Here are some of the best kayak and canoeing activities in New Zealand. Find all sorts of kayaking trips, including guided Kayaking tours, sea kayaking adventures and canoe hire; travel the 15,000Kms around NZ with the best Kayak experiences with the river, rapids, sea and lake attractions.
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Kayaking and canoeing
Top Attractions
100% Pure NZ - Raft t...
Experience the thrill of rafting through steep native bush canyons in Rotorua. C ......
Waimangu Valley Walk ...
Explore the natural wonders of the world's youngest geothermal system at Waimang ......
24/48 Hour Pohatu Pac...
Have it all included in of our overnight stay in our historic and cosy private r ......
Daytime Canyon Kayak ...
Take a guided canyon kayak tour in the daytime, on the Waikato River. Learn the ......
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Lochmara Day Trips
Queen Charlotte Sound, Marlborough
Cruise to Lochmara, one of Marlborough's most popular destinations, taking in the surrounding beautiful Queen Charlotte ...
Guided sea kayak safari in Akaroa
Akaroa, Canterbury
Akaroa Guided Kayak Safari’s sea kayaking tours are sure to bring out your adventurous spirit! We are Akaroa’s premi ...
Sledging
Queenstown
Enjoy rapids, waves and the beautiful Kawarau River on a sturdy, easy to hold, very buoyant manoeuvrable sledge. The sle ...
Sledge the Kaituna River - Grade 3
Rotorua
Sledge the Grade 3 Kaituna River for an exhilarating Rotorua adventure. Navigate rapids, enjoy stunning native scenery, ...
Waka Ama Adventure (Outrigger Canoe)
Mount Maunganui, Bay Of Plenty
Come and journey with us on a Waka Ama Adventure to explore and connect with our moana (sea) and whenua (land).
Hike and Kayak Combo Adventure Akaroa
Akaroa, Canterbury
Looking for an active day? Join us for a full day of adventure combining a morning hike through endemic ancient forest d ...
Sea Kayaking, Lyttelton Harbour & Quail Island- Start/finish in Christchurch
Christchurch, Canterbury
Sea Kayaking tour of Lyttelton Harbour- Explore secret bays, sunken ships and sea caves around Lyttelton Harbour and Qua ...
Single Kayak Hire
Wanaka
Immerse yourself in Lake Wanaka with the freedom to explore at your own pace on a kayak or paddle board. Enjoy the calm ...
Auckland Bioluminescence Kayak Tour
Northern Bays, Auckland
Set off on an enchanting adventure with Social Nature Movement's bioluminescence kayak tour in Auckland. As night descen ...
Franz Josef Wilderness Tours
Franz Josef, West Coast
Join us for a Kayak or Scenic Cruise on Lake Mapourika taking in the panoramic views of the Southern Alps, Glaciers, and ...
Canoe Safaris Whanganui River Journey
Whanganui
Experience the Whanganui River Journey with Canoe Safaris for an unforgettable wilderness adventure. Paddle Canadian-sty ...
Limestone Express Kayak Tour
Hamilton & Waikato
This boutique guided tour takes you straight into the heart of the famous Limestone Coast for an exciting and intimate e ...
Starlight Gourmet Kayak Tour - Rotorua
Rotorua
Glide across the lake to the stunning Manupirua Hot Pools, which are only accessible by water. Here you will enjoy a fre ...
The Riverhead Tavern Kayak Tour in Auckland
West Auckland, Auckland
Discover the Riverhead Tavern, a charming spot on the serene Waitemata River, ideal for kayaking and waterfront dining. ...
Best Abel Tasman Day tour
Abel Tasman
A small group personalized 6 hour daytrip, exploring the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park's coastline aboard a comfor ...
Seal Kayak Tour
Kaikoura, Canterbury
Seal Kayak Kaikoura is the first kayak tour of its kind in New Zealand that allows you to either pedal or paddle. You� ...
4WD Sea-Kayaking Safari Tour at Pohatu Marine Reserve
Akaroa, Canterbury
Explore the towering volcanic cliffs, reefs and sea caves of Pohatu marine reserve en encounter its unique wildlife.
Action Bug
Rotorua
Experience the thrill of Riverbugging through the breathtaking gorge of the Rangitāiki River, just a short drive from R ...
Vigilant Yacht Charters - Day Sailing Bay of Islands
Russell, Northland
The Bay of Islands is an ideal sailing playground. Step on board our stunning 42ft classic cutter rig yacht to experienc ...
Kaituna River Rafting
Rotorua
Join the Original Kaituna Rafting Company for an unbeatable grade 5 white-water experience on one of New Zealand's most ...
Kahu Kayaks Freedom Rentals
Abel Tasman
Freedom kayaking gives you the independence to see the wonders of the coastline at your own pace. Kahu Kayaks will equip ...
River Surfing
Queenstown
Conquer grade 3 rapids, standing waves and whirlpools! The high volume Kawarau River bursts with adrenaline, and this ...
Kahu Kayaks Guided Tours
Abel Tasman
Kahu Kayaks' guided kayaking tours in the Abel Tasman offer a taste of adventure, serenity by the bucket load and more s ...
Double Kayak Hire
Wanaka
Immerse yourself in Lake Wanaka with the freedom to explore at your own pace on a kayak or paddle board. Enjoy the calm ...
Scenic Lake McLaren Kayak Tour - Tauranga
Tauranga, Bay Of Plenty
The tranquil expanse of Lake McLaren embodies serenity in its purest form. Immerse yourself in a blissful journey as you ...
Epic Tandem Kayak Tours
Rotorua
Tandem kayaking is a niche/specialty activity compared to traditional rafting trips in the area. There is nowhere else i ...
Big Kanu Glowworm Tour- Tauranga
Tauranga, Bay Of Plenty
Appreciate the beautiful scenery, birdlife and Glowworms from your seat in our Big Kanu. Launch the Big Kanu from the la ...
Affinity Cruises
Picton, Marlborough
We take you further and get you closer than the larger vessels. Our smaller size means we can navigate through narrow wa ...
Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour- Tauranga
Tauranga, Bay Of Plenty
Start your Evening Glowworm Tour at Waimarino alongside the Wairoa River. Enjoy delicious refreshments while watching th ...
Silent electric boat hire on the Kerikeri River, Bay of Islands
Bay Of Islands, Northland
Explore the beautiful Kerikeri river on a silent electric boat. No boating experience required!
Glow Worm Kayak Tour
Rotorua
One of New Zealand's premium glow worm experiences, the Glow Worm Kayak Tour with Taiao Adventures is designed to create ...
The Sea Kayak Excursion
Hamilton & Waikato
Explore New Zealand's ancient coastline on this boutique guided sea kayak excursion. Enjoy hot drinks and decadent treat ...
Scenic Lake Rotoiti Kayak Tour - Rotorua
Rotorua
Embark on an extraordinary adventure with our Scenic Lake Rotoiti Day tour, granting you access to one of New Zealand's ...
Canoe Hire & Jet Boat Tours Whanganui River
Mt Ruapehu & Tongariro
Whanganui River Canoe hire and Jet boat tours. Experience the thrill.
Browns Island (Motukorea) Sea Kayak Tour
Downtown Auckland, Auckland
Embark on a beginner-friendly, four-hour sea kayak adventure from St Heliers beach to Browns Island (Motukorea). Paddle ...
Guided Wildlife Kayaking
Kaikoura, Canterbury
Experience the excitement of watching seals ducking, weaving and diving around your kayak. Have chance encounters with d ...
Twilight Kayak Glowworm Tour
Hamilton & Waikato
Starting late afternoon or early evening, enjoy spectacular sights you can only experience by kayak. Paddle slowly throu ...
Frequently Asked Questions about Kayaking and Canoeing Activities
1. The best places for Kayaking and Canoeing in New Zealand?
In summer the North Island is an amazing place to visit with so much wildlife and beautiful clear waters. However, If youre searching for canoeing in beautiful long New Zealand rivers then head to the South island and check out the Kaituna River!
2. What are the basic activities of canoeing and kayaking?
Both canoeing and kayaking involve paddling a small boat in open waters or rivers. It is a fun, easy activity to do with friends or family! Canoeing and kayaking also have great health benefits with the cardio involved.
3. Can you kayak in New Zealand?
New Zealand’s vast array of stunning rivers and winding coast has made kayaking a popular sport. Due to the high demand, you will never be too far from a kayaking tour or rental shop.
4. What is canoeing vs kayaking?
Different paddling techniques are used by canoes and kayaks to move the boat through the water. A kayak employs a double-sided paddle that enables the user to alternately paddle on both sides of the boat using a twisting action, in contrast to a canoe that uses a single-blade paddle that must be shifted from one side of the boat to the other.
Kayaking and Canoeing activities to See and Do in New Zealand
Due to New Zealand's unique landscape, opportunities for all kinds of adventures are at your fingertips, and there are so many exciting things to do in every region. If you're looking for a thrilling, memorable activity, then browse through the selection at See and Do NZ.
In summer, the North Island is a fantastic place to visit, with so much wildlife and beautiful clear waters. Dolphins are abundant in New Zealand, and a kayaking trip is the best up-front and personal way to see them!
If you're searching for canoeing in beautiful long New Zealand rivers, then head to the South Island and check out the Kaituna River!