A day sea kayaking on Lyttelton Harbour is the best way to explore Quail Island, one of Christchurch’s best-kept secrets. Volcanic activity 45 million years ago formed Banks Peninsula, and the two largest eruptions formed Lyttelton and Akaroa Harbours. The result of this activity has left us with some of the most spectacular and dynamic harbors in New Zealand. Quail Island is the largest of three small islands in Lyttelton Harbour and rich in history. On this day trip, we explore Lyttelton Harbour and Quail Island.

Sea Kayaking Tour highlights

• Sea kayaking in a volcano
• Secret bays
• Paddle through a ships graveyard
• Sea caves
• Visit Quail Island

Morning -Sea Kayaking

Your guide will collect you from your accommodation or our pick-up point outside the Canterbury Museum on Rolleston Ave, Christchurch, by 9 am.

On our way to Lyttleton Harbour, we pass through New Zealand’s second-longest road tunnel (1970 mts) and the iconic Port town of Lyttelton. Our sea kayaking journey begins at Cass or Charteris Bays just 30-40 minutes from Christchurch’s City center.

Your guide will teach you some basic paddle strokes and how to steer your boat, and then we’re off.

We paddle towards the head of the harbor, exploring the many small bays and rocky cliffs along the way. Find secret sandy beaches the locals adore.

Leaving the coast, we head out towards Quail Island, the largest of the three islands in the harbor. Quail Island is rich in local history; the Island was farmed, used as a leper colony, and also for Antarctic expedition training. Now the Island is a recreational reserve. We paddle past a ship’s graveyard, exploring the three partially sunken steamships at the North-Western tip of the Island to reach Home Bay, our lunch spot. 

Afternoon - Sea Kayaking

We land our sea kayaks onto the beach at Home Bay for lunch, looking back at Charteris Bay and Mt Bradley. On the Island, you have the opportunity to explore or relax by the beach.

Our return paddle takes us under the towering cliffs at the eastern end of the island before crossing back to shore and returning to Chartiras Bay.

Your guide will drop you back to your accommodation or at the drop point at Canterbury Museum on Rolleston Ave, in the city center.