WANTED! – Sea kayak explorers of remote and pristine Stewart Island / Rakiura coastline !!
You’ll discover the golden-sand bays, deep forest-surrounded inlets and sometimes rugged, rocky coastline is absolutely amazing.
Stewart Island / Rakiura is an unforgettable sea-kayaking paradise.
A multitude of wildlife gets on with their daily and seasonal life, tides rise and fall, birds nest along the shoreline and birdsong comes from the native foliage above.
And you’ll be immersed in this natural wonderland – frequently we’re the only ones on the inlet!
Your intimate experience of New Zealand nature.
“Living and kayaking here for many years, I share a strong attraction to the stunning natural beauty of Stewart Island – every day is different and special. “
Explore the pristine clear waters with amazing marine life, bays, and sandy beaches.
Quiet and close – just you and nature. Small groups ensure an individual experience.
Based close to the village with direct access to Paterson Inlet Marine Reserve and coastlines.
Fully equipped and very stable Double sea kayaks with foot-operated rudders for easy steering.
For all tours I can pick you up from and return you to your accommodation. Alternatively, my boatshed at Watercress Bay is a very pleasant 25 minute walk from the Oban waterfront. At the boatshed we’ll fit our personal kayaking gear, have a tour and safety briefing and learn and practice some kayaking skills. Your tour route will reflect the weather and water conditions at the time, to ensure your safety and maximum enjoyment. Don’t worry if you’re travelling by yourself or as a couple – most times their will be others doing the the same to make up the minimum of four guests.
A Taste of the Pristine Paradise (2.5hrs) $125 pp
After our briefing we’re on the water to practice paddle strokes. We’ll be exploring along the beautiful bush-clad shoreline keeping a eye out (and ear open) for penguins and a host of seabirds going about their daily activities. We might visit the waters around the Faith, Hope and Charity Islands, head in to Deep Bay and maybe reach Ringaringa Passage – where the Inlet meets the open ocean. All along the way we’ll be discovering the amazing and prolific sea life living in the crystal-clear water.
Captivating Coastline (half day 4.5hrs) $185 pp
Once you’re comfortable with the easy foot-operated steering and paddling strokes we’re off along the coastline taking in the natural beauty all around us. Rimu and Rata trees feature in the native bush reaching right to the high-tide zone – a precious insight to how much of the New Zealand coastline used to be. We’ll drop in to bays and paddle around islands, all the time taking in the sights and sounds of the bountiful, unspoiled marine ecosystem. Fancy a hot drink, baking and a stroll along a remote beach? Done!
Glowing Skies Gem (evening/sunset tour 2.5hrs) $125 pp
An evening kayaking on Paterson Inlet is unforgettable. We are often the only people on the water. Frequently the sea surface is very calm and the reflections and colours are hightened from the sun setting right across the Inlet. There’s time to explore the wide array of intertidal sealife like urchins, shellfish, starfish and sea cucumbers as we typically make our way to Ringaringa Passage. Maybe time for a quick foray to kelp-surrounded rocks off the beach before paddling up the Inlet with (hopefully!) the sun setting right in front of us.
Your safety is my first priority because I want you to love this paddling experience as much as I do!
Kayak rentals and exclusive tours may be available, please enquire. (Conditions apply).
What people say …
Absolutely amazing! Incredible experience and Phil is so knowledgeable. So cool having a sea lion follow us around all evening!!!
zekey_smith 04/02/2023
It was definitely looking into the clear water and seeing the fascinating wildlife, my friend and I experienced phenomenal things such as many paua (abalone) and we were kayaking next... read more too a sea lion!
Phil was a very caring guide, you could clearly see his passion for the area show.
Definitely would recommend, the price definitely worth the experience.
Abbey P 02/02/2023
Amazing trip with Phil. Was only on Stewart island for a little over a day and I’m incredibly glad this was one of the things that I was able to... read more do. Got to see a bunch of different birds and fish species, all of which Phil was very knowledgeable about. Even got to see a couple species of jellyfish, a sea lion that came and swam next to our canoes, and a seahorse!! Trips are weather permitting so if you get the opportunity would highly recommend making this part of your Stewart island experience.
Lccrowe 28/01/2023
A wonderful afternoon cruising Paterson inlet islands and bays. The gear Phil provided was excellent. We stayed perfectly dry the whole time. Phil was a great guide... read more and showed us the local sealife snd stories of the area.
Highly recommend.
nzp0ppy 07/06/2021
We were lucky to have a spectacular cloudless, windless day and spent 3 hours out paddling around the inlet, eating seaweed and spotting starfish, kina, sea cucumbers, fish and penguins.... read more Also had a Mollymawk glide in and land right next to the kayak. A spectacular way to spend an afternoon, next time we will do the full day tour if weather permits. Highly recommend.
blob232 11/04/2021
What a great experience- we booked in a last minute evening tour with Phil and it was the perfect... read more
BHunter70 26/03/2021
Had an awesome 2.5hr paddle with Phil, who is a well of knowledge about the Island and the water... read more
annedE7228PC 14/03/2021
Phil was great! We had such a wonderful time on the tour. He was so knowledgeable and it was... read more
737evef 14/03/2021
The calm nature of Phil, the peacefulness of Paterson Inlet and just being on the water.,,,,this... read more
CushQT 18/02/2021
A terrific way to start my Stewart Island adventure holiday. Phil collected me from my... read more
Julie S 13/02/2021
WHAT TO BRING
All kayaking gear & equipment is provided. Including paddles, buoyancy aids, paddle jackets, and spray skirts.
Please bring …
Soft shoes or sandals
Warm clothing
Camera/cellphone*
Water bottle
Insect repellent
Sunglasses
Sunblock & hat/cap
Personal snacks
*Due to the water-based environment all personal items are their owner’s responsibility and risk.
Dry bags available for your phone, camera and small items.
