Kayaking & Canoeing in New Zealand

Get the inside scoop on the marine life of the Marlborough Sounds during a half-day guided sea kayaking tour. Expect to see a variety of birdlife plus possible sightings of rays, seals, little blue penguins, dolphins, and perhaps even an orca. Setting off from Anakiwa Beach, conveniently situated between Havelock and Picton, you'll paddle with a small group around the Grove Arm of Queen Charlotte Sound.

Paddle a kayak to the magnificent Maori rock carvings on Lake Taupo with a half-day tour from Acacia Bay. You'll learn the cultural significance behind the towering inscriptions, which were completed in 1980, and enjoy great views across the crystal-clear lake to the Tongariro Mountains. Approaching the Maori rock carvings by kayak means you can see them up close, passing native bush and tiny inlets, then floating right at the base of the cliff. Both morning and afternoon departures are available and beginning paddlers are welcome.

Kayaking on serene Lake Wanaka, with its clear waters and beautiful coastline, is a great introduction to kayaking. Beginners and those with more experience will enjoy a calm half-day tour approximately 5.5 miles (9 kms) around the lake. Take in the views while experiencing the unspoiled nature that New Zealand is famous more, but without breaking too much of a sweat.

This kayaking tour is ideal for less-experienced kayakers who still want to get active in New Zealand's great outdoors. It's combined with a guided tour of the military bunkers at North Head, so you'll get a break from paddling. You will be guided in the sheltered waters of Auckland Harbour, and enjoy the views of the city and nature.

When your ship pulls into port at Tauranga, take a shore excursion to McLaren Falls Park for a kayaking adventure on Lake McLaren. Paddle on the serene lake with an expert guide and look for myriad birds within reach. Peer at gentle streams that lap the tranquil water's edge and find photo ops against the scenic backdrop of steep-walled Mangapapa Canyon. A chocolate bar, bottled water and dry bag are provided along with round-trip port transport.

Take in the scenery of Lake Taupo during this half-day kayaking tour from Taupo. After a brief paddling lesson, set out in your kayak from Jerusalem Bay. Follow your guide along the shoreline of New Zealand's largest lake to rock cliffs where you can see Maori carvings. Stop at a scenic spot for snacks and an optional swim on a tour that is suitable for all levels of experience.

Explore the northeastern end of Lake Taupo by both land and water with a combo bike and kayak tour from Taupo. You'll start by biking from Acacia Bay to Kinloch along the W2K section of the Great Lake Trail on a 2- to 2.5-hour ride. Then enjoy lunch before hopping in a kayak to paddle from Whakaipo Bay to the Maori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay.

See the exquisite Marlborough Sounds from the water during a full-day adventure by sea kayak. Depart from the Picton waterfront and prepare to be wowed as you paddle past secluded coves along the western end of Queen Charlotte Sound. Your knowledgeable guide points out marine life such as eagles rays, cormorants, little blue penguins, New Zealand fur seals and more. Stop at a sheltered beach for a delicious lunch with locally sourced ingredients. Numbers are limited to ensure a small-group experience.

Paddle a kayak through Auckland's Waitemata Harbour, then step on the shore for a 45-minute guided walk to the Rangitoto crater, where you'll enjoy panoramic views of Auckland's skyline. This 6-hour evening sunset tour is led by a kayaking and hiking guide, which ensures that you can focus on the scenery and the activities rather than navigation and directions. You'll learn much more about the geography, flora, and fauna of the region than you would by exploring independently.

Combine sea kayaking and self-guided hiking on this full-day outdoor adventure in the Marlborough Sounds. Paddle from the Picton waterfront to the western end of Queen Charlotte Sound and search the azure waters for marine life such as eagle rays, cormorants, little blue penguins, New Zealand fur seals and dolphins. Encounter secluded beaches along the shoreline before an independent hike on the Queen Charlotte Track, from Anakiwa to Mistletoe Bay. Lunch and return transfer by water taxi are included.

Discover the natural wonders of Lake Mapourika on this 4-hour kayaking adventure. Paddle around the lake against a backdrop of the Franz Josef Glacier, head ashore for a hike around the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, and learn more about New Zealand's famous Kiwi birds.

Spend a magical evening kayaking on Lake Rotoiti, where you'll visit glowworm caves and have plenty of time to soak in natural hot springs before a barbecue picnic dinner. Paddle for two hours with an expert guide into lakeside caves only accessed by boat to see glowworms and crayfish, then revel in the sunset reflected on the tranquil waters. Instruction, equipment and round-trip hotel transport from Rotorua are all included.

Tour the western end of Queen Charlotte Sound on a half-day paddling adventure from Picton. Settle into your sea kayak and follow an expert guide from the waterfront to sheltered coves and remote beaches. Search the waters for eagles rays, cormorants, little blue penguins, New Zealand fur seals and dolphins while you learn about the natural history of the Marlborough Sounds. Numbers are limited to ensure a small-group experience.

Explore the serene waters of Lake Mapourika in New Zealand's glacier country on this 3-hour kayak adventure from Franz Joseph Glacier. Paddle with your guide out onto Lake Mapourika, widely considered one of western New Zealand's most scenic spots. Enjoy uninterrupted views as your guide explains the region's fascinating geology, and marvel at the way the mighty Southern Alps are mirrored perfectly in the calm waters. Head into the estuaries of the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, and discover some of the country's oldest untouched rainforest as native birds sing overhead.

Soak in the thermal spring-fed pools of Lake Rotoiti and paddle into a glowworm cave on a half-day kayak tour from Rotorua. With an expert guide, explore the tranquil waters of the mountain lake as you take in the stunning scenery in the Bay of Plenty region, and experience caverns and hot springs accessible only by water. Kayak equipment and a light snack are included.

Spend your day sea kayaking around Queen Charlotte Sound on a guided excursion from Picton. Paddle across the harbor and stop for morning tea at a remote beach, then continue into the Grove Arm of the sound and enjoy lunch in a tranquil bay. Keep an eye out for cormorants and other wildlife as you listen to expert commentary about the Marlborough Sounds from the guide.