GUIDED TOURS

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) $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 …

star rating  Absolutely amazing! Incredible experience and Phil is so knowledgeable. So cool having a sea lion follow us around all evening!!!

avatar thumb zekey_smith
04/02/2023

star rating  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

avatar thumb Abbey P
02/02/2023

star rating  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

avatar thumb Lccrowe
28/01/2023

star rating  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

nzp0ppy
07/06/2021

star rating  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

blob232
11/04/2021

star rating  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

star rating  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

star rating  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

star rating  The calm nature of Phil, the peacefulness of Paterson Inlet and just being on the water.,,,,this... read more

CushQT
18/02/2021

star rating  A terrific way to start my Stewart Island adventure holiday. Phil collected me from my... read more

Julie S
13/02/2021

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