Hike and Kayak Combo

Located on the Banks Peninsula in New Zealand’s Canterbury Region, the "Hike and Kayak Combo" offers an immersive eight-hour adventure that perfectly blends the land and sea’s richest natural experiences. Departing from Akaroa, a charming harbor town with French colonial history, this trip takes you through some of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes—beginning with a tranquil hike along a private section of the renowned Banks Track through native ancient forest to Pohatu Bay. This hike isn’t just any walk in the woods.

You’ll traverse a lush forest dominated by towering red beech trees and giant tree ferns, some aged over 400 years, deep within the Tutakakahikura Scenic Reserve. The forest floor is alive with the sounds of native birds, and you’ll encounter several cascading waterfalls, offering moments perfect for reflection and photography. This self-guided trail lets you soak in the serene atmosphere at your own pace, winding down from the hills to the secluded Pohatu Bay.

Once you reach Pohatu Bay, you’ll find a fully equipped communal kitchen and bathroom facilities—ideal for a relaxing lunch break before the afternoon portion of your journey begins. Here, adventure shifts gears as you gear up for an expertly guided sea-kayaking safari across the Pohatu Marine Reserve. This protected coastal area is alive with vibrant marine life including New Zealand fur seals, which you have a 100% chance to see on this tour.

Guides provide all necessary gear, from lifejackets and dry jackets to spray decks and dry bags, ensuring comfort and safety on the water. Whether you’re a first-timer or fairly experienced, the double kayaks accommodate pairs with guides considering sea conditions, fitness, and skill. The combination of paddling in calm bays and spotting diverse marine creatures makes this part both thrilling and intimate with nature.

This experience works perfectly for families with children aged six and up, providing a safe, structured environment in which everyone can enjoy New Zealand’s outdoors. Wildflower meadows, native birdlife, and the prehistoric forest setting set this adventure apart from typical hikes or kayaking tours. The trip’s location, on the scenic Banks Peninsula, is a standout destination thanks to its dramatic volcanic crater landscape, rare native species, and cultural history rooted in Maori and early European settlement.

The operator’s care to limit group sizes to just eight per guide preserves the pristine environment and ensures a personalized adventure. Prepare for variable weather by packing waterproof gear and sunscreen, wear sturdy hiking shoes, and bring a lunch and water, which you can refill at the bay. Whether your passion lies in vibrant ecosystems, ocean wildlife, or quiet forest moments, this hike-and-kayak combo connects you to the rugged beauty of Canterbury’s wild coastline in a uniquely accessible way.