Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
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.
What To Expect
Experience the spectacular Kaikōura coastline from a unique perspective on this guided sea kayaking adventure with Kaikōura's original kayak operator since 1998. Paddle along the spectacular Kaikōura Peninsula coastline, where dramatic cliffs meet the sea beneath the towering mountain ranges. Encounter New Zealand fur seals in their natural environment as they swim, dive, and play around the coastline. Your knowledgeable guide will share insights into the region's rich marine ecosystem, history, and geology, making this more than a kayaking trip. Keep watch for a variety of seabirds and, if conditions allow, you may also spot dusky dolphins and whales. Suitable for first-time kayakers and experienced paddlers alike, this small-group tour includes traditional stable double kayaks and a comprehensive safety briefing. Tour Highlights • Guided sea kayaking along the spectacular Kaikōura coastline • View New Zealand fur seals in their natural habitat • Stunning mountain, ocean, and coastal scenery • Opportunities to see seabirds, dolphins, and humpback whales. • Suitable for beginners and all fitness levels Duration • Approximately 3 hours total • Around 1.5 hours on the water
Options
Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura
What‘s Included
Dry bags for camera's, all kayaking equipment, paddle jackets, wet shoes, spray skirts, dry pants, gloves and hats over the winter months.
Private transportation
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
497 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour
Kim K,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Well 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.
One of the Highlights of Our South Island Trip! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Coastal55808650442,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My 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! 🌊🦭🚣♂️
Whales and dolphins on view
julieaC8295RI,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My 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!
Wonderful experience
jeanettecR9098HB,May 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My 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!
Just book it!
BevDoole,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fab 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.
A Magical Adventure!
icanbreathe,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The highlight of our visit to New Zealand. Outstanding guides and spectacular trip!
Fun intro to sea kayaking
RetiredCamper49,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The staff was very knowledgeable and helpful, teaching us the basics and focused safety. Saw lots of wildlife along the rocks.
Incredible experience of nature's beauty.
575greteld,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing 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.
Whale breath...wow!
douglasmdevries,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00From 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. :-)
Dolphins, Dolphins, and More Dolphins!
mattwZ4136PD,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an exceptional morning wildlife kayak adventure. The crew was fantastic. We encountered a pod of more than 100 dusky dolphins and our entire group was thrilled. It was one of the highlights of our trip to New Zealand.
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