What to do and see in Otago Region, South Island: The Best Kayaking & Canoeing

August 10, 2021 Veronika Gaddis

Discover the best top things to do in Otago Region, New Zealand including Wanaka River Journeys, Paddle Queenstown, Rippled Earth Kayaking, Flow Fun Canoes & Rafts, Lakeland Wanaka, Paddle Wanaka, Catlins Kayak and Adventure, Packrafting Queenstown, Dart River Adventures, Go Orange Rafting.
Restaurants in Otago Region

1. Wanaka River Journeys

Excellent
93%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
1%
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0%
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1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 474 reviews

Wanaka River Journeys

Come with us on the most exciting half day adventure activity in New Zealand, jet boating beneath the spectacular scenery of Glaciers & Lord of The Rings locations, into world heritage Mount Aspiring National Park. Flowing from Glaciers, the pristine waters of the Matukituki River are perfect to experience jet boating on the longest and most spectacular jet boat tour in New Zealand. Travel at speed over shallow braids, drift into turns and yes… experience exciting spins, And there is MORE… Deep in the mountains & off the beaten track enjoy a 50-minute walk through moss covered forest, waterfalls and glacier fed streams. Walk in awe beneath Avalanche Glacier when conditions permit or into McGills Creek to explore one of the most beautiful and serene forest walks. Hear the stories of this unique ice carved landscape and see photo opportunities not to miss. For those who want to explore more add a glacier helicopter flight from the jet boat or a 4WD farm safari

2. Paddle Queenstown

Excellent
94%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
0%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 134 reviews

Paddle Queenstown

Take the journey into the Queenstown back country with our breath-taking kayak or SUP experience to the stunning Moke Lake. Located just 20 minutes from Queenstown this quiet and peaceful setting allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of town and immerse yourself in a beautiful rural New Zealand environment surrounded by mountains. One of our friendly guides will pick you up from Queenstown and drive you in comfort to Moke Lake. Along the way you’ll get a knowledgeable (perhaps even funny) commentary about the local region and feel free to ask any questions. Once at Moke Lake we’ll run through a few safety features and let you paddle off at your own pace! When you return we’ll have a few kiwi refreshments waiting for you.

3. Rippled Earth Kayaking

Excellent
95%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 168 reviews

Rippled Earth Kayaking

Rippled Earth kayaks operates kayaking tours on the conservation reserves Pig and Pigeon islands, we can meet you in Glenorchy or pick you up from Queenstown. We use Double Sea Kayaks produced and designed in New Zealand, very stable and comfortable. The Islands we go out to have been maintained as bird sanctuaries so we can paddle around the headlands and onto the various beach's with the sound of many NZ Native birds, it is the home of Weka, one of New Zealand's flightless birds along with tui, fantail, bellbird and wood pigeon.With a spectacular backdrop of the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area these islands are a paddlers paradise

4. Flow Fun Canoes & Rafts

Excellent
80%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
0%
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0%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5 reviews

Flow Fun Canoes & Rafts

Specifically designed for those seeking a relaxed and scenic water adventure. You literally 'go with the flow' and soak up the scenery along a beautiful stretch of the Kawarau River with the Remarkable Mountains as your backdrop. Float/paddle down the picturesque river in a raft or inflatable canoe with an experienced guide accompanying the trip while you take in the views!

5. Lakeland Wanaka

Excellent
91%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 221 reviews

Lakeland Wanaka

At Lakeland Wanaka, we offer a wide range of water based outdoor activities to suit most travel budgets and all age groups. Our range includes jet boating the Clutha River, touring Lake Wanaka by boat or exploring the lake and land at your own pace via bike, kayak or water toys. Whether travelling alone or in a group you will find activity suitable to your needs at Lakeland Wanaka. Located on the waterfront of Lake Wanaka in the Log Cabin building, Lakeland Wanaka operates from the heart of Wanaka boasting the best office views. Come down and see how we can make your holiday in Wanaka, New Zealand one never to forget.

6. Paddle Wanaka

Excellent
95%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 216 reviews

Paddle Wanaka

We are Lake Wanaka's premium Kayak & Stand Up Paddle board (SUP) operator, running exclusive guided trips of Lake Wanaka and the upper Clutha River. We also offer beach rentals from the lakefront allowing people to discover the lake at their own pace. We use modern sea kayaks and equipment suitable for beginners to experienced kayakers. Our Fleet of Stand Up paddle boards has a range for abilities. We are a fun, family owned business. We welcome all abilities and will do our very best to cater for your needs, to get on the water and enjoy your time in Lake Wanaka! We are open year round (closed June) 9am - 5pm - In summer we often stay open beyond this! A great way to fill your day! We run winter lake tours... and if the weather is nice, you'll see us down on the Lake Front. Look out for the van & trailor!

7. Catlins Kayak and Adventure

Excellent
100%
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0%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 30 reviews

Catlins Kayak and Adventure

Our small group tours give you the opportunity to view the remote Catlins Coast. With over twenty years’ experience in these waters our guide will show you a coastline rich in wildlife and history. On your journey to the famous nugget shaped rocks you’ll observe not only diverse and dramatic scenery but unique wildlife that call this place home: the albatross, including the royal; the World’s rarest sea lion and smallest penguin; the Catlins largest colonies of fur seal and cormorant; and perchance the elephant seal, dolphin or yellow-eyed penguin, thought to soon be extinct from mainland NZ. Our tours depart daily with no prior kayaking experience necessary. We provide you with everything you need.

8. Packrafting Queenstown

Excellent
98%
Good
2%
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0%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 66 reviews

Packrafting Queenstown

We offer guided packrafting trips, courses and packraft rentals based in and around Queenstown, New Zealand. We specialise in small groups, going off the beaten track to deliver personalised, high quality authentic adventures. We aim to offer something for everyone whether you are looking for a gentle hike and an easy float or exciting rapids, glamping or full blown multiday adventures.

9. Dart River Adventures

Excellent
81%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,535 reviews

Dart River Adventures

Jet boating and Funyaking. Join us - the only operator on the Dart River - for a diverse adventure from Queenstown to the frontier township of Glenorchy at the head of mighty Lake Wakatipu. Into the pristine Dart River Valley and the spectacular Mt Aspiring National Park. Here you’ll explore little known areas inaccessible by other means and discover a unique and dramatic environment rich in both natural and cultural heritage and legend. If there is one Queenstown experience that delivers the diversity and essence of what is 'New Zealand' - it is without doubt a trip with Dart River Adventures. Explore this awe-inspiring 'UNESCO World Heritage' area with the full or half day option that suits you best and experience 'New Zealand's Most Sensational Journey.'

10. Go Orange Rafting

Excellent
74%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,068 reviews

Go Orange Rafting

Whitewater rafting is on of the last extreme experience in the adventure capital of New Zealand and we intend to keep it that way. You will embark on a man V nature battle of willpower in one of the most scenic environments in the world. Raft where the jetboats fear to go and prepare to take a rapid in the face as you hold on during this four hour paddle experience. Don’t take photos of the river, take on the river.

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