What do I need to bring on my kayaking trip?

What is supplied:Kayaking & safety equipmentPaddling jacketBA (Buoyancy Aid)Spray deckKayak!Day Kayaking:Change of clothing: shorts and a t-shirt for paddling, plus warm layers (shirt, long johns, polypropylene, socks)Raincoat for onshore useSwimsuitSunscreenHatTowelSandals, running shoes, or soft-soled shoes (avoid jandals/thongs, as they may get lost)Personal medical requirementsCameraStay prepared and enjoy the water!Multiday Kayaking Trips:Two sets of warm clothing for off-waterTwo sets of clothing for paddlingRaincoat for on shoreSwimsuitSunscreenSunglassesWater BottleHatTowelSandals, running shoes, jandals or other soft sole shoes for paddlingToiletries and personal medical requirementsBook, cards or gamesCameraHeadlamp or torchSleeping bagTentSleeping matPillowcase (to stuff with soft items for sleeping)Cooker, lighter and fuel or gas – enough for the amount of days paddling and one between three persons is normally adequatePlate, knife, fork, spoonCooking utensils – one set between three persons normally adequateStay prepared and enjoy the kayaking in the Marlborough Sounds!

Double kayaks provided (single kayaks available on request for experienced paddlers)PFDs (life jackets), Splash jackets, Booties, Spray decksDry bags (including one for your camera)Packed lunchGuide providedTransport to and from the launch point

Child: 8-15 yearsMinimum Age: 8 yearsMinimum of 2 children per trip

Overview FAQs Departure Dates Book now

1 Day Queen Charlotte Sound Guided Kayak

Sep-Apr

South Island

Wilderness Guides

from

NZ$175

per person

Book Now

Solo kayaker paddling through calm morning waters in Queen Charlotte Sound

Experiences

Kayak & Canoe Tours

Day Tours

Family-friendly Tours

South Island

Start: Picton

Duration: 7.5

Difficulty: 3

Minimum Age: 8

One Day Kayaking Adventure in New Zealand

Escape the busy harbour and discover the tranquil beauty of the western end of Queen Charlotte Sound, an ideal destination for sea kayaking in New Zealand. With fewer boats and more secluded bays and coves, this part of the Marlborough Sounds offers an unmatched kayaking experience. Whether you're exploring calm waters or watching the abundant wildlife, including stingrays, cormorants, and even little blue penguins, the scenery will leave you in awe. Lucky kayakers might even spot dolphins gliding through the waves.

Your guide will ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure, tailoring the route daily to suit weather conditions and skill levels. This flexibility allows you to paddle with ease, taking advantage of gentle sea breezes while learning about the area’s natural wonders. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced kayaker, Picton's sea kayaking tours promise unforgettable memories in one of New Zealand's most stunning regions.

Minimum Number of Persons: 2

Two people in a tandem kayak during a Marlborough Sounds guided tour

Guided kayak briefing on the Picton waterfront before launching into Queen Charlotte Sound

Seal swimming near a yellow kayak in the Marlborough Sounds

Two people kayaking on calm waters in Queen Charlotte Sound, Marlborough

Kayaker smiling in a yellow kayak on a guided tour in Marlborough’s Queen Charlotte Sound

School group standing on kayaks during a fun Marlborough Sounds water activity

Two paddlers kayaking on smooth waters in Queen Charlotte Sound

Dolphin surfacing beside a green kayak in Queen Charlotte Sound

Group of kayakers exploring Queen Charlotte Sound with mountain views in the background

Guided kayaking tour on crystal-clear waters in Queen Charlotte Sound, Marlborough Sounds

Double kayaks provided (single kayaks available on request for experienced paddlers)
PFDs (life jackets), Splash jackets, Booties, Spray decks
Dry bags (including one for your camera)
Packed lunch
Guide provided
Transport to and from the launch point

Child: 8-15 years
Minimum Age: 8 years
Minimum of 2 children per trip

More than 24 hours prior: Full refund**
Within 24 hours: Non refundable

**Note: Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount. Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What is supplied:

Kayaking & safety equipment
Paddling jacket
BA (Buoyancy Aid)
Spray deck
Kayak!

Day Kayaking:

Change of clothing: shorts and a t-shirt for paddling, plus warm layers (shirt, long johns, polypropylene, socks)
Raincoat for onshore use
Swimsuit
Sunscreen
Hat
Towel
Sandals, running shoes, or soft-soled shoes (avoid jandals/thongs, as they may get lost)
Personal medical requirements
Camera
Stay prepared and enjoy the water!

Multiday Kayaking Trips:

Two sets of warm clothing for off-water
Two sets of clothing for paddling
Raincoat for on shore
Swimsuit
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Water Bottle
Hat
Towel
Sandals, running shoes, jandals or other soft sole shoes for paddling
Toiletries and personal medical requirements
Book, cards or games
Camera
Headlamp or torch
Sleeping bag
Tent
Sleeping mat
Pillowcase (to stuff with soft items for sleeping)
Cooker, lighter and fuel or gas – enough for the amount of days paddling and one between three persons is normally adequate
Plate, knife, fork, spoon
Cooking utensils – one set between three persons normally adequate

Stay prepared and enjoy the kayaking in the Marlborough Sounds!

Departure Dates

September to April only

Booking Options

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One Day Kayaking Adventure in New Zealand

Frequently asked questions

Departure Dates

Booking Options

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