If any of the above words describe the activity you and your group are looking for, then a Glowworm kayaking tour is for you.

This is a truly unique experience; while you can see glow worms elsewhere in New Zealand, and you can sea kayak in many places around the world, this is the only place where the two come together for a magical and truly unique experience. This glow worm kayaking tour is great fun with great snacks, beautiful views, fantastic birds and incredible fireflies.

Enjoy delicious drinks on the shores of Lake McLaren. Our kayak guides will prepare and teach you how to kayak efficiently before sending you out on beautiful Lake McLaren at dusk to kayak to the mysterious Firefly Canyon.

The glowworms are located in a narrow canyon with high slopes at the top of the lake, not in a cave, so our kayaking tour only leaves once a day before sunset, so when we reach the glowworm canyon it’s already completely dark, just right for the best view of the glowworms.

You may have tried kayaking before, but you probably haven’t kayaked at night (we provide headlamps) and certainly haven’t kayaked in the dark to see firefly constellations. This is a fully guided kayaking tour where our professional guides will lead your group and provide a fascinating and informative brief about the life cycle and characteristics of the New Zealand mushroom mosquito (firefly).

The post Evening kayaking excursion with Tauranga firefly appeared first on Seakayaktours.

KAYAK

There are many different types of kayaks available, and you want to make sure that the one you have is suitable for your trip. For example, if you’re planning a casual family day paddling around a beautiful, quiet lake, you probably don’t need a lightweight, easily maneuverable sport kayak that’s better suited to shooting through river rapids – you’ll be much safer and more relaxed in a larger, more stable kayak like an inflatable tandem raft.

PADDLE

Paddles also come in different shapes and sizes. However, in most cases, if you can hold it comfortably and it guides you through the water, it will do the job. If you have a paddle without handles and you are going on a challenging kayaking trip, you might consider bringing comfortable gloves; this should avoid blisters and reduce the amount of slipping on the paddle. If you’re going kayaking in a group, you should consider bringing an extra paddle or two in case someone snags their paddle on a bad rock, drops it while taking a picture, or it gets stolen while jumping a bird – you never know.

If you are prone to freezing fingers, it might be a good idea to buy a carbon fiber paddle as it does not get cold like cheaper aluminum ones. It is also advisable to check whether your paddle floats, because in some cases it is advisable to tie it to the kayak with a short elastic rope. This is more suitable for white water mountain adventures where losing the paddle is bad news. In most cases, if the paddle floats, you are likely to get it back.

LIFE JACKET

No matter what kind of family rafting or extreme kayaking adventure you’re planning, and no matter where it is, you need a life jacket. In New Zealand, you never know when the weather will change, and even a quiet lake or shallow river can be dangerous if something goes wrong. When it comes to life jackets (or personal flotation devices), it’s important to check that they stay on when you’re actually in the water. The most common problem (especially on family kayaking trips with kids) is life jackets that are too big and loose, which can slip off your shoulders. Simply check before you go that your life jacket (and children’s) fits snugly around your chest but is not suffocating. Make sure it is also comfortable. Ideally, you should not even notice that you are wearing it.

HELMET

When kayaking on New Zealand rivers, a helmet can be a real lifesaver. This doesn’t just apply to advanced and experienced river kayaking, because even on calm family rafting trips there is always a (very small) risk that nature will throw some variables at you. Just like your life jacket, make sure that the helmet straps on your chin strap are tight but not suffocating. More importantly, it should remain the same no matter what sudden movements or objects it’s exposed to – try it on land by shaking your head from side to side.

The post Kayaking for beginners in New Zealand – necessary equipment appeared first on Seakayaktours.

Can you kayak in cold weather?

Even though many tour operators close for several months during the winter months (June to September), kayaking is still quite possible and there are many that remain open.

Most canoeing, rafting, and kayaking tour operators will provide you with everything you need to stay warm and dry if you are kayaking in the cold. Think wetsuits, boots, gloves, paddle jackets, dry pants, and fully enclosed kayaks. It sounds like a lot of gear, but trust us, kayaking in New Zealand can get cold, especially on the South Island.

What kind of shoes do you wear when kayaking?

It’s best to wear neoprene paddling boots because they are lightweight and protect the bottom of your feet. However, it all depends on your location. If you’re in the subtropical north and only get out of the kayak to walk on a sandy beach, you’ll probably be fine barefoot.

If you need special footwear, such as waterproof boots for rafting the South Island River in winter, your tour provider will help with that.

The post How safe is sea kayaking? appeared first on Seakayaktours.

The best time to go kayaking in New Zealand depends on many factors such as weather, seasonality and personal preferences. In winter (through the winter) the waters can be cool, but it can also be a great time to visit mountain lakes or the coast. In spring and autumn, the weather gets warmer and you can enjoy the vibrant colors of nature that bloom around you. Summer, of course, is the most popular time for kayaking, when warm water and clear skies provide ideal conditions for outdoor activities.

The country offers a variety of places for kayaking trips. One of the most popular destinations is Fjordland, where you can enjoy huge mountain lakes, waterfalls, and steep cliffs. Kayapo, with its cozy sandy bays and large mountain lakes, is also a great place for kayaking adventures. And, of course, you can’t miss the rivers and canals of the Coromandel Peninsula, where you can feel the real adrenaline on high-speed sections.

When planning a kayaking trip to New Zealand, it’s important to consider not only the time of year but also your own skills and experience. It is always important to keep in mind safety and compliance with all rules and recommendations. We wish you great adventures and vivid impressions during your kayaking trip in New Zealand!

The post When to go kayaking in New Zealand appeared first on Seakayaktours.