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Akaroa Water sports

Our most recommended Akaroa Water sports

Akaroa: 4WD Safari and Guided Sea-Kayaking Experience

1. Akaroa: 4WD Safari and Guided Sea-Kayaking Experience

Enjoy a memorable sea-kayaking experience from Akaroa with two departure options. No experience is necessary because the trips are run in settled safe conditions by an experienced and knowledgeable guide.  Depart from Akaroa for a scenic drive in a 4WD minivan over the crater rim of the Akaroa volcano to Pohatu Flea Bay. Learn about the region from your local guide and, during the afternoon trip, stop for photo opportunities along the way. Then, it is time to gear up and climb into the double kayaks. Your safety is the top priority and the experience can be mind-blowing with the right sea conditions. Explore the outer coast of Pohatu Marine Reserve and marvel at its spectacular towering cliffs, rock stacks, reefs, and deep sea caves. Flea Bay Island and the impressive island arch can be reached in settled sea conditions. Marvel at the diverse wildlife and marine species such as penguins, seals, various seabirds, and possibly the world’s smallest dolphin.

Akaroa Harbour 2.5 -Hour Eco Tour by Sea Kayak

2. Akaroa Harbour 2.5 -Hour Eco Tour by Sea Kayak

Experience the natural wonders of Akaroa Harbour by sea kayak on a 3-hour eco-friendly tour. You’ll take in one of New Zealand's most scenic and ecologically diverse natural environments. A highly experienced kayak guide leads each small group (maximum of 8 persons) to ensure a personal, informative, and safe experience. You’ll paddle to stunning remote beaches, where time stands still, and explore inlets and bays and the extinct, sea-flooded volcanic crater that protects the harbor from the open Pacific Ocean. Discover the stunning beauty of Akaroa with your local nature guide who will guide you through the marine reserve and share information about some of the rarest marine mammals in the world, that live right here in our beautiful blue backyard including white flippered penguins and hector dolphins which are native to NZ, fur seals, a large array of birdlife and many other sea creatures! The views are stunning, the guides are informative and friendly and our tours are suitable for all abilities and ages. These highly rated tours sell out quickly as we only travel in small groups to keep our impact as low as possible on the marine reserve and conservation areas we visit.

Akaroa: 3-Hour Guided Sunrise Sea Kayaking Safari

3. Akaroa: 3-Hour Guided Sunrise Sea Kayaking Safari

Experience the best of Akaroa's marine reserve on a 3-hour guided kayak safari in a small intimate group with your own local nature guide. Venture into an eco-paradise and have the chance for endangered wildlife encounters along the way. Stop at a remote beach for refreshments, a swim, or just to explore. No experience is necessary for this adventure. It’s easy and fun and suitable for anyone 12 years of age and older! The early morning trip can make for spectacular conditions and encounters. We are always the first operators on the water and usually have the whole harbour to ourselves with other tour boats only starting as we are finishing our tour. What you’ll actually see on the safari depends on a number of factors, but often guests report seeing cormorants diving, gannets feeding, and NZ fur seals and White flippered penguins playing. We get regular encounters with the protected and endangered Hector Dolphins which can only be found in NZ. Your tour will begin with a comprehensive safety briefing, your guide will then lead you through the turquoise waters and provide brief stops on the water to share information about interesting events, and facts about the wildlife, flora and fauna.

Akaroa: Electric Mountain Bike and Sea Kayak Adventure

4. Akaroa: Electric Mountain Bike and Sea Kayak Adventure

Make two activities in one day and embark on this great adventure to explore Akaroa.  Jump on the latest model of electric mountain bikes with multiple pedal assist functions and start your ride. Enjoy glorious views and a huge sense of achievement after you have reached the top of the crater. Relax and enjoy the route while your knowledgeable guide is leading the way. Your guide will also take some photos of you during the activity.  After that, the group will change to a sea kayak and paddle through the marine reserve together with the local guide. See the stunning marine reserve from two different and unique perspectives.  Get the best of both worlds as you pedal and paddle your way through this action-packed unforgettable day of adventure in beautiful Akaroa.

Other Sightseeing Options in Akaroa

Want to discover all there is to do in Akaroa? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Akaroa

Great experience with a company that is working hard to protect the local penguin population. The 4WD is a van with 4WD that goes to Flea Bay (really beautiful) for the kayak tour. Flea Bay is also where the penguin tour takes place and part of the kayak tour included some information (and sighting) the little penguins native to the bay. The kayak tour was excellent with our guide very knowledgeable about sea birds. We saw seals both in the water and lounging on the rocks. It was a relatively calm day, so we were also able to go into a sea cave for a unique experience. Would recommend this tour.

We had to skip the kayaking and take the scenic penguin tour due to wind conditions. However this was communicated well in advance and the balance was refunded. Kevin was an excellent guide. We heard a lot of interesting facts about the region and highly enjoyed the scenery and the penguin experience.

Such an amazing experience! My guide had so much knowledge on the history of the area and it’s wildlife and we saw so many seals, birds and penguins. Also very cool to see a company that’s so dedicated to protecting native species. Highly recommend!

Ended up going on the 4WD and going to the penguin colony. So interesting and educational yet fun.

Absolutely brilliant tour. Beautiful scenario and very knowledgeable guide. Highly recommend