Water Sports in New Zealand

Get the inside scoop on the marine life of the Marlborough Sounds during a half-day guided sea kayaking tour. Expect to see a variety of birdlife plus possible sightings of rays, seals, little blue penguins, dolphins, and perhaps even an orca. Setting off from Anakiwa Beach, conveniently situated between Havelock and Picton, you'll paddle with a small group around the Grove Arm of Queen Charlotte Sound.

This kayaking tour is ideal for less-experienced kayakers who still want to get active in New Zealand's great outdoors. It's combined with a guided tour of the military bunkers at North Head, so you'll get a break from paddling. You will be guided in the sheltered waters of Auckland Harbour, and enjoy the views of the city and nature.

Tour the western end of Queen Charlotte Sound on a half-day paddling adventure from Picton. Settle into your sea kayak and follow an expert guide from the waterfront to sheltered coves and remote beaches. Search the waters for eagles rays, cormorants, little blue penguins, New Zealand fur seals and dolphins while you learn about the natural history of the Marlborough Sounds. Numbers are limited to ensure a small-group experience.

Take in the scenery of Lake Taupo during this half-day kayaking tour from Taupo. After a brief paddling lesson, set out in your kayak from Jerusalem Bay. Follow your guide along the shoreline of New Zealand's largest lake to rock cliffs where you can see Maori carvings. Stop at a scenic spot for snacks and an optional swim on a tour that is suitable for all levels of experience.

Go white-water rafting on the Tongariro River on a 2-hour rafting trip that's ideal for families and first-time rafters. Paddle through a series of small, easy-going rapids with an experienced river guide to show you the ropes, then warm up with a warm cup of coffee or tea. This 2-hour tour includes round-trip transport from your hotel in Turangi or Taupo, and is limited to 15 people for a personalized experience. Both morning and afternoon departures are available.

This full-day adventure includes a 'funyak' (inflatable canoe) and jet boat ride on the Dart River, situated amid the untamed beauty of UNESCO-listed Mount Aspiring National Park. Travel by coach from Queenstown to Glenorchy, where you'll speed upriver on a thrilling jet boat before climbing aboard an easy-to-handle funyak. No previous experience is necessary and you'll paddle with several passengers in a flotilla behind your guide. Hotel pickup and drop-off plus buffet lunch and all equipment are included.

Combine sea kayaking and self-guided hiking on this full-day outdoor adventure in the Marlborough Sounds. Paddle from the Picton waterfront to the western end of Queen Charlotte Sound and search the azure waters for marine life such as eagle rays, cormorants, little blue penguins, New Zealand fur seals and dolphins. Encounter secluded beaches along the shoreline before an independent hike on the Queen Charlotte Track, from Anakiwa to Mistletoe Bay. Lunch and return transfer by water taxi are included.

Nestled in the mouth of Auckland's Hauraki Gulf, Little Barrier Island is a protected reserve known for its undisturbed wildlife, both on land and underwater. On this full-day dive trip designed for experienced divers, sail out from Warkworth and go on two separate tank dives in the waters around Little Barrier Island. Swim with the wide range of marine life that lives in the area - you might get to see dolphins or even whales!

Spend your day sea kayaking around Queen Charlotte Sound on a guided excursion from Picton. Paddle across the harbor and stop for morning tea at a remote beach, then continue into the Grove Arm of the sound and enjoy lunch in a tranquil bay. Keep an eye out for cormorants and other wildlife as you listen to expert commentary about the Marlborough Sounds from the guide.

A jet-boat ride, a guided nature walk and a backcountry off-road tour are the highlights of this Dart River wilderness safari from Queenstown. During this 6-hour tour with a naturalist guide, venture into Glenorchy, gateway to the World Heritage-listed Mt Aspiring National Park. Surrounded by awe-inspiring peaks and hidden valleys, you'll twist and turn down the glacier-fed Dart River. Finish with a leisurely walk through an ancient forest to learn about the wildlife and the area's original Maori inhabitants.

See the exquisite Marlborough Sounds from the water during a full-day adventure by sea kayak. Depart from the Picton waterfront and prepare to be wowed as you paddle past secluded coves along the western end of Queen Charlotte Sound. Your knowledgeable guide points out marine life such as eagles rays, cormorants, little blue penguins, New Zealand fur seals and more. Stop at a sheltered beach for a delicious lunch with locally sourced ingredients. Numbers are limited to ensure a small-group experience.

Paddle a kayak through Auckland's Waitemata Harbour, then step on the shore for a 45-minute guided walk to the Rangitoto crater, where you'll enjoy panoramic views of Auckland's skyline. This 6-hour evening sunset tour is led by a kayaking and hiking guide, which ensures that you can focus on the scenery and the activities rather than navigation and directions. You'll learn much more about the geography, flora, and fauna of the region than you would by exploring independently.

Enjoy a unique opportunity to swim with dolphins in the wild during an Akaroa Harbour cruise. Strap on your provided wetsuit, flippers and snorkel gear, then slip into the water to swim alongside inquisitive Hector's dolphins. This full-day trip from Christchurch includes a drive through the South Island countryside to Akaroa. You'll admire breathtaking points of interest such as Governor's Bay and Lake Ellesmere en route, enjoy free time to explore Akaroa, then visit a cheese factory for a tasting session in Barry's Bay.

Discover the natural wonders of Lake Mapourika on this 4-hour kayaking adventure. Paddle around the lake against a backdrop of the Franz Josef Glacier, head ashore for a hike around the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, and learn more about New Zealand's famous Kiwi birds.

Go Waitomo black-water rafting (cave tubing) for a memorable adventure in the Waitomo Caves. Choose a 3-hour Labyrinth experience that takes you floating underground on an inner tube, including a small waterfall jump. Or upgrade to the 5-hour Black Abyss for an exhilarating abseil (rappel) down limestone walls; instruction and equipment included. The resident glowworms, stalactites and stalagmites will amaze you! Finish with a hot shower, soup and bagel.

Kayaking on serene Lake Wanaka, with its clear waters and beautiful coastline, is a great introduction to kayaking. Beginners and those with more experience will enjoy a calm half-day tour approximately 5.5 miles (9 kms) around the lake. Take in the views while experiencing the unspoiled nature that New Zealand is famous more, but without breaking too much of a sweat.

Enjoy two dives in the Hauraki Gulf on this charter scuba diving tour from Warkworth. As you explore the waters off the coast of New Zealand's North Island, you'll have the chance to see juvenile hammerhead sharks who migrate past the outer islands on their way to the Pacific. This dive is designed for open-water-certified divers who have logged at least 10 dives; beginner divers may participate only if you pay for a dive guide (own expense).

Explore the northeastern end of Lake Taupo by both land and water with a combo bike and kayak tour from Taupo. You'll start by biking from Acacia Bay to Kinloch along the W2K section of the Great Lake Trail on a 2- to 2.5-hour ride. Then enjoy lunch before hopping in a kayak to paddle from Whakaipo Bay to the Maori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay.

Slip into Marlborough Sounds for a swim alongside pods of wild dolphins, with certified guides to help find the dolphins and ensure the tour is dolphin-friendly. Watch for dusky, bottlenose, common, orca, and Hector's dolphins, and if conditions allow, you'll have the chance to view the dolphins from inside the water. This dolphin tour includes wetsuits with hoods and booties, as well as hot drinks on board the boat, and round-trip transport from the Picton waterfront.

Spin and speed your way to Huka Falls during a thrilling 30-minute jet-boat ride on the Waikato River. Hold on tight as you zip over the crystal-clear waters past rugged cliffs and native bush on New Zealand's longest river. Feel the power of the thundering waterfall up close as it blasts into the turbulent pool. Round-trip transport is included from hotels in Taupo.