Island Safari, Shorter Trip

Glenorchy Island Safari departing Queenstown

9 reviews

from $106.07 per person

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Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Meeting point: Marmolada Cafe, Camp Street, Queenstown
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Run by: Rippled Earth Ltd

Overview

This trip leaves from central Queenstown, meeting outside Marmolada Cafe on Camp Street, and lasts two hours and thirty minutes in total. One reviewer described the car ride to Glenorchy as a good opportunity to see more of Queenstown's scenery. Once there, the main activity is kayaking out to an island.

The tour is run by Rippled Earth Ltd and is private to your group, with the price quoted per person. A guide accompanies you throughout, and snacks are included in the form of cake and a hot drink. Reviewers mention that the kayaking itself is easy to pick up, so prior paddling experience does not appear necessary. One traveller described the whole outing as low key and relaxing rather than strenuous, and noted close encounters with wekas on the island.

It suits travellers with moderate physical fitness who want a relaxed water-based activity rather than a demanding hike. Participants must be able to speak English, and it is not suitable for children under eight years old. The activity ends back at the Camp Street meeting point.

Where this tour sits among 3 tours in Lake Kayak And Photography listed here (from-price per person, USD)

Island Safari, Self-Drive Option$88.87
Island Safari, Shorter Trip (this tour)$106.07
Private Half-Day Photography$217.87

What's Included

Included

Snacks (Cake and a hot drink)
Guide

Itinerary

Meet at Camp StreetMeet the guide outside Marmolada Cafe, 43 Camp Street, Queenstown.
Drive to GlenorchyTravel by vehicle to Glenorchy. Reviewers describe this ride as a good opportunity to see more of Queenstown's scenery along the way.
Kayak to the islandGet on the water and paddle out to an island.
Explore the islandSpend time on the island, where one reviewer reported getting up close to several wekas.
Snacks and returnCake and a hot drink are included, and the tour travels back to the original meeting point on Camp Street, with a total duration of two hours and thirty minutes.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you decide whether this tour fits your group and your schedule.

Kayak on still Lake Wakatipu beside a small forested island near Glenorchy.

Pace and fitness. A moderate level of physical fitness is required, since you will be paddling. That said, reviewers found the kayaking easy to pick up and described the outing as low key and relaxing rather than intense.
Private group. Only your group participates, and the price is per person. One reviewer specifically praised the organization and the guide's safety briefing.
Food and drink. Cake and a hot drink are included, along with the guide. Check the booking page for any exclusions.
Wildlife viewing. One reviewer reported getting up close to several wekas on the island.
Weather matters. The experience requires good weather. If it is cancelled for poor conditions you will be offered a different date or a full refund, so keep some flexibility in your plans.
Kids and language. Children under eight years old cannot take part, and all participants must be able to speak English. The tour is not wheelchair accessible.

Ready To GoCheck availability →

Common issues. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, children under eight are not allowed, and everyone must speak English. Weather can force a cancellation, in which case you get a different date or a full refund, and a minimum number of travellers is required, so the same fallback applies if that minimum is not met. Cancellations on your side must be made at least 24 hours before the start time to qualify for a refund.

Common Questions

Where Does The Tour Meet?

Outside Marmolada Cafe, 43 Camp Street, Queenstown. This is the departure option that starts in Queenstown, and the tour ends back at the same spot. If you need anything beyond the listed meeting point, check the booking page before you travel.

How Long Is The Tour?

Two hours and thirty minutes in total, from the Camp Street meeting point through the Glenorchy activity and back. Factor in your own travel time to and from central Queenstown.

What Is Included In The Price?

A guide, plus snacks in the form of cake and a hot drink. The price is per person and the tour is private, meaning only your group takes part.

Is It Suitable For Children Or People With Limited Mobility?

Children under eight years old cannot take part, and the tour is not wheelchair accessible. Travellers need a moderate level of physical fitness because the activity involves kayaking, and all participants must be able to speak English.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window, no refund is given and changes are not accepted. If the operator cancels due to poor weather or because the minimum number of travellers is not met, you are offered a different date, a different experience, or a full refund.

Do I Need Kayaking Experience?

No prior experience appears necessary. A moderate level of general fitness is still expected.