New Zealand Canoeing And Kayaking - Incomparable Water Thrills
Canoeing in New Zealand is a well established adventure sport offering enthusiasts the opportunity to explore the pretty lakes, rivers and the magnificent coastline of New Zealand.
A canoe is a narrow boat with an open deck. A kayak is also a special type of canoe with a closed deck and a cockpit that can be sealed to prevent entry of water.
The canoe paddler is on his own knees whereas the kayak paddler is seated. Another difference is that the canoe paddle has only one blade while the kayak paddle has two blades.
Kayaking is a great way to explore lakes, rivers and the sea coast. Based on the medium, different variations of kayaking have blossomed over the years and made it an extremely popular sport.
New Zealand is blessed with some of the finest white water rivers in the world and kayaking on them is an unforgettable experience.
In the 70s, fibreglass kayaks revolutionised the sport by making them durable. It evolved to plastic kayaks in the 80s. Today, kayaks are made for a variety of purposes ranging from short streamlined canoes for white water to long sea kayaks with rudders (or skegs).
The New Zealand Canoeing Federation is responsible for all canoeing and kayaking activities. There is another body called the New Zealand Recreational Canoeing Association. These organisations ensure that the sport is well regulated.
Sea Kayaking:
Sea kayaking is an excellent opportunity to explore New Zealand's famous extensive coastline. You will be awe struck by the beauty of the various landscapes, the remote beaches and the birdlife. You can get close to marine wildlife such as seals and dolphins and enjoy their company.
The best sea kayaking locations in the North Island are in the Hauraki Gulf, the Bay of Islands and the Coromandel Peninsula.
In the South Island, Marlborough Sounds is a good bet. The coast of Abel Tasman National Park is an extrememly popular kayaking spot.
Milford Sound is a famous destination indenting the coast off Fiordland National Park. Its spectacular wild setting coupled with deep clear waters is any kayaker's delight with playful dolphins giving great company.
New Zealand's biggest kayaking spot is the Camelot River in the heart of the Fiordland National Park with a plethora of deep winding rivers and crystal clear streams. Fiordland has seen an increasing number of guided tours in the regions of Te Anau, Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound and Manapouri.
White Water Kayaking:
New Zealand is blessed with some of the world's finest fast and free flowing white water rivers. Paddling downstream is an adrenaline pumping activity abounding in thrills.
White water kayaking is a rapidly growing adventure sport in New Zealand with numerous canoeing and kayaking clubs all over the country. There are plenty of commercial tour operators helping make the sport hugely popular.
In the North Island, the rivers of Kaituna, Rangitikei, Wairoa, Mohaka and Rangitaiki offer fantastic kayaking opportunities.
In the South Island, the Buller, Rangitata, Kawarau, Grey and Hurunui rivers are excellent kayaking destinations.
Canoeing:
In the North Island, canoeing is popular on the Whanganui River. There are many commercial operators running canoe tours at various points of the Whanganui River. Lake Taupo boasts of top canoeing activity.
Points to note:
- Wear a life vest
- Always check the weather before setting out on a kayaking trip.
- If you are new to kayaking, be aware of your limitations and do not rush off into rough waters.
- Kayaks are light weight and small. Avoid unnecessary movement once seated in the kayak.
- Board the kayak in shallow waters and paddle out.
- Stand up only when you reach shallow waters and you are prepared to exit.
- Kayaks are prone to tip and crash if mishandled. Do n
