New Zealand is a paradise for paddleboarding, with its diverse range of landscapes and waterways. From calm lakes to rugged coastlines, there's something for every level of paddler to enjoy.
Here are some of our top picks.
ABEL TASMAN
The Abel Tasman National Park, located at the tip of the South Island, is known for its high sunshine hours and settled weather conditions – as well as its translucent waters, white-sand beaches, rocky outcrops and fascinating wildlife. You’ll share the water with fur seals and dolphins, making paddleboarding here a truly unforgettable experience. Head to Marahau, the gateway to the national park as a starting point, and make sure you allow a few days - camping here is spectacular.
Paddle along the calmest stretch of the sensational Abel Tasman National Park coastline. This national park is renowned for its pristine golden sand beaches backed with native forest and dotted with bird sanctuary islands. Between all the beaches, stunning forested inlets and islands, who knows what wildlife you’ll encounter!
AKAROA
The Akaroa Marine Reserve at the entrance of the Akaroa Harbour is becoming more and more popular for day trips, and with reason. There aren’t many places in New Zealand where you can find such a variety of marine life in one place. Get your SUP out and you’re almost guaranteed to see seals and dolphins.
For a unique SUP experience in New Zealand, check out the stand-up paddle boarding tours in Akaroa near Christchurch. It’s the only location where you can do SUP at night on light-up paddle boards. Why does that matter? The lights illuminate fish, eels, stingray and underwater vegetation below your paddle board!
PORORARI RIVER
Punakaiki is not just Pancake Rocks. One of the most spectacular rivers to SUP up is right there. Huge limestone cliffs, and great still water paddling make this a truly unique experience. You'll have to carry the board up small sections of shallow rapids every now and then, but for the most part it's deep, clear, and clam.
Start at the Punakaiki Camp Ground and paddle upstream for as long as you like
TAUPO
Lake Taupo is massive and has quite a few spots worth seeing, but our favorite is the Maori Carvings. You might have heard of them and the boat tours that take you there, but what if we told you that you can paddle to them yourself, without spending a cent?
It’s just a short walk & paddle from the carpark, and there are some amazing cliff diving opportunities on the way. Plus on your paddleboard or kayak, you can get closer than you will ever get on a boat!
WANAKA - CLUTHA RIVER MOUTH
SUP on Lake Wanaka or take a leisurely paddle down the moving waters of the Clutha River in a SUP adventure. Start at the Outlet Motor Camp area, then float down stream to the Albert Town Bridge. With stunning mountain surroundings and a calm lake, it’s the perfect location for a taster of stand up paddle boarding.
WHANGAMATA
Just off the coast of Whangamata lies an old dormant volcano the Maori call Whenuakura but is more commonly known as Donut Island due to its shape. Ages ago there was a cave in, leaving the island with an open roof and a flooded center. Through a cave, the center of the island can be accessed from the sea, and what better way to do that than by SUP! Inside you’ll find a peaceful little lagoon where all you hear is the chirping of birds and the soft rippling of the water. Sounds perfect right?