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 Our kayaking tours are designed for your enjoyment and easy adventure without all the hard work and with added safety. You don't need to be superfit or have had any previous kayaking experience. Suitable for adults of all age groups.
Tour Description
For a unique experience in Fiordland, forget about the crowds and come and join one of our small group, personalised kayaking tours packed with adventure and scenery all the way!
Experience up to 10 hours full of the mystery, magic and changing moods of Fiordland National Park.
(Click on the ‘Moods’ page to see client comments)
Clients are requested to report to our office no later than 7.30am. Parking is available at our office for the day. We then transfer you to Pearl Harbour with our mini coach to the awaiting vessel.
The journey is packed with adventure and scenery all the way. Start with a 30km cruise aboard our vessel ‘Adventurer 1’ across Lake Manapouri to West Arm at the head of the lake. Lake Manapouri is very beautiful with its many wooded islands, coves, sandy beaches and mountainous surround.
 Stopover at the informative West Arm Visitor Centre before traveling 22 km by coach over the Wilmot Pass Road. Stops along the way allow you to take in the many spectacular views including a view of the sound (weather permitting) 670 mts above sea level before descending to Deep Cove. At Deep Cove, enjoy a complimentary refreshing cuppa and cookies before gearing up to paddle this remote fiord.
Clean paddling and safety gear is supplied and includes: long john wetsuits, paddlejackets, polyproplylene clothing, hats, pogies, lifevests, spray skirts and camera bags.
Paddle in modern, stable double sea- kayaks all fully equipped with steering rudders. Before you set out on the water a full and comprehensive safety and paddling briefing is provided (support is ongoing from the guides throughout the tour). Information and interpretation on local history, flora, and fauna is provided throughout the day.
As you paddle this remote fiord you will enjoy and experience awesome views of towering mountains and ice carved valleys with rainforests clinging precariously on the steep sides. Waterfalls tumble down over the mountainsides (even more dramatic after or during heavy rain!). ‘Listen’ to the ‘sounds of silence’ and nature as you paddle in this landscape created by ice of many ages gone by.
Under towering Commander Peak, at the entrance to Hall Arm take time out for a lunch break with a complimentary hot soup or cuppa. Feel the ever changing atmosphere and surroundings permeate into your being – take time to gather your thoughts and reflect on what really matters in life...
 After refreshments continue your paddle into Hall Arm - the most sheltered scenic and safe part of the fiord to continue your kayaking adventure. Explore the sheltered coves and shorelines – get really close to Nature. Your paddling adventure concludes deep in Hall Arm in solitude with awesome views of Mt. Danae towering to 1500 metres above you. Enjoy magnificent views of the valley beyond.
Explore a spectacular landscape created by ice of many ages gone by - at water level it is an overwhelming experience!!!
At approximately 3.00pm, our vessel ‘Adventurer 2’ will pick you up from the end of your paddle and begin the return cruise back to Deep Cove. Time to leave this land that time forgot and that we have been privileged to visit and return back across the pass for the relaxing return cruise back down the lake to civilization at Manapouri. Return time back to Pearl Harbour, Manapouri is 5.30pm.
Don’t just see the fiord, experience it personally at water level in a sea kayak!!!!
We cater for small groups providing a personal experience with many personal comforts.
Your friendly skipper/host and kayak guide will be there to ensure that you have a safe, enjoyable experience that you will treasure for a lifetime.
Note regarding weather: Route may vary due to conditions at the time of the tour. Fiordland is a very high rainfall area - we seldom cancel tours due to rain - the rainy days are the some of the most spectacular with mountain mist and a profusion of waterfalls everywhere. Our main concern regarding the weather is strong wind forecasts for the coastal area that can on occasion cause cancellation of tours.
Full Day Tour - Special Features
- excellent tour for those with only a day to spare who want to enjoy an interactive day out with nature
- all tours include 4-5 hours total paddling time on the Sound with up to 6 hours in total spent on the Sound (including lunch break, one way cruise etc).
- trip includes scenic tour of Lake Manapouri and the Wilmot Pass Road
- paddlers from 14 years plus (children need to be big and strong enough to paddle a double kayak with an adult and to have paddled before)
- a treat for all of the senses
- an unforgettable, enjoyable day, RAIN OR SHINE!!! (yes, tours still operate on rainy days - they are some of the best!)
- previous paddling experience is not necessary as tours are fully guided (although you do need to be happy to be on the water in a small water craft).
- small groups guarantees a fun, personal experience
- complimentary cookies, plus hot drinks including tasty soups for lunch. Filtered water is provided
- all of our day kayak tours include a one way cruise on the Sound allowing you to travel further by kayak in one day.This gives you more time not just to see the fiord but to experience it also!!
- all tours are fully guided by experienced, friendly, knowledgeable guides who provide interpretation on local history, flora and fauna throughout the day.
- dry bags are provided for cameras BUT please note that we will not assume responsibility for any damage or loss to personal items while clients are on the tour.
Click here for a list of what you will need to bring
Total tour time - up to 10 hours of magic in wilderness Fiordland.
Reporting time - no later than 7.20am at our Manapouri office (see maps for details).
Departure time - promptly no later than 7.45am (from our office)
Tour Return time - 5.30pm to our Manapouri office
Price - $239.00 per person.
Note: Tours operate seasonally from late September to early May with minimum numbers applying to all departures. Forward reservations are recommended especially through the peak period of late December through to early March.
Minimum age of 14 years applies (younger children may be accepted but conditions will apply). Sorry we do not offer a reduced pricing rate for children as we only take small numbers.
Return transport is available (if required) from Te Anau on the day of the tour. Cost is additional, please enquire.
Tours depart from our Manapouri office where safe parking and storage is available.
For those with more time and experience, other options including the following are available:
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2) Doubtful Sound – full day guided kayak tour plus overnight lakeside camp and lake rental option
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2 days - the ultimate experience! Click here for more information.
Click here to see our cancellation policy.
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