Where to Find Unreal Kayaking in New Zealand

As if you needed another reason to add the country to your bucket list, you can find some incredible kayaking in New Zealand. Whether you’re visiting the North or South Island (or both!) you’ll find some epic opportunities to see the country’s renowned natural landscapes, marine life, and even some glow worm caves from your kayak.

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Epic kayaking in New Zealand (North Island)

There are a billion places to go kayaking in New Zealand, but I always recommend checking BookMe for discounts!

Māori Rock - Lake Taupo

Lake Taupō is the largest freshwater lake in Australasia, and has one of the coolest rock carvings I’ve ever seen. We rented our kayaks from Taupo Kayaking Adventures, and they’re relatively close to the big attraction – the Māori Rock Carving. It took us about 2 hours, but we booked the kayaks for a “half day” (4 hours) just so we didn’t feel rushed.

You can also take a little boat tour over here, but kayaking is totally the way to go because you can get up close and take your time! We chilled with some snacks because we were the only people there, so we were able to just take it all in.

So Insta-worthy. Check out my Reel about it for the full vibe!

Donut Island - Whangamata/Coromandel

Are you really kayaking in New Zealand if it doesn’t involve volcanic rock? Donut island is rising in popularity so get here before it gets too busy! It’s so stunning that I can’t imagine it’ll stay on the low for much longer.

Sea Kayak & Hike - Auckland (Rangitoto)

Ranitoto is a dormant volcano just off the coast of Auckland CBD. You can take the ferry over and hike up to the crater, which is already one of my fave Auckland activities. But if you’re more outdoorsy and looking for a full body workout, you can sea kayak from the city and hike to the summit in one day!

Sunset/Night Kayak - Auckland (Rangitoto)

Kayaking over at sunset is absolutely magical! You won’t get to hike up to the summit of the volcano, but you’ll see the city lights start to twinkle across the iconic Auckland skyline. This is a lesser-known activity, and best if you have some kayaking experience and upper-body strength, because the journey over isn’t short!

Evening Glow Worm Kayak - Tauranga

Glow worms are super unique to New Zealand, and the North Island is the best place to see them! Sure, you could crawl through a cave, but you may prefer to see these weird little glowing guys in the open air. At the time of writing, this experience was 40% off on BookMe. Always check this platform for good deals!

Steaming Cliffs Kayaking - Waimangu Valley

One of my favourite things about New Zealand is all the cool geothermal stuff! It’s so unique and makes you realize how insane our Earth is. Like seriously, what is it even up to? Exploring the volcanic valley by kayak gives you such a unique perspective, and this is a situation where it’s great to have a nerdy guide who can teach you all about the geography.

Kaituna River Rafting - Rotorua

Okay FINE, this isn’t kayaking in New Zealand, but it’s so fun I had to include it anyway. This is one activity that I literally recommend to everyone who visits. You get to plummet down the “world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall.” Tutea Falls is 7 metres high and a bit scary to face, but so rewarding when you’re on the other side!

Lake Rotoiti - for the ultimate kayaking in New Zealand experience

There’s this incredible opportunity to go kayaking beneath the stars. And into a glow worm cave! And into some hot pools! That’s like, the New Zealand trifecta. At the time of writing, this was 25% off on BookMe.

The 5-Day Whanganui River Journey

This is on a whole other level, but I had to include it on the list because it’s an incredible way to go kayaking in New Zealand! This is often grouped in with the country’s list of Great Walks, but you’ll spend most of the time in the boat, obviously. If you’re keen to take on this kayaking challenging, you’ll need to book well in advance through the Department of Conservation.

Epic kayaking in New Zealand (South Island)

Milford Sound for the most picturesque kayaking in New Zealand

Milford Sound might be the most iconic, beautiful, other-worldly place to go kayaking in New Zealand. It’s a true must-do activity and something to add to your bucket list! Most people just hop on one of the short cruises around the fjords, which is totally cool, but kayaking? The dream. I didn’t do this when I was down there for the Milford Track, but this is experience is at the top of my list the next time I’m in the Queenstown area.

Kayaking in New Zealand with Dolphins - Kaikoura

See dolphins, seals, and maybe even penguins! We booked this tour at the last minute in the middle of the week and ended up being the only people on the tour! Better yet, we got to kayak with several pods of dolphins who were all out there having an absolute party. Doin’ flips and everything. It was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever done, so do it do it do it do it! Insta post or it didn’t happen.

Kayaking with Dolphins at Sunset - Kaikoura

Same same as above, but in the golden light of a setting sun. I’m definitely a sunset gal, but I made an exception in Kaikoura and got up at an ungodly hour to watch the sunrise. And regret nothing, it was amaze. If you can find a sunrise kayaking tour, definitely do that! Best of both worlds.

Sea Kayaking in New Zealand - Akaroa

Akaroa is a super accessible kayaking and wildlife spotting destination if you’re visiting Christchurch, because it’s just a little over an hour away. Just like in Kaikoura, you’re likely to see dolphins and seals here, as well as cool volcanic rock formations and caves! I usually like having my own kayak, but going tandem means you can go at super speed.

One of these options also has a 4WD portion of the journey because… why not?

Kayaking Lake Mapourika - Franz Josef

The Franz Josef glacier is so cool because it’s in a rainforest – which seems impossible, no? But it IS possible, and it’s something amazing to see. I’d only kayak here if you’re comfortable in the cold, but the epic mountain views will be well worth it. You can always go for a dip in the Waiho Hot Tubs when you’re back on dry land to warm your soul.

River Canoeing - Queenstown

Ok, so another one that’s made the list that isn’t kayaking. But I’m Canadian so I have to give an honourable mention to the canoe! Even though this isn’t a real canoe… whatever. Mount Aspiring National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you’ll get to paddle your way across crystal clear glacial waters surrounded by mountains. There’s also a jet boat portion to the day to give your arms a rest!