Group programmes

Looking for an awesome activity for your corporate retreat, school camp, or large group event? Paddle Wānaka has got you sorted! We have a wide variety of boats/kayaks and stand up paddle boards available. We are fully mobile, and we are staffed with exceptional paddling leaders who can adapt your experience to suit the needs of your participants.

Fully Mobile Offices

Multiple activity options

Iconic NZ adventure in a beautiful landscape

Large groups up to 50 at once

Bookings are essential

from $35 NZD -
freedom Rentals

from $150 NZD -
guides/instructors

Experience

Highlights

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  • Customised water-based activities designed for school groups
  • Options for guided or non-guided experiences
  • Flexible duration – from short sessions to half-day programmes
  • Safe, fun, and educational adventures on Lake Wānaka

Full description

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Our school group programmes are designed to give students a fun, safe, and memorable experience on the water while learning new skills and exploring the natural beauty of Lake Wānaka.

Depending on your group size, time of year, and programme goals, we can offer a mix of kayaking, paddleboarding, and group challenges either guided by our qualified instructors or set up as supervised freedom activities.

Shorter sessions (around 1 hour) are perfect for an introduction to paddling, games on the water, or exploring close highlights like the famous #thatwanakatree and Eely Point. For groups looking to go further, longer sessions allow for adventures out to Ruby Island or Waterfall Creek, where students can take a break, enjoy a snack, and soak in the unique lakeside environment.

Every programme includes safety briefings, quality equipment, and support from our experienced team. Whether your aim is team building, outdoor education, or simply a fun day out, we’ll help design a water activity to suit your group’s needs.

Not suitable for

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  • Anyone scared of water or worried about getting wet
  • Those prone to sea sickness or motion sickness

Important information

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What to bring

  • Sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses (with strap)
  • Dress for the weather - when in doubt, please bring extra layers that can get wet


Know before you go

  • Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure
  • Weather in New Zealand can be unpredictable, it is recommended to bring a warm clothing
  • Please let us know your ability both swimming and on a kayak so we can recommend the best destinations for you
  • Hires may be rescheduled due to weather or river conditions for safety

Departure Point

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Paddle Wanaka, 151 - 153 Ardmore Street, Wanaka, 9305

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Please check-in 15 minutes prior to departure at our Padde Wanaka beachfront trailer

Cancellaton Policy

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  • You can cancel up to 48 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
  • If you cancel less than 48 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 48 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

FAQ

How long does it take to get to Ruby Island?

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On a kayak we suggest a 2-hour hire for a quick journey to Ruby Island. That’s usually enough time to get there and back with some time to walk around the island. If you want a more relaxed journey and want to take a picnic we recommend 3 hours.

What are the age restrictions for our kayaks and paddle boards?

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To use the equipment by yourself you must be over 16 years old, If you are under 16 you must be accompanied by a caregiver or supervised from the beach by a caregiver.

What are the weight limits for our kayaks?

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Our single kayak weight limit is 160kg, double kayak weight limit is 230kgs and our river single kayak weight limit is 130kg.

Do I need to be able to swim to hire a kayak or paddleboard?

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You don't need to know how to swim as we provide life jackets, however you need to be comfortable floating in the water in case you do fall in.

What happens if I do end up falling out of my kayak?

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Our staff will be monitoring the roys bay area making sure all our kayakers are safe. If you fall out you need to stay with your kayak and wait for our staff to come assist you.

What is provided?

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We provide life jackets and the equipment needed for the hire.

Can I bring a camera or a phone?

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You can at your own risk.

Do we have to book before we arrive?

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You do not need to make bookings for our kayaks and paddle boards as we do accept walk ins as well. However, if you want to ensure we have a kayak available at a specific time we do recommend booking.

FAQ

What equipmet do you have?

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We have a total of 18 double kayaks, 25 Stand Up Paddleboard, and a few single kayaks.

Do you need to be able to swim?

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You do not need to be able to swim. Our kayaks (both sea kayaks and sit-on-top kayaks) are all quite stable, and our staff will help you find the right boat for your experience level, but there is always a risk that paddlers might fall into the water. We have life jackets which will help you float, and we ask non-swimmers to stay close to the lakefront so we can help if you get into difficulty. Just make sure you let the staff at the beach know!

What if the weather is bad?

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Safety comes first. We assess the weather conditions each morning and may adjust launch locations or cancel/reschedule the activity if needed. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, you’ll have the option to rebook or receive a refund.

What do we need to provide ourselves?

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All you need to bring is clothing that you don’t mind getting wet, and anything else you might want to deal with the current weather (sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, raincoat, fleece, water bottle, snacks, etc.) During your enquiry we may talk about guides or teachers you may have that want to assist while on the water.

How often do you fall in?

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Our kayaks (both sea kayaks and sit-on-top kayaks) are all quite stable, and our staff will help you find the right boat for your experience level, which means falling in is unlikely. Our stand up paddleboards are also relatively stable, but you can expect to fall in if you are just learning. Its all part of the fun!

Do we need to book in advance?

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Bookings are essential, especially in peak season. Please provide us your desired date, time and number; and we will let you know our availability.