4.8 (501) · Kaikoura · By Kaikoura Kayaks Free cancellation Private tour
Kaikōura’s Original Kayak Operator – Established in 1998!
Celebrating 28 years on the water!
Exclusive access - New Zealand’s only sea kayak operator holding a marine mammal permit, allowing for close encounters with NZ Fur Seals, Dolphins, and Whales.
NZ’s first “Friend of the Sea” certified sustainable operator for Dolphin and Whale encounters.
Paddle in traditional double sea kayaks equipped with cockpits, spray skirts for a dry ride, and rudders for effortless steering.
Guided by qualified New Zealand guides with extensive local knowledge.
100% guaranteed Fur Seal sightings on every tour!
Operating year-round (weather permitting).
The Wildlife Kayaking Tour – The Authentic Experience!
Come and witness Kaikōura’s incredible marine life up close in a sustainable and unforgettable way.
✓ Dry bags for cameras, all kayaking equipment, paddle jackets, wet shoes, spray skirts, dry pants, gloves, and hats during winter months.✓ Private transportationActivity Schedule
3 h
Experience the spectacular Kaikōura coastline from a unique vantage point on this guided sea kayaking adventure with Kaikōura's original kayak operator, in business since 1998.
Paddle along the stunning Kaikōura Peninsula coastline, where dramatic cliffs meet the sea, all under the shadow of towering mountain ranges. Encounter New Zealand fur seals in their natural habitat as they swim, dive, and play along the coast.
Your knowledgeable guide will share insights into the region's rich marine ecosystem, history, and geology, transforming this into more than just a kayaking trip. Keep an eye out for a variety of seabirds and, if conditions permit, you might also spot dusky dolphins and whales.
This tour is suitable for both first-time kayakers and experienced paddlers, featuring stable double kayaks and a thorough safety briefing.
Tour Highlights:
• Guided sea kayaking along the spectacular Kaikōura coastline
• Observe New Zealand fur seals in their natural habitat
• Breathtaking mountain, ocean, and coastal scenery
• Opportunities to see seabirds, dolphins, and humpback whales.
• Suitable for beginners and all fitness levels
Duration:
• Approximately 3 hours in total
• Around 1.5 hours spent on the water
Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway Peninsula Seal Colony
Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One ticket per booking.
Travel along the main street of Kaikoura South, heading towards the seal colony. Take your first right off the Esplanade onto Killarney Street.
Look for the Kaikoura Kayaks yellow street sign and flying banner at our base.
Please check in 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
Travel along the main street of Kaikoura South, heading towards the seal colony. Take your first right off the Esplanade onto Killarney Street.
Look for the Kaikoura Kayaks yellow street sign and flying banner at our base.
Please check in 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Wheelchair accessible Infants can be accommodated in strollers or prams Service animals are permitted Public transportation options are conveniently located nearby Suitable for individuals of all physical fitness levels As with any adventure activity, there is an inherent risk involved. Risks associated with this activity include property damage, personal injury, illness due to adverse weather conditions, risk of drowning, death, sunburn, dehydration, hyperthermia, and exhaustion. We suggest bringing the following: A long-sleeved thermal top, a fleece layer (if cool), shorts or light pants (e.g., quick-dry clothing – NO JEANS!), sunglasses, a cap, running shoes or sandals, drinking water, and a phone or camera. Bring any necessary personal medication. If you experience motion sickness, please take appropriate medication beforehand. Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura
Wear quick-drying clothing and avoid jeans. Bring sunglasses, a cap, and sunscreen. Choose comfortable footwear like running shoes or sandals. Stay hydrated by bringing drinking water. Consider motion sickness medication if needed. Pack any personal medications you require. For a full refund, please cancel at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 246568P1
Activity offered by Kaikoura Kayaks via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Beginners Experienced kayakers Nature enthusiasts Families Individuals of all fitness levels Exclusive marine mammal permit for unique wildlife encounters. Guaranteed fur seal sightings on every tour. Paddle in stable, traditional double sea kayaks. Expert guidance from qualified local New Zealand guides. Sustainable tourism practices recognized by "Friend of the Sea". Stunning coastal scenery with dramatic cliffs and mountains.
Population 2,210 (2018)
Currency New Zealand dollar
Official languages Māori, English
Driving on the left
Power plugs I · 230 V
Emergency number 111
Capital city Wellington Average temperatures 16° Jan 16° Feb 15° Mar 13° Apr 11° May 9° Jun 8° Jul 9° Aug 10° Sept 11° Oct 13° Nov 15° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the duration of the Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour? + The total duration of the tour is approximately 3 hours, with around 1.5 hours spent actively on the water.
What wildlife can I expect to see? + You are guaranteed to see New Zealand fur seals. There are also opportunities to spot dusky dolphins and whales, as well as various seabirds.
Is this tour suitable for beginners? + Yes, the tour is suitable for beginners and all physical fitness levels. It includes a comprehensive safety briefing and stable double kayaks.
What should I bring for the tour? + We recommend bringing a long-sleeved thermal top, a fleece if it's chilly, shorts or light pants (no jeans), sunglasses, a cap, running shoes or sandals, drinking water, and any personal medication. Phones or cameras are also welcome.
What kayaking equipment is provided? + All kayaking equipment is provided, including dry bags for cameras, paddle jackets, wet shoes, spray skirts, dry pants, gloves, and hats during winter.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Incredible morning: saw humpback whales pop up! Logan & Bailey were fantastic: friendly, genuine & experienced😀
Mkwaabbcc, July 2026
Amazing experience: whales, dolphins, seals
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Great tour
Kim K, June 2026
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.
Response from the operator · KaikouraKayaks 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!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
One of the Highlights of Our South Island Trip! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Coastal55808650442, June 2026
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! 🌊🦭🚣♂️
Response from the operator · KaikouraKayaks 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! 🌊🦭🚣♂️
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Whales and dolphins on view
julieaC8295RI, June 2026
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!
Response from the operator · KaikouraKayaks 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.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Wonderful experience
jeanettecR9098HB, May 2026
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!
Response from the operator · KaikouraKayaks 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!😊
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