Okarito Kayaks are proud to have more than thirty years safe operation, enabling kayakers to explore the stunning Ōkārito Lagoon.

It’s important to understand before renting a kayak to explore independently that any activity carries an element of risk. We equip and inform you to safely enjoy kayaking the shallow waters of the lagoon, but there are always some risks we can’t control, that you should be aware of.

In general, the physical risks in kayaking here with us can be described as lower than those of independently driving yourself here, from where you are staying, to reach us. Kayaking at Ōkārito is a slow-paced activity, free of any danger of impacts, and you are never more than 30 metres away from an area you can stand up on the ground at any time.

The key risks to consider when renting a kayak, for everyone kayaking, are:

Your ability to follow the detailed instructions we’ll provide as to how to find your way to explore the shallow, open waters of the lagoon, and return safely back to us.

Your ability to push your way out of the kayak, and safely swim to shore or somewhere you can stand up, in the very unlikely event you manage to capsize. You are never more than thirty metres from somewhere you can stand up in the water, and capsizing is very rare; the stable sea-kayaks we use in the shallow calm waters of the lagoon and gentle-flowing rivers are physically hard to capsize– but you have to be able to exit the kayak and safely regather all your equipment, and the kayak, to return safely back to our base without assistance should this happen.

Your ability to help yourself, without assistance, in any situation as Ōkārito Lagoon is remote and cell phone connectivity limited to the point it should not be relied on – it may well not be possible to phone for any assistance once you are out on the water. This is no different to taking a walk in many of our National Parks or wild places in New Zealand; self-reliance is vital for renting a kayak to explore independently.

If any of these risks cause you or anyone you are kayaking with, concern, we’d suggest discussing with us directly, and considering a fully-supported guided kayak tour as an option that removes any of these concerns.

Talk with us – we’re humans

If you’re concerned about your physical fitness, or any pre-existing health conditions or allergies that you think might affect your ability to safely enjoy a slow-paced, self reliant outdoor activity for between two and four hours, then just talk to us.

We’re good and discreet listeners, and believe in enabling kayakers, rather than arbitrarily limiting your experience – we can advise as to what duration of kayaking might be best suited, or recommend a guided kayak tour if we think it would be a more enjoyable and safe option, if you let us know of anything you think relevant to your health and enjoyment of the experience.

Slip, slap, slop …

The greatest hazard we consistently have to manage is sunburn; we strongly encourage you to apply 50+ SPF sunblock early, before kayaking with us.

Watch your step

Getting in and out of the stable well-designed kayaks, on firm ground, is the time where anyone is most prone to physical injury – taking your time to enter and exit the kayak slowly and carefully, reduces risk of any fall.

Four seasons in a day

New Zealand’s changeable weather can present challenges – our decades of experience operating in this environment and continuous monitoring of weather, as well as the detailed advice we have on our website as to appropriate clothing, reduces risk of any significant exposure to cold or heat.

Wearing multiple lightweight layers of quick-drying clothing is great advice for any outdoor activity in New Zealand, but particularly for any water-based activity in remote environments.

We’re proud to be able to host and enable travellers of all abilities and ages, from all over the world, to safely explore the nature of Ōkārito Lagoon.