See the best of New Zealand on a Sea Kayaking tour

A kayaking tour is a great way to see New Zealand’s sights from a fresh perspective. It’s also an easy and fun way to keep fit—beats walking if you ask us. Our little nation is packed with places that feel like they were made to be explored on a kayak. Here are a few of our absolute favourites.

New Zealand’s Best Sea Kayaking Spots

New Zealand’s plethora of lakes, rivers and ocean coastline make it a kayakers’ playground. The guided tours mentioned below are operated on sea kayaks, which are larger and more stable than traditional kayaks—perfect for beginners and bringing the kids along.

Abel Tasman

Exploring the Abel Tasman

Kayaking is one of the most popular activities among visitors to the Abel Tasman National Park. Choose from a range of guided tours exploring the park’s beautiful array of beaches, lagoons, coves and islands. Highlights include marine reserves, seal colonies and the native bird colony on Adele Island sanctuary.

Bay of Islands

If we had to recommend just one spot to go sea kayaking in New Zealand, it might be the Bay of Islands. Why? Golden sunshine coats a patchwork of tiny islands surrounded by warm waters, diverse marine life and sandy, secluded beaches. Visit sea caves, see dolphins up close, or go for a spot of snorkelling; the choice is yours. And of course, you can explore on land when you find a beach that’s just too beautiful to paddle past.

Kaikoura

Kayaking on Doubtful Sound

New Zealand’s capital of whale watching was a no-brainer for this list. A kayaking tour isn’t just a more intimate way to explore the coast here, it’s also the most sustainable way to see dolphins, whales and seals in their natural habitat. We recommend taking a sunset kayak tour for a truly magical experience as the golden hour works its wonders.

Fiordland

Kayaking tours of Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound bring you closer to the action in some of the world’s most incredible places. You’ll want to explore every nook and cranny of these mighty fiords, and a kayak tour makes it an intimate experience that you won’t get from a boat or on shore.

The Coromandel

Take a journey to Cathedral Cove in the Coromandel, and discover the islands, caves and rock gardens that make this the ultimate family adventure. Settle in for a relaxed paddle and take in the tree-lined cliffs, stunning beaches and unique rock formations. Cathedral Cove is only accessible on foot or from the water, so a kayaking tour here is a must.

Marlborough Sounds

Cathedral-Cove, Coromandel’s Hidden Gem

One of our favourite places in New Zealand, the Marlborough Sounds embody the spirit of all that’s good about New Zealand: nature, tranquillity and adventure. Weave your way around the coast and park up on some of the nation’s most remote beaches. A visit here is also the perfect opportunity to combine a kayaking tour with a walk on the Queen Charlotte track.

River and Lake Kayaking Tours

If you’d rather explore further inland, kayaking and canoeing tours operate on most of the country’s large lakes; you’ll find plenty to explore as you paddle around Lake Taupo, Lake Wanaka and the Clutha river, Lake Wakatipu (Queenstown) and the Whanganui river.

Ready to make a splash? We’re here to plan your next kayaking adventure… enquire today. to learn more, and tick off your bucket list with us!