Kayaking in New Zealand: Best spots for an epic adventure
What's the story
We all know that New Zealand is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, but its fjords are some of the most beautiful ones.
While most tourists visit the famous Milford Sound, the lesser-known fjords can give you an amazing kayaking experience.
Here are some secret routes where you can kayak through untouched nature and pristine waters, away from the throngs of tourists.
Dusky Sound
Dusky Sound: A remote adventure
Dusky Sound, one of New Zealand's largest fjords, located in Fiordland National Park, is a remote adventure for the kayakers looking for solitude and pristine natural beauty.
The sound is only accessible by boat or helicopter, leaving a minimal human footprint on the environment.
Paddlers can explore the many islands within the sound and meet diverse wildlife like dolphins and seals.
The challenging conditions require experience but promise a rewarding journey through untouched wilderness.
Doubtful Sound
Doubtful Sound: Tranquil waters
Doubtful Sound is aptly dubbed the "Sound of Silence," thanks to its serene waters and quiet environment.
It is thrice longer than Milford Sound and ten times its area, making it more than spacious for you to kayak around.
The sound's depths are host to several creatures, from penguins to fur seals.
You can paddle through lush rainforests that border the fjord's edges, admiring the mesmerizing views of towering peaks.
Breaksea Sound
Breaksea Sound: Wildlife haven
Breaksea Sound gives kayakers an opportunity to dive into a wildlife paradise rife with life above and beneath the water.
Situated near Dusky Sound, it is home to plenty of sheltered coves ideal for kayaking exploration.
The region is famous for its rich biodiversity, including the rare bird species such as Fiordland crested penguins, and playful dolphins often swimming alongside paddlers' boats.
Preservation Inlet
Preservation Inlet: Historical exploration
Only reachable by kayak or small boat from Te Anau or Manapouri, Preservation Inlet offers a heady mix of history and nature at Fiordland National Park.
Once a gold rush hub, it's now a quiet spot for explorers.
Amidst the natural beauty, adventurers can find remnants of past mining, making it a fascinating destination for those seeking solitude and intrigue.