See & Do > On the Water > Kayaking

Kayaking

Whether you choose a day trip or a few nights away, guided or independent, you’re in for a treat. Kayakers in the Marlborough Sounds talk of encounters with dolphins, fur seals and even orca on their seasonal migration.

Kayak rentals are available for those who want the freedom to explore where and when they want.

Planning

For the best information, get in touch with one of the companies below. Kayak rental businesses can help you plan your trip, and can advise on the best route depending on weather conditions and your abilities, and will ensure that beginners have a good grounding in kayak safety before setting off.

Guided Kayaking

A guided kayak trip provides an entirely different experience to kayaking.
Guided kayaking allows you to enjoy the beautiful surroundings more, and not stress about getting lost, or wondering if you've packed enough supplies.

Guides know the best spots to visit, and provide informative and interesting commentary on the areas you are paddling and the history of the area. Join a trip in the Marlborough Sounds from Picton, or on an inflatible river kayak trip near Havelock, or discover an array of bidlife on a tour of Wairau Lagoon.

Choose a guided kayak tour anywhere from 2 hours to 4+ days

Just one day

There are plenty of great day kayak trips you can do, perhaps visiting Governors Bay (7km from Picton) and Ngaukuta (8km from Picton), or paddling three hours to Pipi Beach from Havelock.

Multi day trips

In the inner Pelorus, you could kayak from Havelock to Pipi Beach (3 hours, 15km), Pipi Beach to Nydia Bay (3hours, 8km), Nydia Bay to Jacobs Bay (2hours, 9.5km) and Jacobs Bay to Tawero Point. (1-2hours, 6km).

Or head out from Waikawa to Ngaruru Bay to camp, going from there to the Perano Whaling Station and back to Ngaruru for another night. On your third day, either return direct to Waikawa or spend another night out, stopping at Ratimera Bay for the night.