Things to do in New Zealand, New Zealand: The Best Kayaking & Canoeing

River Rats have been offering quality adventures for over 35 years. There’s something for everyone, from full on grade 5 action on the Kaituna River, featuring the world's highest commercially rafted waterfall, through to a gentle grade 2 scenic raft trip suitable for participants as young as 5 years old. Kayaking is available as freedom hire or a guided tour. Paddle the local lakes to a secluded beach or enjoy a hot water swim only accessible by boat, an evening kayak option is available in summer that includes a BBQ dinner and a hidden Glow Worm cave

Golden Bay Kayaks is one of the best little kayak companies in New Zealand, situated in one of the best kayaking destinations in the world, which is why it is such a popular destination for all kayakers from beginners to the more experienced. The closest kayak company to the Abel Tasman and the ONLY company that lets you paddle the entire length of the park. They specialise in half day, full day and multi-day rentals. Amazing instruction on the simple, no fuss guided tours. The personal touch makes this a high value and extremely memorable experience. Perfect for those that have not kayaked before or very little or for those keen to learn about the Northern end of the Abel Tasman's rich history, geology and wildlife. Stand Up Paddle boards also available for hire. The most amazing way to experience the easily accessible Tata Islands, which are a fantastic destination to explore nature so close.

Come with us on the most exciting half day adventure activity in New Zealand, jet boating beneath the spectacular scenery of Glaciers & Lord of The Rings locations, into world heritage Mount Aspiring National Park. Flowing from Glaciers, the pristine waters of the Matukituki River are perfect to experience jet boating on the longest and most spectacular jet boat tour in New Zealand. Travel at speed over shallow braids, drift into turns and yes… experience exciting spins, And there is MORE… Deep in the mountains & off the beaten track enjoy a 50-minute walk through moss covered forest, waterfalls and glacier fed streams. Walk in awe beneath Avalanche Glacier when conditions permit or into McGills Creek to explore one of the most beautiful and serene forest walks. Hear the stories of this unique ice carved landscape and see photo opportunities not to miss. For those who want to explore more add a glacier helicopter flight from the jet boat or a 4WD farm safari

Wilderness Guides is an outdoor adventure company based in Picton, owned and operated for the past 20 years by Steve and Juliet Gibbons, New Zealanders and Marlborough people with a passion for the outdoors. The owners are hands-on and have a background as outdoor guides in the area and with their close-knit team and dedicated team, offer a truly personalized service for all guests. Tours offered are quality and authentic New Zealand wilderness experiences with an emphasis on education, conservation, local history and culture as well as New Zealand native flora and fauna. This is combined with the finest of local food and wine. These include guided and independent walks on the Queen Charlotte Track from one day to many days in length, mountain bike hire and packages for the Queen Charlotte Track (one of NZ’s Great Rides) and a wide variety of sea kayaking options in the Marlborough Sounds. This is where your adventure begins!

Auckland is one of the world’s most unique sea kayaking locations. It is a region of exceptional natural beauty, volcanic islands, sandy beaches and is abundant with wildlife. The sheltered waters of the Waitemata Harbour make it a sea kayaker’s paradise waiting to be discovered.

Guided tours from 1 to 5 days in the Whanganui National Park. Suitable for all ages and all fitness levels. Family trips a speciality. Operating for 40 years. Easy paddling, short Walks, Maori and European history. Fantastic meals. Fully qualified guides and we are a licensed operator. Canoe and Kayak Hire is also available.

A unique lake adventure across Lake Mapourika, created by the mighty Franz Josef Glacier. We experience amazing panoramic views of the glaciers and southern alps, mirror like water and also explore a Kiwi Conservation area amongst some of Westland's oldest untouched rainforest. Free photos are included with each tour!

Operating in the Eastern Bay of Plenty since 2002 we offer guided tours and freedom hires in a variety of locations around the Whakatane /Ohope Beach area. With local guides, our unique moonlight/ sunset tours and offshore tours at spectacular Moutohorā / Whale Island are particularly popular. The trip out to Whale Island by sailing catamaran is always memorable, plus the regular seal encounters and hot water beach experience make it a day to remember. Departure times are Whale Island :8am, Coastal Adventure 8 30am, Ohiwa Explorer by arrangement, Freedom hire available all day. Safety on the water and catering for occasional kayakers (novices) is what we are about ! See you soon !

Adventurers get set... it's time to reach for the stars, slap on your life jacket, throw on some sunscreen and rekindle that pioneering spirit. We have a wicked summer deal to get you out on the water and up close with Nature & Wildlife - it's time to go sea kayaking in Akaroa & experience that 100% pure NZ adventure you have been waiting for!Sea kayak in our amazing marine reserve, take in our breathtaking Volcanic basin vistas, and soak up our French village by the sea. Akaroa, only 80 minuets from Christchurch, New Zealand, is where we are based.Your trip includes a remote beach where you can relax or swim, enjoy refreshments & explore remote bays & inlets. We make it easy for you to experience one of our famous safaris as no experience is needed, just a sense of adventure and basic level of fitness and co-ordination. Our safaris have been voted number 1 shore excursion activity on the NZ cruise loop!

Celebrating over 20 Years of Service! KAIKOURA'S ORIGINAL KAYAK OPERATOR - Est -1998. 100% Seal viewing - meet the locals of the marine kind in a real Sea Kayak with us today. Curious NZ Fur Seals, Blue Penguins and Dusky Dolphins are only a few paddle strokes away and our local Kiwi Guides would love to introduce you to them around the Kaikoura Peninsula. Stay warm and dry in our enclosed stable sea kayaks with all equipment provided including GORE-TEX dry pants in winter, wet shoes for your feet and dry bags for camera's. Our wildlife "Seal Kayaking" tours offer a safe, enjoyable, interactive experience, with little effort and a whole lot of good fun. No experience needed, suitable for all ages and abilities. Families welcome. If you want to tick off a real Kayaking experience from your bucket list with the help of our qualified Guides amongst a multitude of marine life in New Zealand, come paddling with us! (: The only Kaikoura kayak operator permitted to view dolhpins.