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Kayak hire or kayak tours give you the chance to enjoy the tranquillity of kayaking just the way you like. Whether you're feeling adventurous and want the freedom of hiring a kayak or you'd prefer a guided kayak tour, you'll find we have a kayaking experience to suit.
Want to get out on the water and enjoy an experience you won’t forget anytime soon? Kayaking and canoeing in NZ are great ways to explore the country’s beautiful waterways. Join a guided tour, paddle at your leisure with a self-guided outing or, if you’re after something a little different, try your hand at stand-up paddle boarding.
Kayaking and canoeing experiences make for great outings with friends, fun family activities and good gifts for couples. Browse through the many canoeing and kayaking experiences available at RedBalloon, find one to match your interests and get ready for an excellent time out on the water!
While kayaking and canoeing may seem quite similar, there are some differences between the two water sports, especially when it comes to the equipment used. Canoes are generally quite open, allowing you to move more freely and offering enough space to pack a picnic basket, your backpack and whatever else you may have with you. Kayaks, on the other hand, have what’s called a closed deck. This means that you are more securely seated but don’t have much extra room to move or store your belongings. Canoe paddles also feature a single blade, while kayak paddles typically have blades on either end.
You can go kayaking or canoeing in just about any weather condition, so it’s important to dress appropriately for the day you’ll be paddling. Opting for layers can be a good choice, especially if you’ll be setting out early in the morning or paddling into the evening. Start with your swimsuit as the base layer, and then add a top, bottoms and any additional layers that you can move quite freely in. Look for quick-drying fabrics such as nylon and polyester, and try to avoid cotton if you can, as it’ll soak up any water and take longer to dry.
As with any time spent in the great outdoors, it’s important to ensure you’re adequately protected from the sun’s harmful rays when canoeing or kayaking in NZ. Not only are you exposed to the sun’s rays from above, but they can also reflect off the water. Protect your eyes with sunglasses, pop on a hat and ensure that any skin not covered with clothing is protected with sunscreen.
Kayaking is a great workout, exercising a variety of muscles, from your abs and biceps to your triceps, quads, glutes and calves. Not only do you work your arm muscles as you paddle, but you also give your core a workout too as you try to keep your kayak stable on the water.
Where you choose to go kayaking in NZ is down to your personal preference. You might choose to explore the beautiful waterways of Rotorua and Abel Tasman National Park or spend time paddling across Lake Wanaka, Lake Mapourika or Lake Rotoiti. Go kayaking in Auckland for a unique view of the city and its surroundings, or head further afield for a relaxing day out. Opt for a shorter three-hour tour, embark on a full-day expedition or select a kayaking experience that sits somewhere in between. Whether you’re based in the North Island or the South, you’ll find plenty of great action-packed experiences to gift or enjoy yourself.
Combining a paddling action with a board that’s closer to those used by surfers, stand-up paddle boarding is another fun alternative to kayaking or canoeing in NZ. Across NZ, you’ll find some incredible stand-up paddling boarding experiences perfect for beginners, well-versed paddlers and just about everyone in between. Join a group lesson in Auckland’s Mission Bay or enjoy some one-on-one direction from an expert instructor with a private lesson. Enjoy a change of scenery with a self-guided paddle on Moke Lake, a guided tour of Lake Wanaka or an unforgettable glowworm tour on Lake Okareka.
Love canoeing or kayaking in NZ but are looking for your next favourite water sport? With RedBalloon, you’ll find fantastic water sports experiences to enjoy on your own, with a friend or in a group. Try your hand at parasailing, jet boating and more.