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

January 21, 2022 Darleen Reid

Discover the best top things to do in South Island, New Zealand including Pohatu Penguin Habitat, Golden Bay Kayaks, Wanaka River Journeys, Pelorus Eco Adventures, Wilderness Guides - Day Tours, Rosco's Milford Kayaks, Franz Josef Wilderness Tours, Akaroa Guided Kayak Safari, R&R Kayaks, Waka Abel Tasman.
Restaurants in South Island

1. Pohatu Penguin Habitat

Excellent
90%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 639 reviews

Pohatu Penguin Habitat

Pohatu penguins is a family owned business that offers 4WD safaris trip to the Largest Little penguin colony on mainland New Zealand. Conservation based tours include: -Evening penguin tours -Scenic nature safaris (2 or 4 hours) -Sea-kayaking with seals and other wildlife -24 or 48 hour package including accommodation in the middle of the penguin colony

2. Golden Bay Kayaks

Excellent
90%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 208 reviews

Golden Bay Kayaks

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.

3. Wanaka River Journeys

Excellent
93%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 474 reviews

Wanaka River Journeys

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

4. Pelorus Eco Adventures

Excellent
93%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 285 reviews

Pelorus Eco Adventures

KAYAK NEW ZEALAND'S MOST BEAUTIFUL RIVER. Are you looking for a fun and easy way to discover spectacular New Zealand’s scenery? Do you want to spend a great day out with your family or friends? Are you a Hobbit fan and you don’t want to miss any of the famous filming locations? Then, the Hobbit Kayak Tour is for you!

5. Wilderness Guides - Day Tours

Excellent
93%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 332 reviews

Wilderness Guides - Day Tours

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!

6. Rosco's Milford Kayaks

Excellent
87%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 793 reviews

Rosco's Milford Kayaks

Want to kayak Milford Sound? Roscos Milford Kayaks is the longest owner operated sea kayaking business in New Zealand and great value too! First time paddler or pro, we’ve got a Milford Sound kayaking experience to suit just about anyone! Try 'Rosco's Original' Milford Sound Kayak Trip - Sunriser Classic - paddling the loop of Milford Sound, right through to, the 'Kayak Kombo', Rosco’s ultimate experience where you kayak and you get a Milford Track walk adventure included. The choice is yours and your trip will most certainly be one you will remember!

7. Franz Josef Wilderness Tours

Excellent
92%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 641 reviews

Franz Josef Wilderness Tours

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!

8. Akaroa Guided Kayak Safari

Excellent
94%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 616 reviews

Akaroa Guided Kayak Safari

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!

9. R&R Kayaks

Excellent
91%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 301 reviews

R&R Kayaks

We are a genuine small family owned and operated sea kayaking company in the Abel Tasman National Park. We offer half day - multi day guided tours and kayak rentals. R&R Kayaks is located in Marahau, the gateway to the famous Abel Tasman.

10. Waka Abel Tasman

Excellent
99%
Good
1%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 173 reviews

Waka Abel Tasman

Ideal for everyone including families with young children, paddle along the coast to Split Apple Rock – Toka Ngawha. It's an easy, two-hour return trip, and by the end you'll understand how empowering membership of a waka crew can be. Bookings are required and we offer discounts for groups.

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