Top South Island Kayaking & Canoeing

Q: Which South Island Kayaking & Canoeing have Instant Confirmation?

South Island Kayaking & Canoeing with Instant Confirmation include: Dart River Canoe and Jet Boat Experience from Queenstown Private Seal Kayaking and Wildlife Tour in Kaikoura Electric Mountain Bike & Sea Kayak Tour in Akaroa The Hobbit Barrel Run Rafting Tour on the Pelorus River Glenorchy Island Safari departing Queenstown View all Tours with Instant Confirmation →

Q: I need a ride! Which South Island Kayaking & Canoeing have Hotel Pickup?

No problem. These South Island Kayaking & Canoeing include Hotel Pickup: 3 Day Abel Tasman Guided Kayak & Walk - Nelson 8hr Sea Kayak Tour Lyttelton/Christchurch Lunch, guide, transport View all Tours with Hotel Pickup →

Q: Got any more South Island trip ideas?

We sure do. Check out our curated lists of hand-picked South Island Tours. Top 10 South Island 2026 Senior-friendly tours South Island The best tours and activities for culture lovers in South Island Top Day Trips from South Island Things to do in South Island this summer View all South Island Trip Ideas →

Q: What are the most popular styles of Tours and Activities in South Island?

Based on our sales data over the past year, the most popular styles of tours and activities in South Island are: South Island Luxury & Special Occasions South Island Luxury Tours South Island Outdoor Activities South Island Tours & Sightseeing South Island Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours View all tour styles in South Island →

Private boat charter in Abel Tasman National Park

Our fully catered boat charter ensures you are able to experience the most of the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park in one day and in …More

Nelson, New Zealand

5.0 (33)

Private boat charter in Abel Tasman National Park

Our fully catered boat charter ensures you are able to experience the most of the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park in one day and in...

6 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (33)

from
$2,634

3 Day Abel Tasman Guided Kayak & Walk - Nelson

Walk, kayak and relax on this 3 Day/2 Night journey into Abel Tasman National Park. No need to give up modern comforts. Stay at our …More

Motueka, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

3 Day Abel Tasman Guided Kayak & Walk - Nelson

Walk, kayak and relax on this 3 Day/2 Night journey into Abel Tasman National Park. No need to give up modern comforts. Stay at our...

3 days Hotel pickup offered

5.0 (2)

from
$1,129

Three Day Classic Kayaking in New Zealand

If you’re looking for the iconic kiwi adventure, then look no further than a classic, spend three days kayaking the coastline from beautiful Totaranui/Awaroa in …More

Marahau, New Zealand

5.0 (7)

Three Day Classic Kayaking in New Zealand

If you’re looking for the iconic kiwi adventure, then look no further than a classic, spend three days kayaking the coastline from beautiful Totaranui/Awaroa in...

3 days Free Cancellation

5.0 (7)

from
$783

Dart River Canoe and Jet Boat Experience from Queenstown

Discover the untamed beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mount Aspiring National Park on this full-day Dart River 'funyak' (inflatable canoe) and jet boat tour …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.9 (366)

Dart River Canoe and Jet Boat Experience from Queenstown

Discover the untamed beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mount Aspiring National Park on this full-day Dart River 'funyak' (inflatable canoe) and jet boat tour...

8 hours 15 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (366)

from
$290

8hr Sea Kayak Tour Lyttelton/Christchurch Lunch, guide, transport

Embark on an unforgettable sea kayaking adventure in the stunning Lyttelton Harbour, where breathtaking coastal scenery and rich maritime history await you. Whether you’re a …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (7)

8hr Sea Kayak Tour Lyttelton/Christchurch Lunch, guide, transport

Embark on an unforgettable sea kayaking adventure in the stunning Lyttelton Harbour, where breathtaking coastal scenery and rich maritime history await you. Whether you’re a...

1 day Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (7)

from
$272

Remote Marine Reserve - Guided Kayaking - New Zealand

Our best one day kayak trip using the tide to explore the best of the park on any given day. Abel Tasman Kayaks is one …More

Marahau, New Zealand

4.8 (18)

Remote Marine Reserve - Guided Kayaking - New Zealand

Our best one day kayak trip using the tide to explore the best of the park on any given day. Abel Tasman Kayaks is one...

1 day Free Cancellation

4.8 (18)

from
$233

The Two Gods - Guided Kayak & Unguided Walk - New Zealand

This is a fantastic kayak and walk combo in the middle section of the park. Tailoring the start and finish kayaking points around the tide …More

Marahau, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

The Two Gods - Guided Kayak & Unguided Walk - New Zealand

This is a fantastic kayak and walk combo in the middle section of the park. Tailoring the start and finish kayaking points around the tide...

1 day Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$233

Private Wildlife Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura

Kaikōura’s Original Kayak Operator – Est. 1998 Celebrating 27 years on the water! New Zealand’s only sea kayak operator with a marine mammal permit to …More

Kaikoura, New Zealand

4.9 (48)

Private Wildlife Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura

Kaikōura’s Original Kayak Operator – Est. 1998 Celebrating 27 years on the water! New Zealand’s only sea kayak operator with a marine mammal permit to...

3 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (48)

from
$227

So much to see in this spectacular one day guided adventure! On a high tide, explore the dreamy depths of Shag Harbour where you can …More

Marahau, New Zealand

5.0 (41)

Oarsome Marine Reserve Kayak Tour

So much to see in this spectacular one day guided adventure! On a high tide, explore the dreamy depths of Shag Harbour where you can...

8 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (41)

from
$207

Private Seal Kayaking and Wildlife Tour in Kaikoura

An intimate privately guided wildlife experience around the Kaikoura peninsula on hands free pedal kayaks, allowing for the ultimate kayaking experience. Let us take you …More

Canterbury, New Zealand

5.0 (8)

Private Seal Kayaking and Wildlife Tour in Kaikoura

An intimate privately guided wildlife experience around the Kaikoura peninsula on hands free pedal kayaks, allowing for the ultimate kayaking experience. Let us take you...

3 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (8)

from
$201

Kayak & Pitt Head Nature Loop - Guided Kayak & Unguided Walk - New Zealand

Explore from Marahau to Anchorage in a day - walk, kayak and water taxi.On this trip covering the Astrolabe coastline you have a professional guide …More

Marahau, New Zealand

4.8 (5)

Kayak & Pitt Head Nature Loop - Guided Kayak & Unguided Walk - New Zealand

Explore from Marahau to Anchorage in a day - walk, kayak and water taxi.On this trip covering the Astrolabe coastline you have a professional guide...

8 hours Free Cancellation

4.8 (5)

from
$173

Seal Sanctuary Tour - Guided Kayaking - New Zealand

Morning trip exploring Adele Island and the Seal Colony.Taking you further travel one way by kayak and one way by water taxi. This combination provides …More

Marahau, New Zealand

4.8 (10)

Seal Sanctuary Tour - Guided Kayaking - New Zealand

Morning trip exploring Adele Island and the Seal Colony.Taking you further travel one way by kayak and one way by water taxi. This combination provides...

5 hours Free Cancellation

4.8 (10)

from
$167

Electric Mountain Bike & Sea Kayak Tour in Akaroa

This will be one of the best if not THE best experiences you will have during your NZ vacation! There is no better way to …More

Akaroa, New Zealand

4.7 (3)

Electric Mountain Bike & Sea Kayak Tour in Akaroa

This will be one of the best if not THE best experiences you will have during your NZ vacation! There is no better way to...

5 hours 30 minutes

4.7 (3)

from
$164

Spend half a day exploring the southern Abel Tasman by kayak, and half a day exploring the great walk coastal track between Observation and Marahau. …More

Marahau, New Zealand

4.8 (162)

Kayak & Walk

Spend half a day exploring the southern Abel Tasman by kayak, and half a day exploring the great walk coastal track between Observation and Marahau....

1 day Free Cancellation

4.8 (162)

from
$148

The Hobbit Barrel Run Rafting Tour on the Pelorus River

Paddle down New Zealands most beautiful river. Join our experienced, friendly guides on an eye-opening, fun adventure paddling down the scenic Pelorus river. Includes short …More

Havelock, New Zealand

4.9 (171)

The Hobbit Barrel Run Rafting Tour on the Pelorus River

Paddle down New Zealands most beautiful river. Join our experienced, friendly guides on an eye-opening, fun adventure paddling down the scenic Pelorus river. Includes short...

3 hours 15 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (171)

from
$122

Glenorchy Island Safari departing Queenstown

Come and enjoy a kayaking tour to a wildlife sanctuary not able to be accessed by the general public. Unless you have a kayak in …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (9)

Glenorchy Island Safari departing Queenstown

Come and enjoy a kayaking tour to a wildlife sanctuary not able to be accessed by the general public. Unless you have a kayak in...

2 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (9)

from
$105

Enjoy the freedom to paddle at your own pace. Explore the calm waters of Moke Lake at your own pace by kayak or paddle board. …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (48)

Moke Lake Kayak Experience

Enjoy the freedom to paddle at your own pace. Explore the calm waters of Moke Lake at your own pace by kayak or paddle board....

3 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (48)

from
$102

Small Group Lake Mapourika Kayak & Hike in Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary

Explore all that Lake Mapourika has to offer in this half day guided Kayak & Walk excursion - just minutes away from Franz Josef Glacier! …More

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand

5.0 (126)

Small Group Lake Mapourika Kayak & Hike in Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary

Explore all that Lake Mapourika has to offer in this half day guided Kayak & Walk excursion - just minutes away from Franz Josef Glacier!...

4 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (126)

from
$102

Full-Day Guided Sea Kayak Trip from Picton

Sea kayak from the picturesque Picton foreshore, across the harbour and into the Grove Arm of the Queen Charlotte Sound. Stop on a sandy beach …More

Picton, New Zealand

4.9 (93)

Full-Day Guided Sea Kayak Trip from Picton

Sea kayak from the picturesque Picton foreshore, across the harbour and into the Grove Arm of the Queen Charlotte Sound. Stop on a sandy beach...

7 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (93)

from
$97

Full day Guided Sea Kayak Tour from Picton

Experience the beauty and seclusion of the Marlborough Sounds on a full day small group guided sea kayak tour. Your tour takes in the western …More

Picton, New Zealand

5.0 (25)

Full day Guided Sea Kayak Tour from Picton

Experience the beauty and seclusion of the Marlborough Sounds on a full day small group guided sea kayak tour. Your tour takes in the western...

7 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (25)

from
$96

Frequently Asked Questions

These answers are based on answers previously given to Cool Shore Excursions customers' questions.

What are the best options for South Island Kayaking & Canoeing?

What are the best kid-friendly options for South Island Kayaking & Canoeing Tours?

According to verified reviews on Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor, the best kid-friendly South Island Kayaking & Canoeing are:

View all kid-friendly Tours →

Which South Island Kayaking & Canoeing have Instant Confirmation?

Which South Island Kayaking & Canoeing have Free Cancellation?

South Island Kayaking & Canoeing with Free Cancellation (in most cases up to 24 hours in advance of your tour date, check the specific tour page) include:

View all Tours with Free Cancellation →

I need a ride! Which South Island Kayaking & Canoeing have Hotel Pickup?

Got any more South Island trip ideas?

What are the most popular styles of Tours and Activities in South Island?