New Zealand · CANOES & KAYAKS
The 15 best canoes & kayaks tours you can book right now, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Paddle from Hahei to Cathedral Cove in Te Whanganui-a-Hei Marine Reserve, with modern kayaks, snacks, hot drinks, and sea caves.
“This was an excellent activity - a real memorable highlight of our 3 week trip around NZ. The kayaks were stable and easy to manoeuvre and the guides were knowledgeable and friendly. Highly recommended.”
Kayak Lake Karapiro at dusk to spot glowing glowworms, native birds, and rock formations, with wet gear, PFDs, and small-group guidance.
“This was so much fun! Just amazing floating down the canyon at dusk. We had great weather and great time for all of us (2 adults and 2 teenagers).”
Paddle Kaikoura’s marine reserve with a guide, spot seals and possible dolphins, and learn technique on a small-group sea kayak tour.
“Cam.and cam made it easy by lending tons of gear and with their instructions. They were super helpful”
Pedal kayak your way around Kaikoura’s fur seals on a small group 3 hour tour. Hands free for photos, guided by locals.
“A great experience, super chill, friendly and knowledgeable guides. The kayaks were easy to use and very stable. Loved seeing the seals, we also saw dolphins and a lone penguin.”
Small-group kayak tour from Franz Josef to Lake Mapourika, paddling a kiwi estuary and rainforest, with gear, transport, and photo delivery.
“Danny was our guide, she is wonderful. The kayak was one of the best that we have done in years. We have done a few but this one was unique. It was raining that day a I thought this was not going to be good, but then the water is warmer and as we reached the mirror river, things began to clear up, and it was so calm and beautiful. Because of the rain, the chopper were not flying so it was clam, quiet and beautiful. It was memorable. Thank you Dani for this experience.”
Paddle Kaikoura’s rugged coast on a half-day wildlife kayak tour with guaranteed seal viewing, expert guidance, and chances at dolphins and penguins.
“The activity was a lot of fun and we managed to get all the way to see the seals despite the windy conditions. We were in 2-person kayaks and there was another family of four on the tour. Our guides were Emma and Cam, and Emma was really engaged, friendly, and patient with the guests - her work is 5 stars. It would have been nice if Cam treated the older folks who were less English-proficient with a bit more respect.”
Night kayak on Lake Okareka with glow worm caves, sunset timing, and stargazing, plus easy beginner gear and small-group guidance.
“One of the best activities I've ever done. I highly recommend it, not only for the glow worms, but also for the experience of kayaking under the stars.”
Jet boat rush and funyak paddling on the Dart River from Queenstown. Mt Aspiring views, Middle-earth film spots, and a riverside picnic.
“It was a bit of hard work paddling when we got stuck in the shallows but the rest of the time was amazing with beautiful views all the way”
Night kayak in Rotorua to glow worm caves, with gear and pickup included, plus stargazing when skies clear.
“Excellent trip. They provide all the gear, wetsuit booties, pants and tops. Felt safe. Guide was excellent. Glow worms and stars were amazing! I would do this again!”
Sunset-to-night kayak tour on Lake McLaren in Tauranga, with included gear, shore snacks, and glow worms along cliff walls.
“A great tour, however a bit expensive. The 2 guides were very knowledgeable. We had an amazing display of the glow worms. The kayak was peaceful on the lake. We had to find our own way to the meeting point. Which was approximately Read more”
Night kayak on Auckland’s glowing waters. Sea Sparkle bioluminescence, stargazing, and science with pro gear, in 90 minutes.
“Really enjoyed the evening, Paul and Conrad were knowledgeable and were keen for us to find the bioluminescence.”
Paddle Lake McLaren at dusk to see glowworms in Mangapapa Canyon. Enjoy Te Reka O Te Whenua tastings and stargazing.
“This tour was nothing short of magical! We were surrounded by glow worms and paddled back under a star filled sky! It was a phenomenal experience and one I will never forget. Our guide, Craig, was great at instructing the group where to go, what to do and shared knowledge of the local area and the glow worms.”
Night kayak in Auckland’s Long Bay-Okura Marine Reserve to see glowing plankton, with beginner lessons, all gear, and small groups.
“Tour guides were fun and knowledgeable. Saw multiple types of bio. Beautiful stars and a couple planets visible for an added bonus.”
Sunset sea kayaking to Rangitoto, summit hike for Auckland views, kiwi BBQ dinner, then a guided night paddle back to Parnell.
“I really enjoyed this tour, its a great combination of kayaking, hiking and eating. The view is spectacular, the island is peaceful and beautiful, even though our day was a rainy one. Our guide is a brilliant host, he took care of everything and everyone regardless the fit levels. Highly recommend to everyone, you will love it, so did I.”
Guided half-day kayak on Lake Taupo to Maori Rock Carvings, with volcano views, birdlife, snacks, optional swim, and dry-photo support.
“We had a great time on the lake with Tammy, it had been awhile since we kayaked but the pace felt right and we could enjoy our time on the water. Seeing the carvings up close was quite something. Afterward, we stopped on a beach nearby where we went for a swim and had some cookies before the paddle back to Taupo. 10/10 would recommend”
From the fiords to the geothermal belt, sorted by what you want to do with the day.
