Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura
Description
Kaikōura’s Original Kayak Operator – Est. 1998 Celebrating 28 years on the water! Exclusive access -New Zealand’s only sea kayak operator with a marine mammal permit to view NZ Fur Seals, Dolphins, and Whales. NZ’s first “Friend of the Sea” sustainable operator for Dolphin and Whale encounters. Paddle in traditional double sea kayaks with cockpits, spray skirts (for a dry ride), and rudders for easy steering. Led by qualified New Zealand guides with local expertise. 100% guaranteed Fur Seal sightings on every tour! Operating year-round (weather permitting). The Wildlife Kayaking Tour – the Real Deal! Come experience Kaikōura’s incredible marine life up close in a sustainable, unforgettable way.
Tour Options
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- In any adventure activity, there is an element of risk involved. Risks in undertaking this activity include, property damage, personal injury, illness because of adverse weather conditions, risk of drowning, death, sunburn, dehydration, hyperthermia, and exhaustion.
- We recommend you bring the following: Long sleeved thermal top, Fleece (if a bit chilly), shorts or light pants e.g. quick dry clothing, NO JEANS! Sunglasses, cap, running shoes or sandals, drinking water and phone or camera. Any medication required. If you suffer from motion sickness, please take medication prior.
Reviews(498)
Amazing experience: whales, dolphins, seals
Well organised. Experienced and very supportive guide, Matt. We had a great experience. Saw Hector dolphins and lots of seals. If you only have time for one tour in Kaikoura, this is recommended.
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're so pleased to hear you had a great experience on the water with Matt. Seeing Hector's dolphins and lots of seals is always a special treat, and we're delighted you were able to enjoy these incredible wildlife encounters. Thank you for your recommendation. It means a lot to us!
My wife and I joined a sea kayaking tour with Kaikōura Kayaks during our recent trip to New Zealand’s South Island, and it turned out to be one of the absolute highlights of our journey. The scenery along the Kaikōura coastline was breathtaking, and seeing seals up close in their natural habitat was an unforgettable experience. Being out on the water surrounded by such beautiful landscapes made for a truly special adventure. What made the tour even better was the outstanding team of guides. They were professional, friendly, enthusiastic, and clearly passionate about both kayaking and the local wildlife. They made everyone feel welcome, comfortable, and safe throughout the trip. A special thank you goes to the guide who led our group. Unfortunately, I can’t remember his name, but he was exceptional. His patience, positive attitude, and genuine care for every participant made a lasting impression on us. He went above and beyond to ensure everyone had a great experience, and his knowledge of the area and wildlife added so much to the tour. We have now completed our South Island adventure and returned home with countless wonderful memories, but our kayaking trip in Kaikōura remains one of the very best experiences of the entire holiday. We highly recommend Kaikōura Kayaks to anyone visiting the area. If you're looking for an unforgettable wildlife encounter and a fantastic day on the water, this tour should be at the top of your list! Thank you again to the whole team for such a memorable experience. We hope to return someday! 🌊🦭🚣♂️
Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a thoughtful review. We're honoured that your kayaking experience with us was one of the highlights of your South Island adventure! Thank you for recommending us to future visitors. It means a great deal to our small team. We're thrilled that your time on the water in Kaikōura has become one of the standout memories from your New Zealand holiday. Ngā mihi and safe travels from all of us at Kaikōura Kayaks! 🌊🦭🚣♂️
My guide Maria was fantastic - informative, friendly, helpful and she tailored the paddle to see what I was interested in. We saw a whale rise surfacing just 20 m away, albatrass, seals, and a pod of dusky dolphins swam along with us for a while. The tour was well organised, with great gear. Highly recommended for all abilities. Thanks so much!
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that Maria helped make your experience so memorable. Seeing a whale, along with albatross, seals, and dusky dolphins, is a truly special day on the water, and we're thrilled you got to experience it all.
My friend and I have had the most wonderful afternoon with Leon as our guide. He was so organised, reassuring, knowledgeable and very personable. For the entire 3 hours we were well looked after and thoroughly entertained. Thanks Kaikoura Kayaks for a great time!
What an amazing adventure! We are elated to hear you had a wonderful afternoon with Leon. He will appreciate his organization and reassurance was valued! He'll be pleased that his knowledge went the extra mile! 🦭 Thanks again for your feedback, we hope to welcome you back one day!😊
Fab kayaking trip with Leon. He gauged our skill level and appetite for adventure to ensure a great experience. Learnt heaps about Kaikoura environment and marine life. Also appreciated opportunity to change time of tour to get better weather and sea conditions.
Thanks so much for your review! Leon will be thrilled to hear you had such a great time and appreciated all of his knowledge about our marine life - He is very passionate about this and has some great stories! Thanks again! We hope to see you in the future!🦭🙌
The highlight of our visit to New Zealand. Outstanding guides and spectacular trip!
WOW! Thanks so much for your lovely review! We are so thrilled to hear this was the highlight of your trip! Our team takes great pride in sharing knowledge about Kaikōura’s wildlife, seabirds and history. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to see you again if you’re ever back in Kaikōura!🦭🙌
The staff was very knowledgeable and helpful, teaching us the basics and focused safety. Saw lots of wildlife along the rocks.
Thank you for your awesome review! 😊. We will pass your kind words on to the staff, and we are happy you found all the processes helpful and easy! Thanks again for joining us !🦭
Amazing experience kayaking among a pod of dolphins! The guides were very knowledgeable, and I really appreciated the knowledge they shared of the area and the wildlife. We might have just been lucky, but being so close amongst the dolphins was an experience not to be missed. The weather was also amazing, warmer on the water than I expected so no special clothing required.
Thank you so much! We’re thrilled to hear you had such an amazing experience out on the water with us. It’s always special when the dolphins put on a show, and we’re glad you got to enjoy them up close 🐬 Our guides love sharing their knowledge of the area and wildlife, so it’s great to hear that added to your trip.
From getting tix with Grace to chasing April the whale with Holt, the trip and company rock! We were surprised twice on the tour. Once by dolphins popping up just next to our kayak and once (ok, about 5 times) by the glorious, malodorous scent of whale breath. Dang, pure rank. Who would have thought. Something specoal to experience I guess. All part of getting so close to nature! Just book your tour. :-)
Thanks so much for the awesome review! We love hearing that your experience was a hit from start to finish—Grace will be stoked to know she got things off to a great start, and Holt will be smiling about the whale! It sounds like you had some truly unforgettable wildlife encounters—those surprise dolphin visits are always magic 🐬 And yes… whale breath is definitely a unique part of the experience 😄 not always pleasant, but certainly memorable!
