Who it’s for
New to whitewater?
For over 30 years we’ve welcomed beginners to the river. Our four-day Beginner and Beginner+ courses start from the very beginning – no experience needed. This course is for you if you:
- Are brand new to paddling and want to learn properly
- Have a little experience or picked up bits and pieces from friends
- Are a packrafter or sea kayaker – sharpen your skills and take them back to your chosen craft
- Feel nervous, curious or excited – or all three!
We match you with a group that suits your experience. Looking for your Grade 2 Certificate? See our Grade 2 Certificate course, or contact us and we’ll help you choose.
What you’ll work on
Your whitewater foundations
- Gear and equipment essentials
- Fundamental strokes, skills and techniques
- Rolling your kayak and rescue skills
- Reading and navigating Grade 2 whitewater
- Video feedback and theory to see your progress and fine-tune your technique
- Honest advice on the right gear for you – in our shop or second-hand online
Every group is different, so our instructors adjust the plan as they go – choosing the river and skill focus for each session so you get the most out of your time with us. By the end you’ll feel confident, capable and know your next steps.
A typical day
Three sessions, lots of paddling
Pool session
Daily rolling practice at the school pool, three minutes from the lodge.
Training session
Strokes and skills on a river, lake or our onsite pond – whatever the weather.
River trip
Put it into practice on one of five rivers nearby, with time back at the lodge in between.
Why choose us
Why NZ Kayak School?
World-class team
Qualified, passionate instructors with strong backgrounds in kayaking and teaching, plus an on-site support team.
Safety first
Fully Adventure Activity Safety Audit certified. We teach the skills and the mindset to thrive on the water.
All included
Four nights’ accommodation, our full equipment fleet and transport during the course. Just bring your food.
Purpose-built lodge
Kayaker-designed with a full kitchen, bunk-rooms, hot showers, drying lines, a winter fire and a summer deck. See the lodge.
Maximum paddling
Five rivers close by means more time on the water and less time in the van.
Weather-proof
Local knowledge plus rivers, lakes, our onsite pond and the pool – we run in all manner of weather.
How to book
Book online in a few minutes
1
Pick your dates
Choose a course in the calendar below and click Book now.
2
Choose your spots
Up to 4 spots per course – book for yourself, friends or family.
3
Tell us about you
Your experience, age, height and weight, so we can have the right gear ready.
4
Check out
Pay securely by card and get a confirmation email straight away.
Once you’ve booked, our team will review your details and be in touch with everything you need to know before your course. Prefer to talk first, or not sure which course is right for you? Email courses@nzkayakschool.com or call +64 3 669 3330 – we’ll help match you with the best course and can book it for you.
Upcoming dates
Choose Your Beginner Course
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