Rippled Earth Kayaking | Glenorchy Kayak Tours

Experience Glenorchy kayaking with Rippled Earth and discover the spectacular head of Lake Wakatipu from the water. Surrounded by the Southern Alps, these guided kayak tours combine incredible scenery, secluded islands, native birdlife and fascinating local history.

Choose the Glenorchy Island Safari for a half-day adventure across Lake Wakatipu to Pigeon or Pig Island, or explore the shoreline on the family and beginner-friendly Little Paradise Adventure.

No previous kayaking experience is necessary. With experienced local guides, stable double kayaks and small groups, Rippled Earth offers a personal way to experience one of New Zealand’s most impressive mountain and lake environments.

Transfers are available from both Queenstown and Glenorchy, or you can self-drive to the departure point.

Why Choose Rippled Earth Kayaking?

• Guided kayaking at the head of Lake Wakatipu
• Spectacular Southern Alps and lake scenery
• Glenorchy Island Safari to Pigeon or Pig Island
• Family and beginner-friendly kayaking available
• No previous kayaking experience necessary
• Stable double kayaks
• Small-group experiences
• Native birdlife, including opportunities to see weka
• Experienced local guides
• Queenstown and Glenorchy transfers available
• Suitable for ages 8 years and over
• Exclusive and group packages available
• Locally owned and operated Glenorchy business

Glenorchy Island Safari

Discover the islands at the head of Lake Wakatipu on Rippled Earth’s Glenorchy Island Safari.

Your adventure begins on the shores of Lake Wakatipu near Glenorchy. After a full briefing from your guide, paddle for approximately 45 minutes across the lake to a secluded beach on either Pigeon Island or Pig Island.

Once ashore, enjoy a short walk and learn about the island’s history, ecology and native birdlife. Keep an eye out for New Zealand weka and other birds before enjoying refreshments on the beach.

You’ll then return to your kayak for the scenic paddle back across Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery.

Glenorchy Island Safari Highlights

• Easy 45-minute paddle across Lake Wakatipu each way
• Visit Pigeon or Pig Island
• Explore a secluded island beach
• Short island walk
• Learn about local history and ecology
• Opportunities to see and photograph native birdlife
• Refreshments on the beach
• Spectacular lake and Southern Alps scenery

Little Paradise Adventure

The Little Paradise Adventure offers a relaxed way to explore the shoreline of Lake Wakatipu and is ideal for families, beginners and those looking for an introduction to kayaking.

Paddle through the spectacular landscape around the head of the lake while your guide shares stories about the area’s cultural, geological and pioneering history.

With instruction provided and stable double kayaks, you don’t need previous kayaking experience to enjoy the adventure.

Kayaking on Lake Wakatipu

The head of Lake Wakatipu provides an incredible setting for a Glenorchy kayak tour, with blue-green water surrounded by mountains, remote shorelines and the dramatic landscapes for which this part of New Zealand is famous.

Three islands – Pigeon, Pig and Tree – sit in the waters near the head of the lake and have played an important role in the history and ecology of the area.

Exploring by kayak provides a completely different perspective, allowing you to leave the road behind and experience the lake, islands and surrounding mountains from the water.

Glenorchy Kayaking from Queenstown

Staying in Queenstown? Rippled Earth offers transfers from central Queenstown, making it easy to experience kayaking near Queenstown without having to self-drive.

The journey follows the scenic road beside Lake Wakatipu towards Glenorchy before reaching the kayaking departure area near the head of the lake.

Queenstown Transfer

Tours leave from outside Marmolada Café, at the corner of Shotover and Camp Streets, at: 8:00am or 1:00pm

Glenorchy Transfer

Tours leave from outside Mrs Woolly’s General Store, 64 Oban Street, Glenorchy, at: 8:45am or 1:45pm

Self Drive

Self-drive departures leave from Little Stony Creek or Lake Face Creek at: 9:15am or 2:15pm

The exact launch point will be confirmed for your trip.

Meet Your Local Glenorchy Kayaking Guide

Rippled Earth grew from Glenorchy local Sam de Reeper’s ambition to guide kayaking adventures from the town where he grew up.

After graduating from Lincoln University in 2007, Sam became the first commercial operator offering guided kayaking trips to the islands at the head of Lake Wakatipu.

Today, Sam, his wife Sharlene and their family continue to share this special part of New Zealand with Kiwi and international visitors, while working to protect the environment they call home.

That local knowledge adds another dimension to each adventure, connecting the scenery with the history, wildlife and stories of Glenorchy.

Good to Know Before You Go

• Minimum age is 8 years
• Beginners are welcome
• Full kayaking briefing and instruction are provided
• Double kayaks are used for stability and speed
• Smaller-sized equipment can be provided for children under 12
• Phone cases or dry bags can be provided
• Exclusive and group packages are available on request
• Morning trips generally experience calmer conditions
• Trips are subject to weather and lake conditions
• Tours may be cancelled or postponed if conditions are unsuitable
• Reconfirm your tour the evening before departure
• Cancellation policy applies within 24 hours of departure, except in emergency situations

Explore More of Otago

Planning more of your trip? Explore our Otago Travel Guide for more activities, accommodation and places to discover throughout Queenstown, Glenorchy and the wider Otago region.

Book Direct with Rippled Earth Kayaking

Book directly with Rippled Earth Kayaking for current Glenorchy kayak tour availability, Queenstown and Glenorchy transfers, exclusive group enquiries and advice on choosing the right kayaking adventure.