Small group guided sea kayaking in Akaroa marine reserve
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Our Guided Kayak Safari is a great way to spend your time in amazing Akaroa! This is a once in a lifetime chance to paddle through a marine reserve in an extinct volcano basin. Take in breath-taking scenery and witness amazing geology that is unique to the area. You may have chance sightings of some of the most endangered marine life on the planet including Hector Dolphins, White-flippered penguins, and native sea birds which reside in Akaroa Harbour. All of this is only 80 minutes from Christchurch!
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 local kayak/nature guide. Close encounters. No noise, No engines, No crowds, No pollution. So come and join us! Explore, Experience and Enjoy!
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
You must be able to get in and out of your kayak unassisted.
Operates During summer months September-May
A maximum of 17 people per booking
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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!
What‘s Included
Local guide
All kayaking equipment including spray skirts and jackets
Local taxes
Gratuities
Transportation to/from attractions
Snacks
Options
Crater Cruiser Safari
3 hour guided kayak Safari , follow the volcanic trail through the flooded crater while learning about the area and searching for wildlife with your local knowledgeable guide.
Reviews
116 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Lots of wildlife
alexandrarX8480RO,,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very accommodating and kind people! Louan was a great guide and very knowledgeable, we were able to see lots of wildlife
Sea kayaking
A5678HXsaraj,,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience, such a relaxing way to see Akaroa. A perfect day, calm water and going into the tunnel was a cool experience. Max was a great guide, lots of fun.
Memorable tour except for a few hiccups!
Vijay M,,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Let me start by saying that we were genuinely excited for this tour and, overall, we did enjoy the experience — largely thanks to the wonderful guides. Ours was a kind young French gentleman named “Luan” (I hope I’ve got his name right). The beginning of the day was a little stressful, though. While we were driving over and running slightly late and informed them our ETA was 11:41, we were told rather curtly via chat by Allie Loader that we would miss the tour if we didn’t arrive by 11:40 for the 11:45 departure. We ended up driving like maniacs and arrived at 11:38, only to be greeted by a warm and friendly gentleman who even helped us park. From that point on, everything moved at a very relaxed pace, which left us a bit confused about why we were made to feel so rushed and anxious - especially considering we’d also been asked to rebook to an earlier 7:30am slot (which wasn’t feasible for us due to the distance), and the launch location had been changed from Akaroa Bay to Takamatua Bay. Despite this, the tour itself was still very enjoyable, once again thanks to the guide’s infectious enthusiasm and professionalism though the kayaking was more physically demanding than we had anticipated. He was incredibly friendly and helpful, staying close to me and my 13-year-old to make sure we felt comfortable and confident the whole way. Although we didn’t spot much wildlife, he more than made up for it with fascinating marine biology facts, Māori legends, and even seaweed recipe ideas, which we really enjoyed. Another downside near the end was being rather rudely honked at by someone we believe was part of the operator’s family, who had arrived in their own car and later appeared to be directing the guides on what to do with the kayaks. These were relatively minor issues in the grand scheme of things, but they did slightly detract from what was otherwise a really positive and memorable experience.
Family fun
alisoncS8757XK,,Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome trip, Max was our guide and pointed out cool caves and features, we all had a great time, would recommend, the water was very calm, perfect early morning trip
Excellent Sunset Paddle
Alexandra A,,May 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great paddle with Adam, who was very knowledgeable about the geography and history of the area and pointed out lots of birds and rock formations. The harbor was beautiful!
Fun and informative way to explore stunning volcanic coastline and see local wildlife!
Stefan C,,Apr 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Strongly recommend! A highlight of my trip to picturesque Akaroa — our guide Adam was fantastic, offering knowledgeable commentary on the history and geology of the area and pointing out the varied wildlife all throughout a beautiful coastline-hugging loop. Very safety-conscious and really went out of his way to ensure everyone was enjoying themselves in terms of paddling pace and opportunities for photos. Thanks Adam!
Great kayaking experience
jordanng2025,,Apr 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Adam took us out for a kayak today and we had an awesome time checking out the bay! He knows his stuff about Akaroa which was good to learn but we also had many laughs along the way. Definitely recommended 👌
Great tour, super guide!
BasiliusJ,,Apr 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic tour with a wonderful guide, Adam. I got great explenations for the nature of the bay ad Akaroa. Very scenic view over the landscape.
Brilliant day
Linda B,,Mar 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing time kayaking in Akaroa today! It was my husband, my parents (in their 70s), and me, and we all had a blast. Our guide, William, was excellent—so knowledgeable, patient, and fun. He gave great advice, made us feel completely at ease, and provided top-notch service. The scenery was stunning, and the whole experience was well-organized and enjoyable. We couldn’t have asked for a better day on the water. Highly recommend this tour for all ages and abilities. Thank you, William, for making it such a memorable adventure!
Great experience!
samdX6198DC,,Mar 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience, amazing views, lucky enough to spot a dolphin and a lot of birds! Thanks very much to our very friendly guide Will!
From NZ$135.00
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