Sea Kayaking - Marlborough Sounds Adventure Co.

Sea Kayaking in the Marlborough Sounds

The intricate waterways of the Marlborough Sounds are a wonderland for sea kayakers. The Marlborough Sounds comprises of 1500km of New Zealand’s coastline, so finding a corner to call your own in is not difficult. The water here can display a dazzling display of colours in a thousand shades – ranging from the brightest turquoise to the deepest verdigris. The forrested backdrop contains a myriad of shades of green from the overhanging native tree ferns, rata vines and beech trees. The wildlife is testimony to the good health of this magnificent environment, with seals, dolphins and penguins a common sight. The Marlborough Sounds is just waiting to be explored and there is no way to this better than by sea kayak.

Sea Kayak Rental - Marlborough Sounds

Hiring a sea kayak with family or friends for a few hours, a day, or many days, is one of the best ways to explore the water wonderland that is the Marlborough Sounds.

Half Day Guided Sea Kayaking - Marlborough Sounds

The half day guided sea kayak trip is an ideal opportunity to fit a little kayaking adventure into a busy day – or for those just wanting a taste of sea kayaking.

1 Day Guided Sea Kayaking - Queen Charlotte Sound

Paddle from the picturesque Picton foreshore, across the harbour and into the Grove Arm of the Queen Charlotte Sound. Stop along the way for a delicious morning tea and lunch, featuring fresh Marlborough produce.

1 Day Guided Sea Kayaking - Kenepuru Sound

The Kenepuru Sound is the smallest of the three major waterways that make up the Marlborough Sounds. Renowned for its aqua or turquoise water colour (due to its shallower waters) the Kenepuru Sound is surrounded by sandy beaches, and a mix of native bush and farmland.

1 Day Multi Adventure - Queen Charlotte Sound & Track

This adventure is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the beauty and magic of the Queen Charlotte Sound for a day – by paddle and boot or bike.

2 Day Kayak & Hike - Queen Charlotte Sound

A great combination: one day guided kayaking on Queen Charlotte Sound; and one day freedom walking on the Queen Charlotte Track; with an overnight stay at Lochmara Lodge.

2 Day Camping Explorer - Queen Charlotte Sound

The best of both worlds – guided and independent sea kayaking. Maybe you have never sea kayaked before, or perhaps you would like to spend some time becoming familiar with the area before exploring independently..

2 Day Lodge Explorer - Queen Charlotte Sound

An ideal combination of guided and independent sea kayaking. Maybe you have never sea kayaked before, or perhaps you would like to spend some time becoming familiar with the area before exploring with your paddling partner on your own.

3 Day Outer Sounds Adventure - Queen Charlotte Sound

As sea kayaking was meant to be – this three day trip will take you back to what sea kayaks were designed for. Be at one with the wind and the waves, the bush and the wildlife as you paddle through the maritime wilderness of Queen Charlotte Sound.

3 Day Ultimate Sounds Adventure

4 Day Guided Paddle & Walk - Queen Charlotte Track

Our guided “4 Day Paddle & Walk” is a wonderful way to combine two days of walking on the picturesque Queen Charlotte Track with two days of sea kayaking in the fabulous Marlborough Sounds.

Guided trips

Just as our kayaks were designed for voyaging so we try to create a sense of journey on our guided trips. These trips are purposely designed to maximise your experience in the Sounds, so whether it be three hours or three days to spare, we make sure that you visit the most scenic areas of the Sounds in the timeframe that is available to you. We pay particular attention to the small things such as delicious meals, fun and informative guides, quality equipment and itineraries that do our utmost to maximise your time on the water. If your time is limited, then a guided adventure is your best option.

Independent Rental

If you have more time to spare and really want to explore the Sounds independently, then independent rental is the ideal option for you. Please note that you’ll need a paddling buddy as, for safety reasons, we are unable to hire to solo paddlers.

Our large, stable, purpose-built, fibreglass doubles and plastic single kayaks are ideal for a multi-day kayak rental. They have large storage capacity and it is not a problem to pack a boat for three or four days and really get out into the Sounds and explore the watery wonderland of inlets, bays and coves.

With all of our kayak rentals, we provide a full safety briefing, and during which we discuss with you itinerary planning, weather, techniques (for paddling, capsize and re-entry) and so on. If you are unsure whether your paddling experience is enough to take a rental out for a few days, then we may suggest that you take our Beginners Package – which includes the guided day trip and then followed by your multi-day rental.

Your safety

We are founding members of the Sea Kayak Operators Association of New Zealand (SKOANZ) and abide by a strict code of practice, which ensures that your sea kayaking experience is enjoyed with the utmost safety and comfort in mind. We are also AdventureMark endorsed. We are the oldest sea kayaking company in the country and we know the Sounds intimately. Our commitment to safety and outstanding service has been recognized by many awards, including the New Zealand Tourism Award for Leisure Activity.