Kayaking comes in many forms, from relaxing and cruising around the coast to the andrenallin rush of dropping off waterfalls. There is even the long-distance endurance like Kiwi kayaker Scott Donaldson who accomplished (02/07/2018) kayaking from Australia to New Zealand!! Epic.. New Zealand has it all and everything in between.
With the stunning vista of the Able Tasman to the serenity the Bay of Islands offers, being able to enjoy the water with true peace is something else.
If you are into fishing - personally I have enjoyed my best fishing off a kayak. Paddling out before dawn, not a ripple on the water, no sounds but the lapping of your paddle through the water, watching the sun rise while sitting in the middle of an ocean. You've got to be there.
Kayaking really is one of the best ways to explore New Zealand's coast line, giving you freedom that other water craft does not allow with the ability to go places that are just not possible with a a motor.
Many of New Zealand's beaches are suitable for exploring via a kayak, they are light to travel with, and tough to navigate through the rocky shore lines, you can even get pump up kayaks that fit in your bag.
If you love the water and want to go adventuring on a budget, then this could be the way to do it.
There is also many Kayak hire places throughout the country, we will link to them as we go - but just as a reference here a couple of top rated spots.
Some of the Top Spots in NZ
- Abel Tasman
- Lake Taupo
- Lake McLaren
- Whanganui River
- Milford Sound
- Goat Island
- Marlborough Sound
- Bay of Islands
- Cathedral Cove
- Whakatane
- Akaroa
- The Avon River
- Kaikorua
Some of the Top Spots in Auckland
- Browns Island
- Rangitoto Island
- Motutapu Island
- Motuihe Island
- Tiritiri Matangi Island
- Kawau Island
- Waiheke Island