[ Catlins ] [ Stewart Island ] [ Invercargill ] [ Milford Sound ] [ Doubtful Sound ] [ Lake Manapouri ] [ Lake Te Anau ]

Discover the magical sights of the coast and lakes along the Southern Scenic Route from the best seat in the house...a kayak. Kayak along the Catlins Coast, the shores of Stewart Island and Lake Hauroko (the deepest lake in New Zealand), around Invercargill and throughout Fiordland.

Catlins: Explore the estuary, Owaka River and Catlins Lake, by hiring kayaks from the Pounawea Motor Camp which is located 4kms north east of Owaka.

Stewart Island: Kayak enthusiasts will appreciate the kilometres of sheltered walkways they can explore around Stewart Island with guided tours, flexible itineraries and rentals available. Options include chartering a live on board vessel with sea kayaks and guide for remote exploration to areas such as Port Pegasus; or discover Paterson Inlet - 100 sq kms of bush, surrounded by mostly uninhabitated waterways, with 20 islands, four DOC huts and two navigable rivers.

Invercargill: Learn to kayak classes, rentals and guided trips are available from Alpha Outdoors, based near Oreti Beach.

Milford Sound: Take in the brooding atmosphere and indescribable scenery of Milford Sound by kayaking its tranquil waters. This is an unforgettable experience and a great opportunity to encounter Fiordland’s seals, penguins and sometimes dolphins. Milford Sound is often at its most impressive during sunrise or sunset hours, so guided kayaking tours often leave at this time of day or try something a little more adventurous and kayak at night by the light of a full moon. Fly-kayak packages are also available. Guided kayaking trips usually run from early October until the end of May. Tours usually depart very early for Milford from Te Anau (at around 6.30am) to get an early start on the Sounds. There are no age restrictions on 1 day kayaking trips.

Doubtful Sound: Doubtful Sound is known as the ’Sound of Silence’ and is practically untouched by man. Kayak along its shores or alongside the base of its soaring cliff faces. Get up close to the abundant wildlife - dolphins, seals and penguins. Doubtful Sound is a more remote, more challenging kayaking experience than Milford Sound. Unless otherwise experienced, a good option is to go on a guided trip. A guided trip in Doubtful Sound takes 2 - 5 days and also includes some camping out in Fiordland National Park. For this option, some paddling experience is preferred but not essential.
Guided kayaking trips usually run from November until March. Tours depart and return to Pearl Harbour, Manapouri.

Lake Manapouri: Lake Manapouri is dotted with thirty five islands and dozens of secluded bays, and with some 157 km of shoreline it is an ideal lake to explore by kayak. The lake is deep and clear and edged with sandy beaches which are great for camping. Drift past sheer cliffs, paddling silently close to the shore to view birds and other wildlife. Or cruise down the slow-moving Waiau River to the Mararoa Weir passing through beech forest along the way. Venture out on a day trip or consider an extended excursion. There is a range of kayaks for hire, from fully equipped kayaks to more basic models. Canoes and rowboats are also available for hire. Lake Manapouri connects with the Dusky Track. You do not need any prior experience to kayak Lake Manapouri and it is ideal for family groups because of the less challenging conditions.

Lake Te Anau: Vastly underrated because of its close proximity to the fiords, the glacial lake of Te Anau is really a very special wilderness kayaking venue. Carved during the glacial age the lake is clear, with deep water, coves and cliffs, fed by waterfalls, pure mountain streams and cradled by classic Fiordland native bush and mountain scenery. No previous kayaking experience is necessary.