Milford Sound Kayaking
Sunriser Classic 10 km - Most Popular Trip
A big loop of Milford Sound! Very popular with couples and friends, this morning trip is around 3.5 hrs of paddling and takes you in a loop of the inner part of Milford Sound (does not venture the full length of the fiord to the sea, see below Stirling Sunriser for this option). Using paddle power, you will see some of Milford’s most spectacular sights like waterfalls, Mitre Peak and maybe wildlife.
Ages - 14 yrs+
Duration - 5 hrs
10kms - 3 to 3.5 hrs paddling
Difficulty - Moderate
Departs Deepwater Basin, just minutes from Milford Sound Lodge
Ability level: Suitable for all levels of kayaking experience.
Book Now with accommodation
Stirling Sunriser
A favourite for the more intrepid, this trip involves taking a water taxi out beyond Stirling Falls (151m), then slowly paddling back to Milford Sound. A highlight of this experience is paddling as close as you dare to Milford’s most famous waterfall. This is the adventure for you if you want to know what the waterfalls feel like!
Ages - 16 yrs+
Under 18yrs must be accompanied by an adult in the kayak
Duration - Allow 5 hrs, up to 4 hours paddling
Difficulty - Tough
Departs Deepwater Basin, just minutes from Milford Sound Lodge
Ability level: Some previous kayaking experience necessary, adults only
Ask us about this trip
Morning Glory
Also popular with intrepid adventurers, Morning Glory is a hugely rewarding kayaking experience. Paddle the length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea (weather permitting) before returning to Milford Sound by water taxi. This is a premium and unforgettable sea kayaking adventure, leaving in the early morning.
Ages - 16 yrs+
Under 18yrs must be accompanied by an adult in the kayak
Duration - Allow 5.5 hrs
18kms - 3.5 to 4 hrs paddling
Difficulty - Tough
Departs Deepwater Basin, just minutes from Milford Sound Lodge
Ability level: Suitable for experienced kayakers, adults only
Ask us about this trip
Ready to book your kayak trip?
Locking in your adventure is easy. After selecting your chosen accommodation via the 'Book Now' button below, you’ll have the option to add on experiences like a Milford Sound cruise, kayaking trip, or a self-guided Milford Track day walk — all as part of your booking. Make the most of your time in Milford Sound by building your perfect stay.
Book Now with your accommodation
How to choose the best Milford Sound kayak trip
Whether it’s gentle sightseeing or a physical challenge, you’re sure to find a kayak trip to suit your physical ability and timeframe. Some trips are designed for novice paddlers and require only a moderate level of physical effort. Others like the Morning Glory will challenge you with a paddle of the length of the fiord. All the specialist paddling gear you need is provided, including a buoyancy aid, spray skirt, spray jacket, thermals, a fleece, poggies (like gloves but better), a dry bag for your camera.
Age + Weight Limits
You must be at least 8 years old (min. weight 25kg) to sea kayak with us, and 16 years old to take one of our water taxi assisted trips.
That said, this can still be too young for some of the longer/harder paddles, so you may be moved to a more suitable trip on the day. Our guides use their discretion, based on years of experience, to assess younger paddlers’ ability and weather conditions and match you up with the most appropriate trip on the day. Proof of age may be requested before your trip commences. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent/caregiver/guardian on all of our trips.
Weight limit 110kg per person & height limit 1.93 metres/weight limit 242.50lbs & height limit 6ft 4in.
What is provided
Life jacket
Thermals
Dry bag for your camera & snacks
Spray skirt
Fleece
Paddle jacket
Poggies (neoprene gloves)
What to bring
Camera
Water bottle
Food/high-energy snacks
Personal medication
Soft shoes or sandals
Swimsuit/underwear
Optional to bring
Rain jacket/shorts
Change of clothes
Towel
Insect repellent
Sunscreen
Hat & sunglasses
Face Mask (if you would like to use one)
Risk Information
Sea kayaking in Milford Sound is characterized by remoteness, rapidly changing weather and water conditions, cold water and in many cases limited landing sites. Potential risks also include but are not limited to; treefalls, rockfalls, earthquakes, tsunamis, flooding, other watercraft, aircraft, storms, wind, waves, capsize and wildlife. Your guides are trained in all safety and risk procedures and will provide you with a pre-trip safety briefing, paddling instruction and ongoing safety management throughout the duration of your trip. Clients must follow the guide's instructions and adhere to our safety requirements. Anyone under the age of 16yrs must be accompanied in a kayak by an adult.
Sea Kayaking and associated activities have inherent risks and can be dangerous with risk of serious harm or death.
