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
Lochmara Day Trips
Cruise to Lochmara, one of Marlborough's most popular destinations, taking in th ......
Kahu Kayaks Guided To...
Kahu Kayaks' guided kayaking tours in the Abel Tasman offer a taste of adventure ......
Waimangu Valley Walk ...
Explore the natural wonders of the world's youngest geothermal system at Waimang ......
Canoe Safaris Whangan...
Experience the Whanganui River Journey with Canoe Safaris for an unforgettable w ......
4WD Sea-Kayaking Safari T...
Explore the towering volcanic cliffs, reefs and sea caves of Pohatu marine reserve en encounter its unique wildlife.
24/48 Hour Pohatu Package...
Have it all included in of our overnight stay in our historic and cosy private rooms in th ......
Hike and Kayak Combo Adve...
Looking for an active day? Join us for a full day of adventure combining a morning hike th ......
Seal Kayak Tour
Seal Kayak Kaikoura is the first kayak tour of its kind in New Zealand that allows you to ......
Sledging
Enjoy rapids, waves and the beautiful Kawarau River on a sturdy, easy to hold, very buoyan ......
Limestone Express Kayak T...
This boutique guided tour takes you straight into the heart of the famous Limestone Coast ......
Vigilant Yacht Charters -...
The Bay of Islands is an ideal sailing playground. Step on board our stunning 42ft classic ......
Canoe Hire & Jet Boat...
Whanganui River Canoe hire and Jet boat tours. Experience the thrill.
Browns Island (Motukorea)...
Embark on a beginner-friendly, four-hour sea kayak adventure from St Heliers beach to Brow ......
The Sea Kayak Excursion
Explore New Zealand's ancient coastline on this boutique guided sea kayak excursion. Enjoy ......
Epic Tandem Kayak Tours
Tandem kayaking is a niche/specialty activity compared to traditional rafting trips in the ......
Guided Wildlife Kayaking
Experience the excitement of watching seals ducking, weaving and diving around your kayak. ......
Whenuakura (Donut) Island...
Help us to preserve Whenuakura Island by joining us on this amazing fully guided kayak DEL ......
Silent electric boat hire...
Explore the beautiful Kerikeri river on a silent electric boat. No boating experience required!
Double Kayak Hire
Immerse yourself in Lake Wanaka with the freedom to explore at your own pace on a kayak or ......
Evening Glowworm Kayak To...
Start your Evening Glowworm Tour at Waimarino alongside the Wairoa River. Enjoy delicious ......
Scenic Lake McLaren Kayak...
The tranquil expanse of Lake McLaren embodies serenity in its purest form. Immerse yoursel ......
Kahu Kayaks Freedom Renta...
Freedom kayaking gives you the independence to see the wonders of the coastline at your ow ......
Single Kayak Hire
Immerse yourself in Lake Wanaka with the freedom to explore at your own pace on a kayak or ......
Action Bug
Experience the thrill of Riverbugging through the breathtaking gorge of the Rangitāiki Ri ......
Franz Josef Wilderness To...
Join us for a Kayak or Scenic Cruise on Lake Mapourika taking in the panoramic views of th ......
Starlight Gourmet Kayak T...
Glide across the lake to the stunning Manupirua Hot Pools, which are only accessible by wa ......
Guided sea kayak safari i...
Akaroa Guided Kayak Safari’s sea kayaking tours are sure to bring out your adventurous s ......
Best Abel Tasman Day tour
A small group personalized 6 hour daytrip, exploring the beautiful Abel Tasman National Pa ......
Scenic Lake Rotoiti Kayak...
Embark on an extraordinary adventure with our Scenic Lake Rotoiti Day tour, granting you a ......
Sea Kayaking, Lyttelton H...
Sea Kayaking tour of Lyttelton Harbour- Explore secret bays, sunken ships and sea caves ar ......
The Riverhead Tavern Kaya...
Discover the Riverhead Tavern, a charming spot on the serene Waitemata River, ideal for ka ......
Big Kanu Glowworm Tour- ...
Appreciate the beautiful scenery, birdlife and Glowworms from your seat in our Big Kanu. L ......
Twilight Kayak Glowworm T...
Starting late afternoon or early evening, enjoy spectacular sights you can only experience ......
100% Pure NZ - Raft the K...
Experience the thrill of rafting through steep native bush canyons in Rotorua. Conquer 14 ......
Sledge the Kaituna River ...
Sledge the Grade 3 Kaituna River for an exhilarating Rotorua adventure. Navigate rapids, e ......
Auckland Bioluminescence ...
Set off on an enchanting adventure with Social Nature Movement's bioluminescence kayak tou ......
Daytime Canyon Kayak Tour
Take a guided canyon kayak tour in the daytime, on the Waikato River. Learn the history of ......
River Surfing
Conquer grade 3 rapids, standing waves and whirlpools! The high volume Kawarau River bu ......
Kaituna River Rafting
Join the Original Kaituna Rafting Company for an unbeatable grade 5 white-water experience ......
Glow Worm Kayak Tour
One of New Zealand's premium glow worm experiences, the Glow Worm Kayak Tour with Taiao Ad ......
Full Day Scenic Rafting o...
With over 30 Grade 2 (easy) rapids, amazing scenery and a riverside picnic lunch, the 13 k ......
Waka Ama Adventure (Outri...
Come and journey with us on a Waka Ama Adventure to explore and connect with our moana (sea) and whenua (land).
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!
