Where To Kayak in New Zealand

With its hundreds of rocky rivers and streams and endless miles of coastline New Zealand is a fabulous place to kayak. 

Adventures range from a few hours paddling the sheltered coastlines of places like the Marlborough Sounds and Milford Sound, to full-on white water runs on challenging Grade 5 rivers. Some trips offer a day or two kayaking mixed in to a guided hiking/kayaking trip, and others spend their whole time on the water - you just come ashore to eat and sleep.

Other trips are boat-based, where you join a single or multi-day nature cruise and use the on-board kayaks to explore the area more deeply. This is especially rewarding in places like Fiordland and the Bay of Islands.

Many of the accommodations we feature also have kayaking available - either from the property or on a nearby river or bay. You can start as a complete beginner, or bring your experience with you and enjoy a new challenge. Fishing from a kayak can be fun too.

Below is a summary of some of the great places in New Zealand to kayak. But no matter where you are planning to go there will be options available, even in or near most cities - email us for more info.

Marlborough Sounds, South Island

Myriad waterways, sheltered coves, deep blue-green water and isolated camp sites make the Marlborough Sounds a fantastic place to kayak. There are a number of kayak tours available - most of them based around the Queen Charlotte Track. These generally involve staying in simple motel or dormitory accommodation spaced along the track. Or you can pack a tent and camp along the way. But there are also several excellent lodges where you can stay each night for a more upmarket stay. Paddle each day then enjoy 4 or 5 star accommodation, delicious meals and a hot spa overnight.

Stewart Island

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Central North Island

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Bay of Islands, North Island

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Abel Tasman National Park, South Island

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