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
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
What‘s Included
Local knowledgeable Guide
All kayaking equipment including spray skirts and jackets
Kayak safari
Transport to/from attractions
Gratuities
Snacks
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
Reviews
159 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Kayaking in harbour
Riley D,
Mar 19, 2025
- 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
- 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.
Dolphins!
KellyCoach,
Jan 23, 2025
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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! 👌
A beautiful afternoon on the water
mang0eric,
Oct 6, 2024
- Tripadvisor
5.00Allie & Greville are the best. They made sure we had a memorable time, and took great care of us. Being out on the water is delightful.
Akaroa Rocks
M7335MBmichellel,
Sep 19, 2024
- Tripadvisor
5.00Grev was an awesome guide - unfortunately no wildlife however it was still a fun time and Grev was very knowledgeable. Will definitely recommend to others!
Awesome day on the water
Joseph F,
Feb 27, 2024
- Viator
5.00John was a great guide. Sights were amazing. He shared local knowledge and assisted less abled members of our group without drawing undue attention.
Great tour and fun!
Dorothy N,
Feb 17, 2024
- Viator
5.00This was a great tour. Allie was very kind and worked with us even when the ship’s tenders were late. John was our tour guide and was very patient and informative. Good for beginners and experienced kayakers. Had a wonderful time!!
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