Kayak & canoe · NEW ZEALAND KAYAK TOURS

15 New Zealand Kayak Tours Worth Getting Wet For

30 tours  ·  from $56 a head

The 15 best new zealand kayak tours you can book today, with what each costs, how long you are on the water and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.

Cathedral Cove Kayak Tour - Paddling through the marine reserve
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Cathedral Cove Kayak Tour

1.Cathedral Cove Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 887 reviews · from $127Our pick

Paddle from Hahei Beach into the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve with a guide such as Georgia, Ollie, Brad, or Nathan. Expect stable kayaks, sea caves, rock formations, possible stingrays and dolphins, plus cappuccinos, hot chocolate, and cookies at Cathedral Cove.

“Vacationing with my 20-year old daughter and my best friend from college. My friend had not kayaked before and my daughter and I are novice-level. Can’t say enough good things about this experience - and Brad and Sam were exceptional guides. There are very few ways to get to Cathedral active (the walking trail is closed due to storm damage) and only a few companies have permits to allow you to walk into that beach. This is one of them (we hadn’t realized how lucky we were!) so we enjoyed a nearly pristine beach with crystal blue water and a great small group to share it with. Brad and Sam…”

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Twilight Glowworm Kayak Tour – Lake Karapiro - Following the Pokaiwhenua Stream into the canyon
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Twilight Glowworm Kayak Tour – Lake Karapiro

2.Twilight Glowworm Kayak Tour – Lake Karapiro

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 493 reviews · from $92

Set out from Piarere with Riverside Adventures Waikato for a 3.5-hour kayak trip on Lake Karapiro and the Pokaiwhenua Stream. Guides such as Daniel, Amy, Jess, Lofty, and David share local nature and star knowledge while you paddle through a canyon after dark to see glowworms.

“The staff was super friendly and helpful. They provide you with everything you need, shoes pants and coat. The kayak trip was not too long and very scenic. We got to see so many glow worms on the rocks at night fall. I loved this experience very much. Highly recommend!”

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Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura - Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway: Mountains Behind the Marine Reserve
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Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour – Kaikoura

3.Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour – Kaikoura

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 467 reviews · from $99

Paddle the Kaikoura Peninsula with guides such as Loz, Cam, Brad, or Rosie, learning sea kayaking while watching fur seals and seabirds. Dusky dolphins and blue penguins are possible extras, but not guaranteed. The tour runs about three hours, with roughly 90 minutes on the water.

“This is an excellent paddling adventure with knowledgeable friendly guides. We paddled with Holt and Finn who had the answers to our questions about NZ history and Māori culture as well as many details about the various bird species that Read more”

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Seal Kayaking Adventure in Kaikoura - Meeting at 18 Beach Road in Kaikoura
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Seal Kayaking Adventure in Kaikoura

4.Seal Kayaking Adventure in Kaikoura

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 422 reviews · from $83

Join Seal Kayak Kaikoura for a three-hour small-group trip along the Kaikoura coast. You’ll use a stable foot-pedal kayak, leaving your hands free for photos while guides such as Logan, Connor, Eva, or Levi point out fur seals, seabirds, dolphins, and occasional penguins.

“We did the early morning tour and it was a great experience. The pedal kayaks were really easy to maneuver and allowed us to easily get into some great seal viewing locations. Highly recommend this tour.”

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Small-Group Kayak Adventure from Franz Josef Glacier - The three-hour route from Franz Josef to the lake
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Small-Group Kayak Adventure from Franz Josef Glacier

5.Small-Group Kayak Adventure from Franz Josef Glacier

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 393 reviews · from $92

Paddle calm Lake Mapourika with guides such as Ollie, Max, Dani, or Ari, then reach a protected estuary and old rainforest near a kiwi conservation area. Expect about three hours on the water, supplied gear, transport from Franz Josef, wildlife, and digital photos.

“Our guides were knowledgeable. The scenery was lovely. The pace was easy. A good time was had by all. I recommend this activity.”

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Kaikoura: Half-Day Wildlife Kayaking Tour - Meeting the guides and getting ready
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Kaikoura: Half-Day Wildlife Kayaking Tour

6.Kaikoura: Half-Day Wildlife Kayaking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 390 reviews · 3 hours · from $95

Join Kaikoura Kayaks for a three-hour coastal paddle with 1.5 to 2 hours on the water. Guides such as Cam, Emma, Holt, Loz, and Ollie teach beginners the basics, lead you toward fur seals, and watch for dusky dolphins and blue penguins. Bring quick-dry clothes, water, and sandals.

“This activity is a must-do while you're in Kaikoura. A huge shout to our guide, Holt. He was a saviour. My son felt seasick in the middle of kataking and was unable to kayak anymore. Holt ensured his safety and pulled his katlyak and got my son to the shore safely. It's a huge effort on Holt's part and it is truly appreciated. Thanks you for an amazing experience.”

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Rotorua: Glow Worm Kayak Tour - A calm start as daylight fades
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Rotorua: Glow Worm Kayak Tour

7.Rotorua: Glow Worm Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 351 reviews · 3 hours · from $116

Taiao Adventures takes you from Rotorua to Lake Okareka for a gentle evening paddle in two-person sit-on-top kayaks. Guides such as Ellie, Forest, Sam, and Keisha lead you into small glow-worm caves, share local stories, and help beginners feel at ease. Clear skies may bring views of the Milky Way.

“Our glow worm cave tour was a highlight of Rotorua and NZ! Well run tour and honestly, it was magical. Forest was great and shared interesting tidbits rounding out a lovely night on the water. The night we went the lake was like glass lit by the moon and then the caves…wow. We absolutely loved it!!! Book it now!”

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Dart River Canoe and Jet Boat Experience from Queenstown - Getting suited up beside the Dart River
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Dart River Canoe and Jet Boat Experience from Queenstown

8.Dart River Canoe and Jet Boat Experience from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 342 reviews · from $273

Travel from Queenstown to Glenorchy, then race 30 kilometers upriver by jet boat before paddling a funyak through side streams, rock pools, and a gorge. Guides such as Nikki, Rob, and JJ add local stories, while lunch and all river gear are supplied.

“This is one of the best activities from our vacation yet! I mostly booked for the funyaks but the jet boat was surprisingly great! We had such a fun time zipping along the river in the jet boat, then having a nice relaxing float back down. The scenery is stunning! We couldn’t have asked for a better day on the river! The staff was also awesome and I was thankful that they provided all gear that was needed. Would highly recommend this tour!”

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Glow Worm Kayak Tour - From Rotorua pickup to the lakeshore
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Glow Worm Kayak Tour

9.Glow Worm Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 342 reviews · from $121

Join Taiao Adventures for a three-hour evening kayak from central Rotorua to small glow worm caves on a nearby lake. Guides such as Kaisha, Sam, Forrest, and Tom lead the paddle, explain the glow worms, and help beginners stay comfortable. Gear, transfers, and safety instruction are included.

“An extremely beautiful and serene experience. Gorgeous views, engaging and knowledgeable staff, and not too strenuous.”

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Tauranga: Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour - Getting ready for a night on the water
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Tauranga: Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour

10.Tauranga: Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 311 reviews

Meet at Waimarino Adventure Park, enjoy light refreshments beside Lake McLaren, then paddle double kayaks into the dark with guides such as Ellie, Lucy, Darragh, and Frosty. The reward is a quiet canyon lit by bright green glowworms, followed by a paddle back beneath the night sky.

“Our guides Frosty and Lucy were lovely. The experience itself was okay, Lucy and Frosty had to tow the groups up past a loud hydro energy unit, which made for less kayaking for participants. I think the experience could be great if they selected a different location.”

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Auckland: Night Kayak Tour in Glowing Bioluminescent Waters - What happens at Okura Boat Ramp or Waiake Beach
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Auckland: Night Kayak Tour in Glowing Bioluminescent Waters

11.Night Kayak Tour in Glowing Bioluminescent Waters

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 259 reviews · 90 minutes - 2 hours · from $56

You’ll paddle from Okura Boat Ramp or Waiake Beach with guides such as Paul, Millie, Maurice, and Haley, watching plankton flash blue around your kayak. Expect a short safety lesson, about 75 minutes on the water, and a calm, science-focused evening with gear included.

“The bioluminescent plankton were amazing to see glowing at night along with the bright stars. The guides Paul and Millie were amazing and very knowledgeable!”

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Bioluminescence Kayak Tour - Est. 1994 - Learning to kayak before darkness settles
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Bioluminescence Kayak Tour – Est. 1994

12.Bioluminescence Kayak Tour – Est. 1994

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 187 reviews · from $73

Learn to kayak in Auckland’s protected Long Bay and Okura Marine Reserve, then watch the water flash with plankton under the stars. Guides such as Josh, Elena, Gareth, and Paul have helped make this a relaxed first-time adventure. Expect a small group, stable kayaks, and possible wet clothes.

“Luminosity varies depending on the circumstances but overall it was a great experience and highly recommend. I do wish communication prior to the day was a bit better.”

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Sunset kayak tour to Rangitoto Island - Starting in Parnell and learning the basics
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Sunset kayak tour to Rangitoto Island

13.Sunset kayak tour to Rangitoto Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 168 reviews · from $152

You’ll paddle about 5 km across the Waitematā Harbour, eat a Kiwi BBQ on Rangitoto, hike toward the summit, and return by kayak after dark. Guides such as Daniel, Byron, Elle, and Nathan lead small groups of up to eight, with equipment supplied and vegetarian meals available by request.

“An absolutely fantastic experience for those with a decent fitness level. Fun paddling, gorgeous scenery, and an amazing guide in Ben.”

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2-Hour Waikato River Guided Kayak Trip from Taupo - Paddling with the current
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2-Hour Waikato River Guided Kayak Trip from Taupo

14.2-Hour Waikato River Guided Kayak Trip from Taupo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 162 reviews · from $55Best value

Paddle for about two hours with Canoe and Kayak Taupo, following a guide such as Eloise or George along clear Waikato River water. You’ll pass islands, reserves, and the Taupō Bungy, then stop at warm geothermal pools. Gear, instruction, and photos are included.

“This is a very gentle kayak trip, down a pretty river. We had the river to ourselves at 9 am, so it was peaceful and beautiful. We stopped at the Spa Park, where hot water falls into the river. If you want (and I did) you can swim with the current in the river and enter the bay where the hot water is.”

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Kayak & Walk - Following the Abel Tasman Coast Track
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Kayak & Walk

15.Kayak & Walk

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 161 reviews · from $142

Set out from Marahau for a guided sea-kayak trip along Abel Tasman’s coast, then follow forest trails and beaches to Observation Beach, or reverse the order. Guides such as Sam and Emily help first-time paddlers, while lunch, dry bags, and a possible sail home add practical value.

“Sam was an excellent guide for the kayaking portion of our experience. There are compartments on the kayaks to store your gear. They also include a dry bag for phones and keys. We were on the water about 3 hrs and took breaks along thRead more”

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New in New Zealand Kayak Tours

★ 5.0Half-Day Sea Kayak Tour to Motukorea IslandFrom $1166 reviews
★ 5.0Lake Rotoiti Evening Kayak Tour including Hot Springs, Glowworm Caves and BBQ DinnerFrom $13560 reviews
★ 5.0Half-Day Kayak Experience on the Mighty Clutha River from WanakaFrom $25047 reviews
★ 5.0Oarsome Marine Reserve Kayak TourFrom $19839 reviews
★ 5.01 Day Sea Kayak RentalFrom $7436 reviews
★ 4.8Marahau: Abel Tasman Kayaks Kayak and WalkFrom $13565 reviews
★ 5.0Half-Day Kayak to the Maori Rock Carvings in Lake TaupoFrom $91104 reviews
★ 5.04-hour Lake Mapourika Kayak and Hike adventure, with Okarito Kiwi SanctuaryFrom $104117 reviews
★ 5.0Day sea kayak tour Rangitoto IslandFrom $15279 reviews

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