The latter can only be reached on foot or by boat, but let us be the first to say that the hour-long walk there, while gorgeous, is not the most exciting hike in New Zealand. It’s also often packed. Kayaking is the perfect alternative – not only do you get the best views, but you can also break away from the crowd.

Looking for Cathedral Cove kayak rentals? Head over to the Hahei General Store, where you can rent a paddleboard, solo kayak, or tandem kayak for half a day. Otherwise, you’ll want to sign up for a Cathedral Cove kayak tour.

Then again, if you want to avoid the crowds altogether, skip Cathedral Cove and head south to Whangamata, where you can kayak into the center of the lagoon at Whenuakura Wildlife Sanctuary. This place, also known as Donut Island, is only accessible by kayak or paddleboard. Perhaps this is part of the reason why it was a local secret until recently.

The post Kayaking in the Cathedral Bay appeared first on Seakayaktours.

The vast majority of tourists come here to take the classic two-hour boat trip that passes by the famous Mitre Peak, Bridal Veil Falls, and Lady Bowen Falls. But once you’re right on the water, you’ll be able to spot rare Fjordland crested penguins, seals, dark dolphins and bottlenose dolphins.

Both Milford Sound and neighboring Doubtful Sound are worth the time, effort and money to visit. Although you may have a harder time finding a kayak rental in Milford Sound, there is no shortage of kayak tours in Milford Sound, but you should book them in advance and remember that tours are highly weather dependent.

Best Kayak Rentals and Tours in Milford Sound

• Roscoe’s Milford Kayaks: Known as the “Mayor of Milford,” owner-operator Roscoe has been leading tours of Milford Sound for nearly 30 years. He runs half-day and full-day tours that can be combined with a Milford or Milford Track cruise.
• Go Orange : in 2020, Go Orange won the Fiordland Operator of the Year award, in particular for its four-hour kayak tour departing from Deepwater Basin.

The post Kayaking in Milford Sound appeared first on Seakayaktours.

If you’re near an ocean, lake or river, which accurately describes most of the country, you’ll have no trouble finding a kayaking equipment supplier or tour operator nearby. This is especially true if you’re traveling to a water sports mecca such as Abel Tasman National Park, Kaikoura, Marlborough Sounds, Milford Sound, Coromandel, or the Bay of Islands.

Every summer there are one or three articles in the news with incredible footage of kayakers paddling right next to killer whales off the coast of New Zealand.

But while humpback whales, blue whales, and countless species of dolphins can be found year-round, seeing killer whales up close is far from normal. Few, if any, outdoor equipment providers in the country will advertise or sell tours based on the possibility of seeing killer whales. Instead, you’re more likely to find tours that will increase your chances of getting up close and personal with fur seals, penguins, or dolphins. Below are the best regions to look for:

Hauraki Gulf

You don’t have to travel far from the country’s largest city to find whales – in fact, you don’t have to leave Auckland at all. With its vast protected marine areas, the Hauraki Gulf is one of the best places to sea kayak in New Zealand. It is home to more than 20 species of marine mammals, including Bryde’s whales. This is one of the few places in the world where you can find them in shallow water all year round.

Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands, located about three hours north of Auckland, is known for its secluded islands, turquoise waters, rich Maori culture, and wildlife watching opportunities. Thanks to its protected waters and subtropical climate, it is home to about 500 dolphins, as well as killer whales and long-finned whales. There are also more than 144 islands to explore, with most boat and kayak tours departing from the port city of Peihia.

The sounds of Marlborough

If you have traveled by ferry from the North Island to the Sound Island, you have arrived in Marlborough Sounds. Many foreign tourists will simply stop for a drink in this wine region before moving on, but they are missing out. Whales and even killer whales penetrate the Sounds on their migration routes, and dolphins and stingrays can be spotted at any time of year.

Kaikoura

Just 2.5 hours north of Christchurch is one of the best whale watching and kayaking spots in the country. Do you remember that video a few years ago where a seal hit a kayaker with an octopus? It was filmed here. Although you’re unlikely to get a tentacle to your face, there’s a good chance you’ll be joined on your paddle by the area’s moody dolphins, penguins, or fur seals.

The post Where to kayak with orcas in New Zealand appeared first on Seakayaktours.