Kayaking from Marahau: Astrolabe Roadstead islands & seals

Paddle to islands and seal colonies without a guide steering the boat

A full-day kayak rental from Marahau lets you paddle the Astrolabe Roadstead at your own pace, visiting islands and watching seals along the way before returning to shore. All kayaking and safety equipment is provided. Minimum age is 14, and at least two people must book together. Moderate fitness is needed for the 7-hour outing.

The experience

You launch from Marahau and paddle the Astrolabe Roadstead on your own schedule, choosing which islands to visit and how long to spend at each beach. The rental includes all kayaking and safety equipment, so you arrive and get straight on the water. Seals haul out on the rocks, and the birdsong carries across the bays: what you notice depends on where you paddle and when you stop.

The day is unguided, which means you navigate your own route and set your own pace instead of following a group itinerary. You'll paddle for roughly 7 hours total, though that time includes your stops and the return journey back to Marahau. The Astrolabe Roadstead has many beaches to explore, and the islands are close enough that paddling between them is straightforward for someone with moderate fitness and basic kayak handling.

Two people minimum must book together, and anyone under 14 cannot join. Public transport options are available nearby if you need to reach Marahau from elsewhere on the South Island. The rental is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries.

What’s included

• All kayaking and safety equipment.
• a full day on the water paddling the Astrolabe Roadstead at your own pace.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Friday and SaturdayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (14 to 75 years) · Under 14: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by R&R Kayaks

Is this one for you?This rental suits paddlers who want to explore on their own terms instead of following a guide's itinerary. You choose which islands to visit and how long to linger at each beach. If you prefer a guided experience with someone narrating the route and the wildlife, a guided tour would be a better fit.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the Astrolabe Roadstead like for kayaking?

The Astrolabe Roadstead is a sheltered bay dotted with islands and beaches near Marahau. You'll paddle between islands where seals rest on the rocks, and the water is calm enough for a self-guided day without a guide leading the group.

Do I need kayaking experience to book this rental?

You need at least a moderate level of physical fitness and basic comfort with paddling. The rental is unguided, so you're responsible for your own navigation and safety on the water.

What equipment comes with the kayak rental?

All kayaking and safety equipment is included. You don't need to bring or rent anything separately.

Can I go kayaking alone, or do I need to bring someone?

A minimum of two people must book together, so you'll need at least one other person in your party.

How long does the full day take on the water?

The rental runs for roughly 7 hours total, including your paddling time, stops at beaches and islands, and the return journey to Marahau.