Shore Excursion Guided Sea Kayaking through Akaroa Marine Reserve
5
Shore Excursion Guided Sea Kayaking through Akaroa Marine Reserve
By Akaroa Guided Kayak Safari
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About
from per adult
AU$117.81
Lowest price guarantee
Ages 10-90, max of 17 per group
Duration: 2–3 hours
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English, French, Spanish
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Written guide: English, French, Spanish
Print or digital reading material such as a guide, map, brochure, etc.
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- Local knowledgeable Guide
- Kayak safari
- All kayaking equipment including spray skirts and jackets
What's not included- Transport to/from attractions
- Gratuities
- Snacks
- Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.
- Ākaroa Bowling Club, Rue Jolie, Akaroa 7542, New ZealandWe will email you detailed directions we we receive your booking We meet outside the bowling club in Akaroa on the grass Please contact us if you require pick up from Lyttleton Port when you book. We are in walking distance for cruise ship passengers arriving in Akaroa
Pickup details- If you are arriving via cruise ship into Akaroa Port our meeting point is outside the bowling club in Akaroa which is 10 minute walking distance If you are arriving into Lyttleton Port you must book via this link to secure transport and activity. https://www.leisuretours.co.nz/day_tour/sea-kayaking/
Port pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included ports.- Ākaroa Bowling Club, Rue Jolie, Akaroa 7542, New Zealand
Additional pickup optionsDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included pickup points.- Ākaroa Bowling Club, Rue Jolie, Akaroa 7542, New Zealand
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 9811P3- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Minimum age is 10 years
- Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 17 travellers
- All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 9811P3
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Similar experiences
Itinerary
- 1Our Guided Sea Kayak Safari's take place in beautiful Akaroa- this is one of the best locations to sea kayak in NZ! Join us for a once in a lifetime opportunity to paddle through a marine reserve in an extinct volcano basin. Highlights include jaw dropping scenery, amazing geology that is unique to the area and the chance to see some of the most endangered marine life on the planet including Hector Dolphins, White-flipper penguins, NZ fur seals and native sea birds..Small group numbers are key as we are visiting fragile, pristine, and relatively undisturbed natural areas, enjoy exploring this marine reserve in a low-impact and environmentally responsible way with your own nature/kayak guide answering all of your questions along the way while keeping you safe on the water.. Close encounters. No noise, No engines, No crowds, No pollution. So come and join us! Explore, Experience and Enjoy! Paradise awaits only 80 minutes from Christchurch!
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- 502josephc0 contributionsBeautiful morning paddling on Akaroa harbor!Really great experience with these guys! Lee was an excellent teacher for my family members who hadn't kayaked in a while, and set a great example and pace for the group. Knew exactly when to chip in with facts, conversation, or paddling advice and when to just let us enjoy. Very observant and obviously clued into safety. Kayaks were nice, and stayed almost totally dry with the provided spray skirt. Traveled 5 miles (return) down Akaroa harbor and back, seeing lots of amazing geologic features, fur seals, sea birds, and even a blue penguin.Written 7 April 2024
- L9180EYaliciak0 contributionsWe saw starfish from our kayak!I had such a wonderful time, the tour was informative and the waters were really calm. Lucia took time to point out wildlife along the way and we even slow paddled along the shore, where she pointed out sea stars! There is no way we would have been able to spot on our own. Thanks!Written 27 March 2024
- nataliewD2798FA0 contributionsAwesome early morning adventureShout out to our guide John who was awesome and told us all the cool facts we wanted to know about the animals and reserve. I also know it’s not guaranteed but my friend and I were lucky enough to see all the sea birds, as well as all three: penguins, seals and dolphins!! And all were quite close to us!! One of the dolphins even swan along with us and road the bow of our kayak! It was so cool and we had such a good time. I highly recommend this early morning adventure, especially if you have some time and want to do something early before a long day of driving like we did :)Written 12 March 2024
- andrewdY1217PS0 contributionsA great experienceWe really enjoyed our sea kayak tour (11.30 tour). Our guide, Lee, was knowledgeable, experienced, and safe, but also fun and unobtrusive. As novices in our 50's and 60's we felt very comfortable being out on the water with Lee.Written 12 March 2024
- Della N0 contributionsGuides were fantasticSean and Lucia the guides were fantastic. Knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. Paddle was pretty easy as we kept mostly close to shore and conditions were pretty good. Life jackets and kayaks looked a little worn but everything worked and were comfortable. Originally booked for the more expensive sunrise paddle but offered afternoon tour due to weather. Still waiting for reply or refund for difference, communication gone silent so…🙅♀️Written 7 March 2024
- Road583900454910 contributionsPromoting John and Lee 😊Both guides were FANTASTIC and FUN. Organized and professional with a great sense of humor. Thank you for a great kayak experience this morning. I loved the education about the birds. The volcano was amazing lols. Cheers MattyWritten 15 February 2024
- trennaf20150 contributionsKayak safariAn amazing trip my first time in a a kayak and our guide Lucia was patient and knowledgeable. I loved it, would highly recommend. A great way to spend and afternoon in AkaroaWritten 12 February 2024
- JWest030 contributionsKayaking, dolphins and knowledgeable guidesHad a fantastic time on my tour of Akaroa Harbour and was so excited to see the Hector's dolphins! My guide Jon was incredibly knowledgeable about the local area including the history, both Maori and European, and the plants and animals. He kept up morale during some very windy paddling as well. Thanks for a memorable afternoon!Written 26 January 2024
- 694murraye0 contributionsGreat way to explore Akaroa HarbourEnjoyable experience for two totally novice sea kayakers.... Our guide Lee was excellent , thanks for keeping an eye on everyone Lee.Written 24 January 2024
- Safari559831581810 contributionsBig thumbs upA must do in Akaroa! Our guide, John, was super helpful and made the trip one to remember. Make sure to bring a big bottle of water.Written 21 January 2024
- Richard H0 contributionsSpectacular e-mountain bike tourGreat experience. Super easy to deal with over booking. Greville was a great mixture of expert guide and lively company. The bikes were excellent and the views spectacular! Highly recommended.Written 16 January 2024
- jemdru0 contributionsBrilliant kayaking experience !!Today on Akaroa waters was a fabulous experience with guide John. He got us on to the water with a minimum of fuss. The weather (high tide, low wind, moderate temperature) was in our favour. With informative commentary, He took us to the sea mouth of the bay via sea cave and an “escort “ from some playful and rare (for the planet) Hector dolphins. Brilliant !!Written 15 January 2024
- Sightsee547466158260 contributionsFantasticalThe guided tour was great fun. John our guide put us at ease straight away. Saw numerous sea birds but the icing on the cake, the hector dolphins. Would highly recommend, a great way to spend the morning.Written 15 January 2024
- jacquig8460 contributionsPaddling good fun!Our guides John and Lee made the event fun and interesting with their humour, local knowledge and general banter, particularly for a novice kayaker. Paddling into the head wind was a great challenge; however, we were congratulated on our efforts by Lee and John who were both encouraging and reassuring. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this event, despite the fact that the dolphins 🐬 weren’t playing the game.Written 12 January 2024
- Cruiser612412062970 contributionsSea kayakingKayaking with John and Lee was absolutely great. They can inform us about all what we saw. We saw a lot of animals - seal, dolphins, birds. We also got into the cave during our kayaking. Many thanks for adventure!Written 5 January 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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5.0
120 reviews
Excellent
108
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10
Average
1
Poor
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Terrible
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Jason
1 contribution
Nov 2019
I spent a day in Akaroa and really enjoyed the kayak tour. The weather was a little windy and the guide did an excellent job of leading us to sheltered areas and calm spots of the bay. Some people did have trouble with their kayaks and he was there very quickly to help them.
The staff were very helpful teaching us how to use the kayaks and how to get into the water. Very informative and entertaining, I learned a lot from the guide about the akaroa wildlife.
I would absolutely go again to take one of their other kayak tours
The staff were very helpful teaching us how to use the kayaks and how to get into the water. Very informative and entertaining, I learned a lot from the guide about the akaroa wildlife.
I would absolutely go again to take one of their other kayak tours
Written 4 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for your review, we are mobile so we always bring our guests to the most sheltered routes on the day for safety! We are so glad you enjoyed your tour with our expert guides, we love to have a good time while sharing our amazing backyard with visitors! Hopefully we can meet again on another of our kayak tours!
Allie & Greville
Written 5 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kedi_ffm
2 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Today we went on the guided Kayak Tour through the Akaroa Bay Area with our tour guide Joey. Joey was a perfect tour guide. He shared lots of knowledge with us and explained us a lot of things about the nature and the wildlife in this area. He was very skilled in what he did and we felt very safe during the whole tour. Joey even showed us some crabs and shells during our rest at the beach and had an answer to every question. The tour in sum was an amazing 3 hour adventure and we had a lot of fun with Joey. Thank you very much!
Written 31 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much! We had a great time with you as well! Thanks for bringing your family along for a paddle with us! There is so much you can learn on a guided tour so we are so happy you had a great time!
All the best!
Written 1 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hannah
Hancock, MI2 contributions
Wonderful experience! The area is beautiful and the guide, Joey, was very well read on local history and marine & plant life, which made the paddle all the more interesting. He also did a fantastic job of providing extra assistance to those in the group that needed it without neglecting the rest of tour to do so.
Everyone was very welcoming & had great recommendations on things to do with the rest of my time in the area as well.
Everyone was very welcoming & had great recommendations on things to do with the rest of my time in the area as well.
Written 28 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for the review, we are so happy you enjoyed your time on the water with us here in beautiful Akaroa, our guides always go out of their way to look after our guests so thanks very much for coming to paddle with us!
All the best!
Written 28 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Megan P
2 contributions
Feb 2020
Not only is the shoreline of Akaroa beautiful due to it's volcanic history, but our guide Jake, was exceptional. His enthusiasm, passion and knowledge of the area was incredible. The wildlife Jake pointed out was great and and the conversation and random questions we threw at him, all answered, was really entertaining. Definitely recommend this excursion. It's conveniently located within walking distance of the main part of the city as well as some hiking trails so it was a great excursion to get in for our limited time while docked for the day with a cruise ship.
Written 19 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience with others, we LOVE hosting cruise ship passengers and showing you around this amazingly beautiful part of NZ. This is one of the best locations in NZ to sea kayak so we are so glad you enjoyed your tour with our exceptional guides.
safe travels!
Written 19 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DelphineGau
New Zealand4 contributions
We were a group of four friends and all of us really enjoyed the excursion yesterday (February 2020)! The views from the sea were amazing, and the guide explained all about the birds and volcanic rocks and sea life. He was really professional and nice, and we felt really safe with him guiding us. The security instructions were really thorough and reassuring. We didn't see any dolphins because they weren't around at that time but we saw a penguin which is also super cool and rare! Also the guide sends the pictures for free. He knew all about wild life and we learned a lot.
Written 4 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for the review and for bringing your friends for a beautiful paddle with us around the marine reserve, the white flippered penguin you saw was very rare, the smallest in the world in fact! How special!
Thanks again for coming!
Allie & Greville
Written 5 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cameron S
Somerset, UK7 contributions
We had an awesome experience with Akaroa Guided Sea Kayaking Safaris in February. Our tour guide Joey was great fun and very informative (he also kindly retrieved my cap when it flew into the water!).
While we weren't lucky enough to spot any dolphins, some stingrays could be seen swimming below the surface and some shags came quite close which was cool.
The scenery was beautiful, and despite the fairly strong winds (which made things quite tough at times), we wouldn't hesitate to recommend this company to anyone who fancies getting out on the water and learning a thing or two about this amazing place!
While we weren't lucky enough to spot any dolphins, some stingrays could be seen swimming below the surface and some shags came quite close which was cool.
The scenery was beautiful, and despite the fairly strong winds (which made things quite tough at times), we wouldn't hesitate to recommend this company to anyone who fancies getting out on the water and learning a thing or two about this amazing place!
Written 7 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for joining us for a sea kayaking tour in beautiful Akaroa, even when the weather is not perfect there is still so much beauty and alot to see in our big blue backyard!
Written 9 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
elainem03
Edmonton, Ab, Canada20 contributions
Mar 2020
I was going out solo and it was great to be matched up with a teacher from UK. Joey was thorough in putting us through safety measures. I was confident in him and the skills he has. He paddled backwards a majority of the way so it made it easy to hear him. Though interested in chatting, he was on the watch for sea animals and birds and spotted them! We saw a hectors dolphin and white-flippered penguin . Joey was knowledgeable of the area and I learned more about the seaweed in the bay and the trees on land and the history of the area! Because it was mid-tide he was able to lead us into 2 caves also. It made for a great paddle!
Written 3 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the review! Our tours are super educational as well as fun, you learn so much when you have a great guide showing you around the marine reserve! Our guides know exactly where to look for special wildlife and marine species as they are on the water more than on land!
Written 4 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Randi D
Schertz, TX31 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
This kayaking experience was absolutely great. The water is beautiful and we learned so much about the history of the area and the amazing birds and animals that live there. Jake was a great guide, highly knowledgeable and professional! Do this when you're in Akaroa.
Written 9 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the great review, so happy you appreciated this beautiful tour!
safe travels!
Written 9 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Miles D
San Tan Valley, AZ123 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We had Joey and 5 mins into the trip we came across a penguin. The wind was blowing but the kayaks were stable and it didn’t take much effort to speed along. My wife is a little fearful of water. To many Jaws movies but she loved it. Joey was an awesome guide. We also saw dolphins. A great day away from the ship
Written 27 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Great to hear you had an amazing tour during your day here visiting via cruise ship! We love hosting cruise guests and showing them the secrets the marine reserve holds! Once in a life time opportunity to have the smallest penguin and smallest dolphin the world come to visit!
Written 27 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Barbara Bartling
2 contributions
Mar 2020
We had a great morning kayak with two fun and knowledgeable guides. Jake and Joey gave me a much better understanding, awareness and appreciation for micro marine life. They found some awesome sea critters for us to examine and learn about. Jake's passion, enthusiasm and knowledge of the area was incredible. Joey provided great support in making our trip thoroughly enjoyable. Thanks guys.. and paddle on!
Written 31 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much f the review, great to hear you enjoyed your tour through the marine reserve with our amazing nature/kayak guides!
All the best
Written 3 April 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi! We did this excursion! It was awesome! Guide was knowledgable and informative! He told us he would email the puctures he took of us in the water. Said about 2 wks. We've been home for 4. Anyone else have an issue with this?
Carolyn
Written 22 April 2019
Amarinder W
Vancouver, Canada
Hi, are the any restrictions for pregnant women? My wife will be 17weeks and our dr. Says it won't be a problem. Also, is it possible to reserve a 2person kayak?
Thanks!
Written 23 November 2018
Weather forecast for nov 2nd is 11C......would love kayak but concerned about being wet & cold. How wet do you get.? Is there kayak skirts to keep dry.?
Many thanks
Written 24 October 2018
Sounds just like the conditions we had about 2 weeks ago. We were fine - plenty of layers on and yes, the kayaks have skirts so we didn't get wet. I would still go for it!
Written 25 October 2018
Our cruise ship does not dock until 8:00 am so what time are the tours after that
Written 14 October 2018
I went on a tour that started at 11:30am. That would give you some time to walk around the town and grab a coffee at one of the lovely cafes. I found the tour company very prompt with answering any questions so I’m sure they would be only too happy to help you too.
Written 15 October 2018
What is the difference between this tour and the Shore Excursion: Scenic Cruiser Sea Kayaking Safaris in Akaroa? Our cruise ship will be n Akaroa on Oct. 18 and we are interested in joining the kayaking tour. We have a group of 10 people and may be most of us are interested. What is the size of the tour? Also how far is the meeting place from the cruise ship terminal?
Written 18 August 2018
It's a lot cheaper! The office where you book is right by where the buses drop cruise passengers off. I would say if you book in advance with 10 people you may even have the boat to yourself. Much more peaceful and the guides are brilliant
Written 18 August 2018
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