be sure to be prepared to row for between 2 and 3 hours total (round trip) and hike for an additional hour on some steep inclines. But the views are great and the day was wonderful. The food they cooked was delicious and felt so welcome after the hike.”
Kayak to Rangitoto at sunset, hike to its summit, enjoy a Kiwi BBQ, then paddle back under Auckland’s stars.
“Great fun..felt safe at all times ..would recommend this trip especially night trip. Guide was knowledgeable and has good people skills ..well done”
Review of Akaroa’s 3-hour sunrise sea kayak tour, with marine reserve wildlife, local guides, practical tips, price advice, and honest drawbacks.
“Peter was a really nice tour guide. sadly we didn't see any dolphins, but therefore lovely nature and birds. He had a lot of knowledge about the places and made us feel really save on the Kajak”
Paddle from Marahau along Abel Tasman’s golden beaches, Split Apple Rock, islands, seals, and birdsong on a flexible seven-hour rental.
“We had a beautiful day of kayaking in this gorgeous part of the world. We'd recommend this experience to anyone who loves kayaking and discovering beautiful, secluded beaches.”
Kayak from Auckland to Motukorea, hike an ancient volcanic island, enjoy hot drinks, and return with sweeping Hauraki Gulf views.
“Our tour guide is Elle. A french girl. She is a very nice person. We feel nervous at the beginning as this is our first time doing kayaking. She provided extensive information about safety before we start which is helpful. We recommend this to anyone want to challenge yourself. Unforgettable experience.”
Kayak across Auckland’s Waitemata Harbor, hike Rangitoto’s volcanic summit, enjoy a Kiwi barbecue lunch, and return by sail.
“It was a very pleasant day with beautiful weather and the excellent tour guide, Eric. We really enjoyed kayaking to the island and hiking up to the top. We definitely want to join the trip again, with our daughter next time.”
Paddle from St Heliers to volcanic Browns Island on a beginner-friendly four-hour tour with harbour views, wildlife, and guided island walks.
“Excellent day on the water kayaking with Ben and Hailey, panoramic views on the island”
Ride an electric mountain bike to Akaroa’s crater summit, then kayak through turquoise waters with local guides, snacks, photos, and wildlife sightings.
“Enjoying the peaceful and beautiful blue waters, kayaking into a cave…very cool! Then biking up and down 10-15%grade with absolute ease with the turbo feature on the e-bikes!”
Paddle from St Heliers to volcanic Browns Island, explore Māori and aviation history, and spot wildlife on this four-hour Auckland kayak tour.
“We did not make it to the Browns Island as plan. We were novice and inexperience with the kayak that were used. The tour is probably more suitable for people with some kayaking experience in the sea but the tour guide Chris was friendly and helpful.”
Paddle from Auckland to Motukorea Island, hike an extinct volcano, and enjoy Gulf views on a friendly small-group sea kayaking tour.
“This activity was amazing!! Our guide, Daniel was so kind and informative. He was such a big help in getting us set up in our kayak and getting to go. The kayak ride was about an hour there and back, and it was smooth water so it wasn’t difficult. The island was GORGEOUS. We hiked to the top of the volcano and the views were truly spectacular. It’s a small and beautiful island with the greenest grass I’ve ever seen. I definitely recommend this tour!”
Pick a coast, a cave, a river or a tunnel.
