The sound of my paddle hitting the water, the bright blue hue of the sky and the tranquility of hidden bays are what I remember most about my first kayak trip in New Zealand.<\/p>\n
The Marlborough Sounds, located in the north of New Zealand\u2019s South Island, is an intricate maze of islands, coves and waterways created when the seas flooded the valleys after the ice age. With over 1500km of coastline to explore, it doesn’t take long to feel like you\u2019ve escaped civilisation and found your own piece of paradise. Expedia\u2019s travellers have figured that out, flocking to the major bases of Picton, Nelson and Blenheim for a holiday.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re travelling from the North Island, Air New Zealand flies straight into Blenheim from Wellington or there\u2019s a car and passenger ferry service to Picton that leaves from Wellington too. If you\u2019re already on the South Island, there are bus services from places like Nelson or Christchurch or try the scenic TranzCoastal train from Christchurch (October – April only).<\/p>\n
Once you\u2019ve made it there, it\u2019s time to hit the water. Plenty of companies offer kayak rental and guided trips. You can head out for three hours, or three days. Guided trips are a terrific option if you\u2019re not an experienced kayaker or you\u2019re after local insights to the diverse landscape and wildlife along the way…<\/p>\n
As a general rule children must be aged 12 or over to join a guided trip (in a double kayak with an adult), but if your kids are younger than this and you think they\u2019re capable, you might be able to arrange a private family guided tour. The best thing to do is contact a few companies to discuss your needs. The great thing about having kids in a double kayak is they can rest when they need to without the entire group having to stop.<\/p>\n
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