Private Tour
Glenorchy Island Safari departing Queenstown
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Come and enjoy a kayaking tour to a wildlife sanctuary not able to be accessed by the general public. Unless you have a kayak in your back pocket, you will not be able to access Pigeon Island. These Islands are fantastic places with wildlife, beaches surrounded by mountains, and away from the crowds
Additional Info
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
All participants must be able to speak English
Not suitable for children under 8yrs old
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
After a full safety and equipment briefing on a secluded beach, we kayak across Lake Wakatipu to Pigeon Island. A bird sanctuary in the heart of the Southern Alps. We stop on the beach for morning/afternoon tea and a short walk where we hopefully see some of the flightless birds that call the island their home, before paddling back along the wild shorelines overlooked by glaciers crowding the mountain peaks.
What‘s Included
Cake and a hot drink
Guide
Options
Glenorchy Island Safari departing Queenstown
Reviews
9 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great
Vacation50803869179,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience! Great guide. Highly recommend.
Gorgeous trip!!
580maevelyns,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The guide was so friendly and very engaging!! Beautiful sights and super cute weka birds.
Expert Guide
brettscranton,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Marcus was amazing, .. offering expert kayaking operations and safety tips, interesting history of the glacier, lake, wildlife and vegetation, but more so was extraordinary with his hospitality, vast life experience and overall customer care. The lake was out of this world with its milky turquoise glacier flour, glass smooth surface, offering a once in a lifetime joyful trek. Cannot recommend this tour company enough.
Great experience :)
Victoria R,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing views and the host was great, the car ride to glenorchy was a good opportunity to see more of Queenstowns scenery and the kayaking was easy to pick up!
Relaxing and beautiful kayak trip
Erin F,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a low key relaxing activity that brings you to a beautiful spot and gets you on the water. Everything was well organized. Safety measures were reviewed and Marcus was an excellent guide. We thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon. Even got up close to several Wekas on the island.
Great experience for families esp with younger kids
SirSilloo,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I cannot say enough positive things about this. Rippled Earth is a small business set up in Queenstown managed by Sam. We were 9 individuals in our group and Sam and his team went above and beyond to pick us up from our hotel and took us for a kayaking trip to Pigeon Island. The guides were knowledgeable and friendly. Highly recommend this especially if you are with younger children.
A nice way to spend a Morning
ShireAlan,Mar 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A nice way to see another part of Queenstown. Not a long paddle but very scenic. The guide was very helpful and informative.
Great Experience
racava,Feb 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The weather was perfect (sunny and no wind), so kayaking to and from Pigeon Island was a dream. Our guide, Amanda, was informative and professional as well as very personable. Totally recommend this activity if you are looking for some serenity and relaxation close to Queenstown.
Fun excursion
srinivasum2019,Jan 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Went as a family of 6 with 4 kids aging from 11-16. Was a fun experience to have the lake to ourselves and kayak to the island. We were picked up from Queenstown and the road is windy and bumpy but has great views. The owner and guide were very patient and I would highly recommend the trip
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Operated by Rippled Earth Ltd