Due to the fun and excitement that kayaking offers, the sport has gained popularity in almost all countries. Although there are several popular kayaking hubs like Virginia, California in the US, Scotland, France and Australia, there are certain offbeat kayaking locations that kayakers love to explore. The small but beautiful island of New Zealand is one such destination that has some of the best kept kayaking secrets.

New Zealand Kayaking Guide

New Zealand is blessed with stunning natural bounty and boasts of incredible 1500 surging rivers, mesmerizing beaches and extremely scenic coves and bays. Thus, it is not surprising that kayaking is one of the most popular activities practiced by the adventure loving kiwis.

Kayaking in New Zealand is a splendid experience mainly because of the untamed wilderness and the picturesque landscapes that surround the vast network of waterways. There are many ultimate locations for whitewater as well as sea kayaking that attract not just the New Zealanders but kayakers from across the world.

Sea Kayaking Locations

The Bay of Islands is a perfect sea kayaking destination as it allows the kayakers to enjoy some of the most rugged peninsulas, idyllic beaches and virgin isles. The most popular spots in the Bay of Islands include the Maritime Scenic Reserve, Cape Wiwiki, Cape Brett, Purerua Peninsula, Mimiwhangata or NorthernTakouBay and WhangaroaHarbour. A lot of sea kayakers also frequent the waters of the Abel Tasman and Marahau.

Whitewater Kayaking Locations

The rivers in New Zealand are considered some of the best in the world for whitewater kayaking. From small Grade I rapids to the toughest Grade IV and V rapids, these rivers can challenge the most skilled kayaker.

There are different types of rivers, with some being calm and slow moving while some are extremely fast with swift currents. Some rivers also have very steep descents and depths that make whitewater kayaking even more thrilling. For those game for dare-devilry can also enjoy creeking for some nerve wracking moments on the water. Creeking refers to extreme kayaking wherein the paddlers kayak on plunging waterfalls and in deep gorges.

Some of the greatest whitewater kayaking locations include the BullerRiver, north IslandRivers like WaikatoRiver, MangorewaRiver, MotuRiver, WhakapapaitiRiver, WaiwhakaihoRiver and WaiohineRiver. Some other important whitewater kayaking rivers include ClarenceRiver and BatonRiver in Nelson, WaiatotoRiver in West Coast and HookerRiver in Canterbury.

These are just a few of the numerous rivers that are ideal for whitewater kayaking.

Kayaking from New Zealand to Australia

The Tasman Sea is one of the most treacherous sea stretches in the world and therefore crossing it with a kayak was always considered a Herculean task. Thus, it was only in 2008 that this feat was first achieved by two Australians, James Castrission and Justin Jones. These Sydney-based kayakers crossed the stretch in 62 days to set a world record.

They began their kayaking voyage from Foster in the mid-north coast of New South Wales and ended at New Plymouth.

With such fantastic kayaking locations, it is no surprise that the island has emerged as a wild and exciting kayaking destination.