canoeing/kayaking
Imagine the pleasure of drifting serenely
on a mirror-smooth lake with snow-capped mountains reflected in
its surface, or on a crystal clear stream meandering through lush
rainforest.
New Zealand is a paddlers paradise, being completely
surrounded by ocean, dotted with a thousand lakes and
criss-crossed by over 1500 rivers. There are more kayak tour
operators per capita here than in any other country. In New
Zealand an open two-person canoe is called a Canadian
canoe and a narrow one-person craft with a small cockpit is
called a kayak. The most popular disciplines are; Sea kayaking
(using five metre long craft on the ocean, lakes and rivers).
White-water kayaking (on fast-flowing rivers with Grade 1-5
rapids). Fun kayaking (on sit-upon plastic boats in surf or flat
water). Big river canoeing (using Canadians or kayaks).
Sea kayaking is popular in scenic coastal parks such as the Bay
of Islands, Hauraki Gulf, Abel Tasman National Park, Marlborough
Sounds, Fiordland and Stewart Island. Many of the tourist resorts
in these areas offer boat rentals and guided tours into
spectacular wilderness areas with amazing wildlife and pristine
beaches - a true eco-experience. The magical Abel Tasman Coast
and Marlborough Sounds have combinations of kayaking, walking and
water taxi options available. Mt Cook has sea kayaking on the
Tasman and Mueller glacier moraine lakes. The Whanganui River in
the North Island offers a top-class big river journey.
This sport has something for everyone, catering for personal
interests and ability levels. Experienced thrill seekers focus on
white-water kayaking and revel in the challenge of New
Zealands large volume, fast flowing rivers like the
Rangitaiki, Tongariro and Kaituna in the north and the Buller,
Karamea and Shotover in the south.
Whether your paddling style is relaxing or death defying, you are
sure to have rewarding experiences on New Zealands waterways. (also see Rafting & Kayaking)
|