Paddling the Southern end of the Queen Charlotte Sound is easily achievable in two days. You will be able to explore magical bush-clad coves and bays, spot some of the plentiful bird life and marine mammals along the way, and pull up at one of the quality Department of Conservation campsites for the night. A true getaway experience.
Package Includes:
- Guide for Day One
- Morning tea and lunch for Day One
- All kayaking and safety equipment
- DOC Camp fees
- Camping equipment is available for hire.
Trip Departure Time: 8.15am
Trip Return Time: 4.30pm
Duration: 2 days
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 on your own (with your paddling partner).
Day 1
On the first day you join the guided day trip departing at 8.30am from the Picton foreshore. Your guide will take time to assist you with your paddling skills, share their knowledge of the abundant wildlife and natural flora as you paddle along. There is also a chance to learn about some of the more interesting historical stories from the area.
At around 2.00pm you will leave the group and head to your campsite for the evening. Your guide will discuss this with you during the day.
Day 2
The next day you make your own way along the Queen Charlotte Sound, taking time to explore the bays, coves and inlets of this wonderful maze of waterways, as you paddle back to Picton.
We suggest you wear or bring:
Personal gear
- change of warm clothing
- waterproof jacket
- sun protection
- spare plastic bags
- insect repellent
- shoes that can get wet
- t-shirt & shorts
- toiletries
- towel
- swimsuit
Food for dinner, breakfast and lunch.
Camping equipment, including:
- tent
- sleeping bag and mat
- cooking utensils
- eating utensils
FAQ’s
Can I do this trip if I am travelling on my own?
Unfortunately not. Due to safety reasons we are unable to rent to solo paddlers, therefore it is not possible to do this trip if you are travelling on your own.
We have never kayaked before, can we still do this trip?
Yes, many of our clients have never sea kayaked before but find it really easy to do.
I have never rented a kayak before, will I be okay?
Yes, during the day with our guide they will take your through a safety briefing and provide instruction on effective paddling techniques and itinerary planning.
I can’t swim, will I be okay?
Yes, you will be wearing a buoyancy aid and you will be travelling in a party with a guide, so the chances of you capsizing and falling out of your boat are minimal. Your guide will have provided you with a briefing on what to do if you do capsize when you are paddling on your own.
Do I need to be fit to enjoy this trip?
We recommend that you are at least of average fitness to enjoy this trip. You may feel a little tired in your shoulders after a day’s paddling, but we do have stops along the way and the pace is gentle.
What if it gets windy when I am out there?
Our trips are flexible enough that we can change the itinerary to meet the weather conditions. Ideally we try to organise the day so that the wind is at your back as much as possible. However, as with any outdoors experience, there may be times when you are required to paddle in windy conditions. If this is the case, then we try to minimise the time that you will be paddling into the wind.