The 7 Best Kayaking Trips in Akaroa

1.Shore Excursion Guided Sea Kayaking through Akaroa Marine Reserve

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 160 reviews · from $83Our pick

Join guides such as Jake, Joey, John, or Seamus for a roughly three-hour sea-kayak trip from Akaroa’s harbor area. You’ll paddle stable tandem kayaks through sheltered volcanic bays, learn about local geology and wildlife, and may spot Hector’s dolphins, penguins, seals, or native birds.

“Jake was our Kayak tour guide and could not have been more perfect! We were fortunate enough to see four Hector dolphin sightings and Jake's insight into the dolphins and other marine life was amazing. He has an in-depth knowledge of various birds, plant life and marine life. We loved all of the staff, very nice and efficient. Thank you!”

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2.Sunrise wildlife sea kayaking in Akaroa marine reserve

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 123 reviews · from $96

Start at 7:30 am with Akaroa Guided Kayaks and paddle into the marine reserve before the tour boats arrive. Guides such as James, John, and Peter share local stories while you look for Hector dolphins, seals, birds, and, with luck, penguins or orca. Light refreshments and on-water photos are included.

“Fantastic morning out on the water! Our guide was very knowledgeable on the area and provided us with interesting facts. We had a slight change of plans due to the good weather, so we were able to go further out. Guide communicated efficiently with the change and gave us a great morning.”

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3.4WD Safari and Guided Sea-Kayaking Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 120 reviews · 4h 30m · from $80Best value

Travel from Akaroa over the volcanic crater rim to Flea Bay with guides such as Ben, Kevin or Vila. Paddle a double kayak along Pohatu Marine Reserve for 1 to 1.5 hours, entering sea caves when conditions allow and watching for penguins, seals, seabirds and dolphins.

“Awesome! A great and passionate guide! I advise everyone who wants to discover the flora and fauna of the binks peninsula”

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4.Small group guided sea kayaking in Akaroa marine reserve

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 116 reviews · from $83

Join a small-group kayak safari in Akaroa’s marine reserve. Your guide supplies the kayak, spray skirt, and jacket, then leads you past volcanic bays, beaches, and wildlife habitat. Guides have included Max, Adam, Lee, Jake, and Luan. The outing ends with an optional refreshing swim.

“Great way to see the coastline in Akaroa. Jake was a great guide. Very informative and engaging. We really enjoyed it.”

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5.Akaroa Marine Reserve Sea Kayaking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 100 reviews · 2h 30m · from $80

Paddle Akaroa Harbour and its marine reserve for 2.5 hours in a stable kayak, with a guide such as Alex, Lucia, or Max leading you past caves, bays, and volcanic features. Hector dolphins, penguins, seals, and seabirds may appear, but wildlife is never guaranteed.

“This was well worth doing. We really enjoyed the kayaking experience with our tour guide Max. We were in a small group of double kayaks and he took us around the bay of Akaroa. What a beautiful location to enjoy the afternoon and wildlife. Max is a very friendly guide with lots of knowledge. Highly recommend to all.”

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6.Guided Electric Mountain Bike & Sea Kayak Tour in Akaroa

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · from $192

Spend 5.5 active hours with Akaroa Guided Kayaks, riding an electric mountain bike from sea to crater summit before paddling the marine reserve. Guide Joey teaches kayak safety and technique, while your guide provides snacks and photos. Small groups are limited to 10 people.

“Enjoying the peaceful and beautiful blue waters, kayaking into a cave…very cool! Then biking up and down 10-15%grade with absolute ease with the turbo feature on the e-bikes!”

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7.Electric Mountain Bike and Sea Kayak Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★3.4 · 3 reviews · 5h 30m · from $164

Spend about five and a half hours exploring Akaroa by electric mountain bike and sea kayak. Ride quiet sealed roads toward crater views, then paddle through a protected marine reserve with a guide. Expect real uphill riding, cool water, changing wildlife sightings, and a small group of up to eight.

“Operator was great and accommodating. We saw multiple marine life and had nice weather. I did a self guided ride as there was not a group to go with the day I wanted to. They told me the ride would be alot of uphill and was it ever! Even hills on the way back when you think you're done! I also hit up the akoroa winery on my ride and staff were very friendly so stick a $10 in your pocket and make a stop!”

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