Kayaking in New ZealandFantastic Kayaking for All Abilities on Sea, Lakes and Rivers!
I rarely kayak now, although my husband suffers withdrawal symptons if he has not been out on the water for a couple of weeks! We started with a group of like minded friends........and went kayaking every Sunday for three years in and around Auckland, and other parts of the North Island occasionally. We managed to go somewhere different every single Sunday! With so many rivers, lakes and two harbours Auckland is surrounded by water. But that is fairly typical of New Zealand in general, and there are some magnificent places for kayaking. I am generally talking about scenic kayaking........rather than the more specialised white water kayaking for only the most hardy and experienced kayakers. Have you had an interesting kayaking experience? We would love to read about it! Or perhaps you want to review some accommodation or a restaurant that you tried and really enjoyed.Do share it. Please CLICK HERE and tell us about YOUR Kayaking Story, or Reviews and Photos Kayak Holiday Hire
Many holiday locations have kayaks for hire. There is nothing nicer than to kayaking in New Zealand bays and inlets getting views of bush, birds and remote areas that you would never see except from the water. You can opt for
Kayaking in NorthlandMy most memorable kayaking in New Zealand was in Northland. We were paddling around the rocky coastline from Mimiwhangata, a beautiful, pristine area not far from Whangarei. Suddenly a pod of dolphins popped up amongst us. After cruising with us a little....... they dived and were off again. There are literally dozens of lovely kayaks in Northland. Paihia in the Bay of Islands has kayaks for hire and a paddle up to
Auckland KayakingKayaking in New Zealand cities can involve sea, river and lake paddles.In Auckland you can kayak round the dozens of bays and beaches, and out to the Hauraki Gulf Islands..........though I recommend this in a guided group tour.You have the East Coast Bays on the North Shore, Whangaparoa, Eastern Bays in Auckland city and extending out to Howick.
Fergs Kayaks on the Auckland Waterfront hire out kayaks.
There are some lovely spots on the Manakau Harbour. While a little north of Auckland you can do either a guided tour, or just Hire at Puhoi River Canoes The kayak down the Puhoi river takes you to the coastal beach of Wenderholme which is a beautiful spot.
Kayaking in New Zealand - Central North IslandFurther south there are the Rotorua Lakes – Lake Rotorua, Lake Rotoiti, Lake Okataina,Lake Okareka with kayaks for hire from several different places. The Landing at Lake Tarawera is another lovely kayaking destination.Do ask about conditions on the day and get advice from the locals. Kayaking in New Zealand lakes is quite different to the sea or rivers, and while they may not be as rough, they are cold, and if it is windy it may not be suitable. Lake Orakei Korako is fascinating as you see the thermal activity as you paddle along, the pumice bobbing in the water beside you. Tauranga Harbour is another good kayak adventure destination.
Kayaking in New Zealand at Lake TaupoAt Lake Taupo, you can do guided or independent kayak tours to the Maori Rock Carvings, and around some of the lake's bays.I can't list all the possible kayaking spots, but there is an excellent book Sea Kayaker's Guide to the Upper North Island with detailed information of the many North Island kayaks.
Canoe and Kayak Tours have several outlets and organise regular kayaking, including an excellent safety course .They organise a selection of guided day tours around the North Island including on Lake Taupo, Mokau River, some white water kayaking on Grade 2 rivers and an extremely popular 5 day kayak down the Whanganui River....a remote, unspoiled, untouched area of New Zealand You can also do guided customised kayaking trips from a day to several days.
I can highly recommend Canoe and Kayak. who are well known experts in anything to do with kayaking in New Zealand My husband is a member..... we have both done the safety course. My husband had an amazing experience on the Whanganui River......they were well organised, well fed, and had a great time.He loved it! South IslandAbel Tasman National Park - Highly RecommendedAnother fantastic personal experience kayaking in New Zealand was a four day kayak in Abel Tasman National Park This is a spectacular park at the top of the South Island .The park is popular for both hiking or tramping, as well as kayaking. There are kayaks ......either single or double....... for hire.If you are confident you can choose to go independently, or you can take one of the many guided sea kayak tours . I suggest you peruse all three of these sites to see the options and prices available. You need to book in advance, including camping spots, as this is one of New Zealand’s most popular National Parks for locals as well as tourists.Glacier Kayaking in Westland and CanterburyKaikoura is great for kayaking and getting up close to fur seals and marine life.Kaikoura Kayaks offer a range of kayak tours.Guided Glacier Kayaks on the West Coast or at Mt Cook are another exciting possibility. Kayak Hire Companies
Recommended Kayaking in New Zealand BookCLICK HERE to go to ADVENTURE TRAVEL CLICK HERE to Return to Home Page and Leave KAYAKING in NEW ZEALAND  Have you enjoyed this site? Sign up for the RSS feed so you are updated when new pages are published. You can share this page with friends by clicking the grey box below.
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