Phil's Sea Kayak

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 an 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.
• All personal kayaking gear and safety equipment provided.
• 2.5hr, half or full day tours, twilight paddles ( often sunset!), sea kayak expeditions.
• New Zealand Outdoor Instructors Association certified and registered guide, living kayaking for 40 years.
• Personal guiding – sea kayak tours tailored for all levels of experience.

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Copyright 2019 Phil’s Sea Kayak Stewart Island

Guided Sea Kayak Tours

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) $90 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) $145 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!

Wide – Angle Inlet Adventure (full day 8.5hrs) $219 pp

This is an amazing day of the sights and sounds of pristine coastal nature! Following our briefing and practice we’ll partially traverse Paterson Inlet then explore the remote, southern coastline of Ulva Island. We’ll pass through multiple islets that are home to many species of seabirds and the shallow waters here are packed with unique sealife. We’ll observe colonies of cormarants, black-backed gulls and may have albatross above us and landing close by. Further afield there’s stunning places for refreshments and stretching your legs on golden sand beaches before continuing our amazing circuit back to the boatshed.

Glowing Skies Gem (evening/sunset tour 2.5hrs) $90 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 be available, please enquire. (Conditions apply).

What people say …

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.

Contact us for more details.

Email: phil@seakayakstewartisland.nz

Phone: (+64) 027 444 2323

Address: Watercress Bay, Paterson Inlet, Stewart Island / Rakiura, NEW ZEALAND

Open everyday from mid-October till mid-May

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