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
The Sea Kayak Excursi...
Explore New Zealand's ancient coastline on this boutique guided sea kayak excurs ......
Full Day Scenic Rafti...
With over 30 Grade 2 (easy) rapids, amazing scenery and a riverside picnic lunch ......
Epic Tandem Kayak Tou...
Tandem kayaking is a niche/specialty activity compared to traditional rafting tr ......
Best Abel Tasman Day ...
A small group personalized 6 hour daytrip, exploring the beautiful Abel Tasman N ......
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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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Sledge the Kaituna River - Grade 3
Rotorua
We’re passionate about continually providing world-class adventure tourism products in Rotorua. Infused with a unique ...
24/48 Hour Pohatu Package at a Penguin Colony!
Akaroa, Canterbury
Have it all included in of our overnight stay in our historic and cosy private rooms in the middle of the penguin colony ...
100% Pure NZ - Raft the Kaituna River - Grade 5
Rotorua
We’re passionate about continually providing world-class adventure tourism products in Rotorua. Infused with a unique ...
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 ...
Canoe Safaris Whanganui River Journey
Whanganui
Canoe the Amazing Whanganui River with Canoe Safaris New Zealand. We offer a range of multi-day guided and all inclusiv ...
Guided Wildlife Kayaking
Kaikoura, Canterbury
Experience the excitement of watching seals ducking, weaving and diving around your kayak. Have chance encounters with d ...
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.
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 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 ...
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� ...
Canoe Hire & Jet Boat Tours Whanganui River
Mt Ruapehu & Tongariro
Whanganui River Canoe hire and Jet boat tours. Experience the thrill.
Limestone Express Kayak Tour
Hamilton & Waikato
A perfect mix of adventure & comfort makes for our Top Quality Excursions. This guided tour takes you straight in ...
Action Bug
Rotorua
Riverbugs mixed with generous portions of whitewater in a breathtaking gorge on the Rangitāiki river in the Eastern Bay ...
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!
Double Kayak Hire at Days Bay
Lower Hutt, Wellington
Hire a double sit-on-top kayak and enjoy a relaxing paddle around Days Bay. Suitable for kids and adults up to a combine ...
Stand Up Paddleboard Hire at Days Bay
Lower Hutt, Wellington
Hire a stand up paddleboard (SUP) and enjoy a relaxing paddle around Days Bay. Suitable for kids and adults up to 100kg
Single Kayak Hire at Days Bay
Lower Hutt, Wellington
Hire a single sit-on-top kayak and enjoy a relaxing paddle around Days Bay. Suitable for kids and adults up to 150kg. Ca ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Kayaking
Queen Charlotte Sound, Marlborough
Why not try one of our kayaking trips to experience the sounds of nature in our tranquil Marlborough Sounds? The Marl ...
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 ...
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 ...
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!
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.