Available languages
7 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Experience the beauty and seclusion of the Marlborough Sounds on a full day small group guided sea kayak tour. Your tour takes in the western end of the Queen Charlotte Sound with its sheltered coves, beautiful beaches, azure blue waters and lush native bush. You will stop at a secluded beach for a delicious lunch. Learn about the history of the area from your knowledgeable, relaxed and friendly guides.
Your guide will be with you for the day to answer questions, share pearls of wisdom and ensure your comfort and wellbeing. Depending on the weather, we will vary our route each day to take advantage of sea breezes at our back - we don't follow an enforced plan which enables us to cater for all abilities on the day.
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult (minimum age of children to participate is 8 years old)
A minimum of 2 people per departure time is required. If you are a solo traveler, please contact our office for availability
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Local guide
Lunch
All necessary equipment provided inc. drybag for small camera or phone
After a detailed safety briefing, we set off on a great day's adventure. Your guide will be with you for the day to answer questions, share pearls of wisdom and ensure your comfort and wellbeing. Depending on the weather, we will vary our route each day to take advantage of sea breezes at our back - we don't follow an enforced plan which enables us to cater for all abilities on the day. On any given day, you have a good chance of seeing sting rays and eagle rays, a huge variety of sea birds including cormorants and sometimes little blue penguins, seals, huge starfish and if we are lucky, even dolphins. And, don't forget lunch - we love our food and you'll be impressed at what goodies we can produce from out of the kayaks! Without a doubt, the best kayaking lunch on offer in the Marlborough Sounds and what's more, it is all sourced and made locally so you are truly supporting the local economy. Our quality kayaks are stable, durable and designed and made in New Zealand for our unique conditions. As part of your trip, we supply you with buoyancy, aids, spray decks, paddle jackets, paddles, dry bags for your gear (including small camera dry bags)
24 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Rita M,
Mar 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
It was a great paddle! Glenn was very informative about the trees, birds and sea life. The equipment was good. We had a lovely day!



Cynthia P,
Jan 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
This was amazing! Kayla was our guide but all the staff was great. Plenty of up front training (I'm not an experienced kayaker) and then wonderful time on the water. Great lunch, too! Loved seeing the smacks of jelly fish and all the sting rays. I'd recommend for everyone!
Catherine B,
May 12, 2023
- Review from Viator
Jamie was a highly knowledgeable and entertaining guide. We went in winter and got to see seals, hector dolphins, eagle rays, falcons and more it was incredible. Super easy, delicious lunch, he even had a kettle to warm us up with coffee. Highly recommend going in the quieter months, there is so much more to see.





resortgoer,
Feb 15, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
Wow, what an amazing experience. Wilderness Guides were fabulous. Everything was organised.. Jake our guide was professional, knowledgeable and made sure all our needs we met.. we could not have had a better time thanks to him. The accommodation and food was great and we had the best weather to hike and kayak through the Queen Charlotte Pass. Thanks to the whole team at Wilderness Guides for a wonderful experience.






Rosina M,
Feb 21, 2022
- Review from Viator
We traveled from the north island for this experience. Our trip was cancelled at 9.30pm night before leaving us no time to find another operator. Poor service as far as we are concerned.
Brigid W,
Jan 19, 2022
- Review from Viator
The scenery and wildlife were amazing and the day was so much fun. Our guide really knew his stuff and was extremely knowledgeable of the area. The day was paced to suit needs with safety and enjoyment being paramount. This was a lovely experience all round and highly recommend.
heterophonies,
Nov 29, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
Had a fantastic day kayaking around the Sounds - Sean (Shaun?) was a brilliant guide with extensive knowledge of the local history and wildlife. Best way to explore the area, worth every cent
ASymister,
Sep 2, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
Kayaking in the Marlborough Sounds was the absolute highlight of our weekend trip to Picton. Martyn was our amazing guide who knew alot about the history of the sounds, plant life and wildlife. He tailored the 1-day guided tour to suit how adventurous we wanted to make it and we couldn't have asked for anything or anyone better. We would recommend this experience to anyone who visits Picton, it definitely opened our eyes to how beautiful the area is and how lucky we are to see it from this perspective.
curley001,
Mar 9, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
Can't recommend these guys enough. Booking was done online quick & easy. On the day of our booking the weather was not the best, no dramas we could go, reschedule or a full refund was offered. We went the next morning and had a wonderful time. Our guide Jenna was so passionate and knowledgeable about Picton and the Sounds. She explained everything about the wildlife and fauna and took us to some lovely bays. Where we saw a school of stingrays, a seal sunbaking and the infamous tree penguins. If in Picton this is a must for everyone even for beginners
371ellya,
Feb 17, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
Kayaking in the Queen Charlotte Sound for a day guided by George was the highlight of our time in Marlborough Sound. George was a fantastic guide and the area was just stunning. Highly recommended
Operated by Wilderness Guides