Kayaking Wanaka

Highlights

• Scenic paddle on Lake Wanaka at your own speed with your own destination.
• 1 to 3 hour rental options
• Freedom rentals for Roys Bay

Full description

Hire a kayak or paddleboard directly from our beach rental van in Roys Bay and discover the beauty of Lake Wānaka your way. With 1, 2, or 3-hour hire options, you can choose the perfect adventure to match your time and energy.
A 1-hour paddle is great for checking out local highlights like the famous #thatwanakatree, Eely Point, or Waterfall Creek—each just a short, scenic paddle away. If you’ve got more time, a 2-hour rental lets you venture further, with Ruby Island being a favourite spot to stop for a swim or a relaxed lakeside picnic. Want to soak up even more time on the water? Our 3-hour hire gives you the freedom to cruise the shoreline and find your own hidden gems around the bay.
No need to book ahead—just come down, and our friendly waterfront crew will get you set up with all the gear, safety info, and local tips you need for a fun, safe, and unforgettable time on the lake.

Includes

• Top-quality kayaks and paddleboards plus paddles
• Safety equipment such as life jackets
• Storage for smaller items such as keys
• Recommendations for staff of destinations etc

Not suitable for

• Anyone scared of water or worried about getting wet
• Those prone to sea sickness or motion sickness
  

Important information

What to bring

• Sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses (with strap)
• Dress for the weather - when in doubt, please bring extra layers that can get wet
  

Know before you go

• Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure
• Weather in New Zealand can be unpredictable, it is recommended to bring a warm clothing
• Please let us know your ability both swimming and on a kayak so we can recommend the best destinations for you
  
• Hires may be rescheduled due to weather or river conditions for safety

Departure Point

Paddle Wanaka, 151 - 153 Ardmore Street, Wanaka, 9305

Please check-in 15 minutes prior to departure at our Paddle Wanaka beachfront trailer

Cancellaton Policy

• You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
• If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
• Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Highlights

• 3-hour guided kayak tour on Lake Wānaka
• Paddle approximately 7 km through the main bay
• Visit the iconic Wānaka Tree
• Explore Ruby Island or the surrounding peninsula
• Optional 15-minute island/peninsula walk
• Experienced local guide with commentary
• Easy, relaxed pace — no previous kayaking experience required
• Stunning views of Lake Wānaka and the Southern Alps

Full description

Explore Lake Wānaka by kayak on our Bay Explorer guided tour.

Starting from the waterfront in Wānaka, you'll spend approximately three hours exploring the crystal-clear waters of the lake with an experienced local guide.

The approximately 7 km paddle takes you through the spectacular main bay, with views across Lake Wānaka to the surrounding Southern Alps. Along the way you'll visit some of Wānaka's best-known sights, including the famous Wānaka Tree and Ruby Island.

There's no need to be an experienced kayaker. The pace is relaxed and your guide will provide instruction and support throughout the trip, making this a great introduction to kayaking as well as an enjoyable experience for more experienced paddlers.

Depending on the conditions and the group, there is an opportunity to stop for a short walk on Ruby Island or the peninsula, giving you time to stretch your legs, take in the scenery and hear more about the area.

This is a scenic, active but relaxed way to experience Lake Wānaka — perfect for couples, families, friends and visitors looking for an authentic New Zealand outdoor experience.

Includes

Kayak and paddle

Not suitable for

• People who are not comfortable on water
• People with limited mobility

Important information

What to bring

Comfortable active clothing — you may get damp

Warm layer such as a thermal or fleece

Sun hat
Sunscreen
Sunglasses with a strap
Water bottle
Camera/phone if desired

Know before you go

Please arrive 15 minutes before departure for check-in and briefing.

No previous kayaking experience is required. The tour operates at a relaxed pace and your guide will adapt the trip to suit the group.

Weather and lake conditions are assessed for safety. The route or launch location may be adjusted when required, and trips may be rescheduled or cancelled if conditions are unsuitable.

Please advise us of any relevant medical conditions or recent injuries before departure.

Departure Point

Paddle Wanaka, 151 - 153 Ardmore Street, Wanaka, 9305

Please check-in 15 minutes prior to departure at our Padde Wanaka beachfront trailer

Cancellaton Policy

• You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
• If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
• Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Highlights

• Self Guided one way kayak back to Wanaka
• Explore more shorelines ands bays of Lake Wanaka
• Fun, scenic, and accessible for confident beginners

Full description

Confident on the water and just need the gear? Our self-guided kayak experience on Lake Wānaka is perfect for you. We’ll shuttle you and your kayak to a scenic starting point—your mission is to paddle back at your own pace.
Whether you’re cruising solo or with friends, it’s a fun and flexible way to explore the lake. Our friendly team will give you local tips, help you plan a route suited to the conditions and your experience, and make sure you're set for a great morning on the water.
Paddle the shoreline, explore islands, jump off jetties, or stop for a picnic - it’s your adventure, your way.

Includes

• One way transport from Wānaka to your drop off point
• Top-quality sit-in kayaks and all safety gear
• Dry bags for personal items such as light snacks and water

Not suitable for

• Children under 8 years
• People who are not confident swimmers
• Those with serious back or neck injuries
• Pregnant individuals
• People with limited mobility

Important information

What to bring

• Swimwear or quick-dry clothing
• Warm layer (e.g. thermal or fleece top)
• Windbreaker or light jacket
• Sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses (with strap)
• Towel and change of clothes for after
• Water bottle

Know before you go

• Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure
• Let us know about any medical conditions or recent injuries
• You’ll be paddling on a flowing river — some kayaking experience is required
• Trips may be rescheduled due to weather or river conditions for safety

Departure Point

Paddle Wanaka, 151 - 153 Ardmore Street, Wanaka, 9305

Open in Google Maps

Please check-in 15 minutes prior to departure at our Paddle Wanaka beachfront trailer

Cancellaton Policy

• You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
• If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
• Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Highlights

• 4 Hour guided kayak on Lake Wanaka
• Includes optional island or peninsula walk
• Fun, scenic, and accessible for all paddlers
• approx 7km

Full description

Kayaking on the serene waters of Lake Wānaka, with its crystal-clear depths and stunning alpine backdrop, is the perfect way to start your day. Our Tiki Tour is a calm and scenic half-day journey that covers approximately 7 km (5.5 miles) of Lake Wānaka’s breathtaking coastline—ideal for both beginners and experienced paddlers.
Guided by our friendly local crew, you’ll explore some of the more remote corners of the lake, take in uninterrupted views of the Southern Alps, and hear a few local tales along the way. Whether you’re a visitor chasing a classic New Zealand adventure or a local keen to rediscover your backyard, this one-way paddle strikes the perfect balance between active and relaxed—getting you into nature without breaking too much of a sweat.
A great introduction to kayaking, this tour is ideal for couples, friends, families, and adventurous older folks.

Includes

• Kayak and Paddle
• Life Jackets
• Experienced and friendly guide
• Optional 15 minute peninsula or island walk
  
• Dry bags for personal items such as light snacks and water

Not suitable for

• People who are not comfortable on water
• People with limited mobility

Important information

What to bring

• Please wear comfortable non restrictive clothing, these may get damp
• Warm layer (e.g. thermal or fleece top)
• Sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses (with strap)
• Water bottle

Know before you go

• Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure
• Let us know about any medical conditions or recent injuries
• Trips may be rescheduled due to weather or river conditions for safety

Departure Point

Paddle Wanaka, 151 - 153 Ardmore Street, Wanaka, 9305

Please check-in 15 minutes prior to departure at our Paddle Wanaka beachfront trailer

Cancellaton Policy

• You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
• If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
• Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Highlights

• Guided kayak tour down the mighty Clutha River
• Paddle from Lake Wānaka’s outlet to the historic Red Bridge
• Fun, scenic, and accessible for confident beginners
• Return via thrilling jet boat ride back to Wānaka

Full description

Join Paddle Wānaka for an unforgettable river journey on one of New Zealand’s most iconic waterways. Your adventure begins at our lakefront base, where we’ll kit you out with gear and shuttle you to the Outlet — the starting point of the Clutha River.
From here, you'll paddle downstream with our experienced guide, winding through turquoise waters, pressure waves, and peaceful riverbanks. You’ll take in incredible views of the Southern Alps, spot local birdlife, and hear stories of the river’s natural and cultural history.
After reaching the Red Bridge, we switch it up — trading paddles for horsepower. Climb aboard our jet boat for an exciting ride back upstream, finishing with a unique perspective of the journey you just conquered.
This half-day trip is the perfect mix of serene nature, gentle adventure, and thrilling return.

Includes

• Return shuttle from Wānaka to the Outlet
• Top-quality sit-on-top kayaks and all safety gear
• Experienced and friendly river guide
• Jet boat ride from Red Bridge back to Wānaka
• Dry bags for personal items such as light snacks and water

Not suitable for

• Children under 12 years
• People who are not confident swimmers
• Those with serious back or neck injuries
• Pregnant individuals
• People with limited mobility

Important information

What to bring

• Swimwear or quick-dry clothing
• Warm layer (e.g. thermal or fleece top)
• Windbreaker or light jacket
• Sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses (with strap)
• Towel and change of clothes for after
• Water bottle

Know before you go

• Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure
• Let us know about any medical conditions or recent injuries
• You’ll be paddling on a flowing river — some kayaking experience is required
• Trips may be rescheduled due to weather or river conditions for safety

Departure Point

Paddle Wanaka, 151 - 153 Ardmore Street, Wanaka, 9305

Open in Google Maps

Please check-in 15 minutes prior to departure at our Paddle Wanaka beachfront trailer

Cancellaton Policy

• You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
• If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
• Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.