Kayak Rental in the Queen Charlotte Sound

• intro
• itinerary
• price
• departure
• gear
• faqs

Itinerary

From Picton, there are an infinite number of options for kayak trips in the Sounds. These options range from easy, relaxed cruising to adventures for the experienced expeditioner.

With over 50 Department of Conservation campsites within the Sounds, and over 1500 kilometres of sheltered coastline, there is plenty of space. Paddlers also have the option of using some of the various lodges dotted around the Sounds. We recommend that you don't plan your itinerary until you have your safety briefing with us. At this time our staff will assess your skills, the weather and suggest the best options for your group.

To give you an idea of some of the options, here are some of the best routes (starting from the easiest and going through to the more challenging):

• The Grove Arm of the Queen Charlotte Sound. Paddling from Picton for one or two days. This area suits family groups, and those wanting a fairly easy paddling trip. It offers a good range of campsites, nice native bush, walking tracks and options for accommodation.
  
  
• The Queen Charlotte Sound to Ruakaka Bay. A good two or three day trip. Perhaps including the Grove Arm, but also Kumutoto Bay, and the Ratimera campsite with it's lovely sandy beach and native bush.
  
  
• The Kenepuru Sound. There are a number of good campsites, and some good accommodation places.
  
  
• The Outer Queen Charlotte Sound. Allow a minimum of three days (but preferably four or more) to see this area. Perhaps use a water taxi to take you one way in order to spend more time in the outer area. This is arguably the most interesting paddling area in the Sounds, with a real feeling of remoteness, and some of the best campsites. Special places include Captain Cook's monument at Ship Cove, the bird sanctuary at Motuara Island, the marine reserve at Long Island and Blumine Island.
  
  
• Tennyson Inlet to Moetapu Bay, or Picton via Portage. Tennyson Inlet is beautiful, with it's heavy native bush, and tranquil bays. The drop off is about 2 hours 30 minutes from Picton, and you need at least five days to do the (one-way) trip back. Conditions can be difficult at times. There is much to see in the outer Pelorus Sound and through the area around Nydia Bay.
  
  
• The Kenepuru Sound is worth a couple of days exploring if there is time. Transport of gear to the Queen Charlotte Sound at Portage can be arranged at a small cost.