Sea Kayaking, Lyttelton Harbour & Quail Island Day Tour

Your sea kayaking adventure begins with a scenic drive over the Port Hills via Dyers Pass, offering stunning views of the mountains and coastline on your way to Lyttelton Harbour. The kayaking starts at Charteris Bay, just 45 minutes from Christchurch. After a safety briefing and paddle lesson from your expert guide, you’ll head out towards Quail Island, exploring sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and diverse wildlife along the way. Your guide will share fascinating stories about the area’s history. Once at Quail Island, the largest of the harbour’s islands, you can explore its rich history and spot the ship graveyard, where three sunken steamships lie. Enjoy lunch on the island or a nearby beach, with time to relax or explore at your leisure. The tour concludes with a return to your hotel, leaving you with unforgettable memories of kayaking and discovery. experiences. *Suitable for ages 8 years or older and most physical abilities.

Sea Kayaking Tour Itinerary

Duration: 7 – 7 ½ hours

Transport: Minivan or luxury car (private tours)

Food: Tea, coffee, snacks and lunch are provided

Start/Finish: Christchurch City Centre

Start time: 9:00 am

Finish time: 4:00 – 4:30 pm

Gear and equipment: All gear and equipment is provided

Min/max numbers: 2 – 8 pax

(Public Holidays: By request only – Min 4 Pax)

*Suitable for ages 8 years or older and most physical abilities.

Join a guided sea kayaking adventure to Quail Island in Lyttelton Harbour. Explore this nature reserve, formed from an extinct volcano, as you paddle past sea caves, shipwrecks, and spot local wildlife that calls the harbour home.

Pick-up/Drop-off:

– Chch Hotels

– Citizens’ War Memorial, Cathedral Square

– Zeros Café Cashmere Road (free all-day parking)

Tour starts – Christchurch

(Travel – Depends on pickup location)

1. Lyttelton Harbour – Sightseeing, 30 minutes

(Travel – 30 minutes)

2. Charteris Bay – Snack, safety briefing, 30 minutes

(Kayaking – 1.5-2 hours)

3. Otamahua/Quail Island – Kayaking, picnic lunch, sightseeing,
optional guided walk on Quail Island

(Kayaking – 1.5-2 hours)

4. Charteris Bay – Snack, pack up, 30 minutes

(Travel -45 minutes)

Tour finishes – Christchurch

*Suitable for most people, previous kayaking experience is not necessary. Involved 3-4 hours of kayaking

Set off on a guided sea kayaking adventure to the beautiful Quail Island, located in the heart of Lyttelton Harbour. Formed from an extinct volcano, this nature reserve is managed by DOC. Paddle around the island, exploring sea caves, shipwrecks, and the diverse wildlife that inhabits the harbour.

For the private tour option, please contact [email protected] for more details.