Kayak Rental in the Queen Charlotte Sound

• intro
• itinerary
• price
• departure
• gear
• faqs

Itinerary

From Picton, there are an infinite number of options for kayak trips in the Sounds. These options range from easy, relaxed cruising to the experienced expeditioner.

With over 50 Department of Conservation campsites within the Sounds, and over 1500 km of sheltered coastline there is plenty of space. Paddlers also have the option of using some of the various lodges dotted around the sounds. We recommend that you don't plan your itinerary until you have your safety briefing with us. During this time, our staff will assess your skills, the weather and suggest the best options for your group. Some of the best routes, from the easiest to the more challenging, are;

• The Grove Arm of the Queen Charlotte Sound. Paddling from Picton for 1 or 2 days, this area suits family groups, and those wanting a fairly easy paddling trip, with a good range of campsites, nice native bush, walking tracks and optional accommodation.
  
  
• The Queen Charlotte Sound to Ruakaka Bay - A good 2 or 3 day trip, perhaps including the Grove Arm, but also Kumutoto Bay, and the Ratimera campsite with it's lovely sandy beach and native bush.
  
  
• The Kenepuru Sound; has a number of good campsites, and some good accommodation places.
  
  
• The outer Queen Charlotte Sound. Allow a minimum of 3 days, but preferably 4 or more, to see this area. Perhaps use a water taxi to take you one way in order to spend more time in the outer area. This is the most interesting paddling area in the Sounds, with a real feeling of remoteness, and some of the best campsites. Special places such as Capt. Cook's monument at Ship Cove, the bird sanctuary at Motuara Island, the marine reserve at Long Island and Blumine Island add to the attraction. This is a great paddling area.
  
  
• Tennyson Inlet to Moutapu Bay, or Picton via Portage - Tennyson Inlet is beautiful, with it's heavy native bush, and tranquil bays.The drop off is 2.5 hours from Picton, and you need at least 5 days to do the one way trip back. Conditions can be difficult at times. There is much to see in the outer Pelorus Sound, and through the area around Nydia Bay.
  
  
• The Kenepuru Sound is worth a couple of days exploring if there is time. Transport of gear to the Queen Charlotte Sound at Portage can be arranged at a small cost.