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South Island

Start: Queenstown
Duration: 55 minutes
Difficulty: 2
Maximum Weight: 110kg

Hire a sit-on-top kayak for 55 minutes and paddle Queenstown Bay at your own pace. Single and double kayaks are easy to use, with no previous kayaking experience or high level of fitness required. A lifejacket and safety briefing are provided, and first-time paddlers can learn the basics before heading onto the water.

Kayak Queenstown Bay at Your Own Pace

Spend 55 minutes paddling around Queenstown Bay, taking in the surrounding lake and mountain scenery or stopping to take photos from the water. The sit-on-top kayaks are easy to use, making this a good option for first-time paddlers as well as those with kayaking experience.

Double kayaks are particularly useful for families, allowing children to learn to paddle or ride up front with a parent. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult in a double kayak.

Tour Highlights

  • Paddle Queenstown Bay at your own pace
  • Easy-to-use sit-on-top kayaks
  • Single and double kayaks available
  • No previous kayaking experience required
  • No high level of fitness required
  • Suitable for adults and families
  • Lake and mountain views from the water
  • Help with basic kayaking skills for beginners
  • 55-minute kayak hire
  • Lifejacket
  • Safety briefing
  • Basic kayaking instruction if required

What to Bring

  • Comfortable clothes or activewear
  • Sunglasses
  • Water bottle
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat
  • More than 72 hours before departure: Full refund**
  • 48–72 hours before: Refund less 10% fee**
  • From 24 to 48 hours: Refund less 50% fee**
  • Within 24 hours/no show: No refund

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

Your 55-minute kayak hire includes use of a sit-on-top kayak and a lifejacket. Staff provide a short safety briefing before you head onto Queenstown Bay. If you have no previous kayaking experience, they can also teach you the basic paddling skills you need before you set off.

Wear comfortable clothes or activewear suitable for spending time outdoors and on the water. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat for sun protection, along with a water bottle. If conditions are cooler, it is also sensible to wear or bring an additional warm layer suitable for the weather.

No high level of fitness is required for this kayak hire. You can paddle around Queenstown Bay at your own pace, making the activity suitable for a range of abilities. You can spend your time paddling, enjoying the surrounding scenery or stopping on the water to take photos.

Yes. The sit-on-top kayaks are suitable for adults and children, with double kayaks providing an easy way for families to paddle together. Children can learn to paddle or ride up front with a parent. Any child under 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult in a double kayak.

No previous kayaking experience is required. The sit-on-top kayaks are easy to use, and staff provide a short safety briefing before you enter Queenstown Bay. If you are new to kayaking, they will also show you the basic paddling techniques before you practise your skills on the water.

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