Shore Excursion Guided Sea Kayaking through Akaroa Marine Reserve
Overview
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Join one of the best kayak adventures in New Zealand, jump into a safe stable NZ made sea kayak and follow our local guides as we take you on a spectacular tour through an untouched marine reserve which now exists in a flooded volcanic crater from millions of years ago. The geology and scenery will blow your mind during this intimate sea-kayaking safari. Paddle along through the clear turqouise waters of the pacific, you get the feeling you are in a postcard! Your guide will keep watch for sightings of native New Zealand marine and bird life including Hector dolphins, white flippered penguins and NZ fur seals. Did we mention this is a bird watching paradise? We travel in small groups to ensure we have zero impact on the environment. You can rest easy knowing you have booked the most environmentally sensitive tour in the harbour. Soak up the serenity of this little slice of paradise and this activity is often voted the highlight of a NZ holiday!
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Minimum age is 10 years
What To Expect
Akaroa Guided Kayak Safari
Our Guided Sea Kayak Safari's take place in beautiful Akaroa- this is one of the best locations to sea kayak in NZ! Join us for a once in a lifetime opportunity to paddle through a marine reserve in an extinct volcano basin. Highlights include jaw dropping scenery, amazing geology that is unique to the area and the chance to see some of the most endangered marine life on the planet including Hector Dolphins, White-flipper penguins, NZ fur seals and native sea birds..Small group numbers are key as we are visiting fragile, pristine, and relatively undisturbed natural areas, enjoy exploring this marine reserve in a low-impact and environmentally responsible way with your own nature/kayak guide answering all of your questions along the way while keeping you safe on the water.. Close encounters. No noise, No engines, No crowds, No pollution. So come and join us! Explore, Experience and Enjoy! Paradise awaits only 80 minutes from Christchurch!
Options
Shore Excursion Guided Sea Kayaking through Akaroa Marine Reserve
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Local knowledgeable Guide
All kayaking equipment including spray skirts and jackets
Kayak safari
Transport to/from attractions
Gratuities
Snacks
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Reviews
161 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing, would recommend to anyone
NorthStar68109168520,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were lucky enough to have amazing weather and the guide was very interesting to talk to and learn from
Tour guide Max was awesome
DonorKebab2022,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We just did the 3pm tour - Max was awesome! Experienced , excellent facts and funny stories. Esp the one about the flying potato! Highly recommend.
Abandon all concern, ye who enter
tomjB8532QJ,Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Arr me harties and let me tell ye landlubbers a tall tale of the gem of Bank’s Peninsula- Akaroa Bay. ‘Twas a clear day, the sea turquoise as a turtle’s back and the sky a deep blue like an asthmatic’s lips. Arr Navigator Max, heart of iron and hair of straw prepared us to set sail. ‘Tis no subtle feat braving these volcanic waters recalled he, an’ we were soon fit ‘n primed for the oncoming voyage, and any mishaps we may encounter. Hatches battened and eyepatches firmly affixed we casted off into the unknown. Hearts in mouths but bellies calm for we knew this Yankee sea dog had no doubt in his bones. From there it was smooth sailing on the glassy seas. All question was swept o’erboard as this cap’n skilfully sailed the single sea with us, his ragtag crew, in tow. With a mind sharp as a cutlass, he were spottin’ treasures of knowledge wherever he looked and sharing em like a bottle o’ rum on a dark stormy night. From beach, to bay to deep dark cave, we explored all this land had to offer under his watchful eye. All in all ‘twas a fine voyage worth its weight in gold, full o’ cheer an’ good company. 10/10 and a mighty thanks to cap’n Max
Kayaking in harbour
Riley D,Mar 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great time kayaking! Thomas and Jack were very knowledgeable and friendly. We saw some hector dolphins. This tour is of the harbour and does not go to the marine reserve, so it’s a bit shorter of a tour which was what we were looking for.
Beautiful place to kayak
Seaside34658175918,Mar 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great trip. Weather couldn’t have been better and the place is just beautiful. Our two Canadian guides Jack and Dave were great. Friendly and knowledgeable and we learnt a lot of local knowledge. We recommend trying this.
Our Akaroa paddle with a free lesson in local wildlife, history and geology.
367lenm,Mar 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00We had the most ideal morning for kayaking in Akaroa, the sun was out and water was glassy. We wandered along the volcanic shoreline paddling into numerous bays over the top spectacular kelp beds and exploring caves. Our guide Peter was excellent, he pointed out the local bird life, geological features and gave us a bit of a local history lesson whilst we gently paddled along. My wife and I are late sixties and found it easy going and very enjoyable. Probably the only disappointment was lack of sea life, but would still highly recommend giving this experience a go.
Dolphins!
KellyCoach,Jan 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Peter was a great guide for kayaking! Great balance of safety, humor and insights about the region. Saw lots of marine wildlife including dolphins. Great fun!
An unforgettable experience with Hector dolphins!
aliceg42100,Dec 2, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the chance to participate in a kayak trip that allowed us to live an exceptional moment in the heart of nature. Not only was the setting beautiful, but we had the incredible privilege of meeting Hector dolphins up close! These fascinating creatures swam around our kayaks, offering a magical and totally unforgettable spectacle. The team was professional, friendly and very knowledgeable, sharing with us interesting anecdotes about dolphins and the local ecosystem. We highly recommend this excursion to all nature and wildlife lovers. This is an experience not to be missed in Akaroa.
Chill sea kayaking
teillom,Nov 28, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lovely tour. Very peaceful out on the water and lots to see up close. Very friendly and helpful tour guide, Peter, who provided a relaxed vibe and you felt like you were in good hands.
"We're gonna need a bigger boat!" 🦈
Kareem Q,Nov 20, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience! Our guide, Peter from Norwich made it very enjoyable and memorable. He provided us with a nice insight of Akaroa with it's history and some fun facts about the flora and fauna located around the beautiful peninsula. Highly recommend it! 👌
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