Sunset Evening Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Kaikoura's Original Kayak Operator - Est 1998
Celebrating 27 years of operation!
100% guaranteed to view Fur Seals on all tours.
Family Friendly - operating year round.
New Zealand's only Sea Kayak operator that holds a marine mammal permit to view Whales.
Kaikoura's only Kayak operator that holds a marine mammal permit to view Dolphins, Seals and Whales.
New Zealand's 1st Friend of the Sea sustainable operator for Dolphin and Whale viewing.
Traditional double sea kayaks with cockpits and spray skirts for a dry ride and rudders for easy steering.
Qualified Sea Kayak guides.
The Sunset Evening Classic tour has left a lasting impression with people from all over the world!
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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 drys, NO JEANS! Sunglasses, cap, running shoes or sandals, drinking water, camera and towel.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Experience the magic of Kaikōura’s coastal waters on our Evening Classic Kayaking Tour – one of the region’s most popular and unforgettable summer adventures! Paddle along the stunning Kaikōura Peninsula as the day winds down, watch the light shift across the Seaward Kaikōura Mountains as the evening colours transform the sky and sea. Keep your eyes peeled for New Zealand fur seals resting on the rocks or swimming – we guarantee seal viewing, though their behaviour changes naturally from day to day. This is what makes observing wildlife in their natural environment special – they are completely free to behave as they choose. You may also be lucky enough to spot Dusky Dolphins during your paddle. Our experienced local guides, fully qualified in sea kayaking, ensure your tour is safe, enjoyable, and educational. Every trip is different, shaped by the weather, wildlife, and the natural rhythms of Kaikōura’s spectacular marine environment. Paddling time: Approximately 1.5 hours Total duration: Around 3 hours (please arrive 15 minutes early) All safety equipment provided No previous experience required Join us and see why we’ve been Kaikōura’s leading kayak operator for 27 years!
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Dry bags for camera's, all kayaking equipment, paddle jackets, wet shoes, spray skirts, dry pants, gloves and hats over the winter months.
Options
Sunset Evening Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura
Reviews
91 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Up Close
lrryder,May 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fun adventure and opportunity to get up close to dolphin and seals.
Amazing sunset kayak seeing Dolphins and Seals. Incredible ! Thank you x
Delyth M,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An incredible trip for sunset kayaking. It was the last thing we did before leaving New Zealand, and honestly it was one of our highlights. Holt and Ben were our great instructors. I will never forget seeing Dusky Dolphins close up !
Good introduction to sea kayaking.
MrsSRobinson,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It wasn't the best evening when we went out, but we had a great time, The guides were friendly and knowledgeable, and they kept an eye on everyone. We had been river kayaking before but not on the sea and this was a good introduction. Price was very fair and sunset was a good time to go out as the sea was fairly calm.
Fantastic evening kayak
Ceilings,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a very professional company, their equipment is good, very good guides and best of all, they want to give you a good experience. Our evening was perfect in weather, we unfortunately saw no dolphins (though we did try hard to find some) Fur seal experience was memorable in joining together in the sea and watching them and having a discussion on our surroundings. Perfectly completed by a stunning sunset. Well worth booking if you like kayaking
Our guide was fantastic. ...
Christina W,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide was fantastic. There were no dolphins to see, but we saw fur seals and had a beautiful sunset paddle.
We had a great time...
Jimmy W,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great time kayaking in Kaikōura! These boats were very stable and easy to navigate! The guides were very friendly and knowledgeable!
Kaikoura Kayaks tour
406liser,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Well-organized, energetic, competent staff. Spectacular views and (with luck, which we had!) the opportunity to watch dolphins pop up all around the kayaks and display their acrobatic talents. Our guide Ben was polite , helpful, and full of interesting information on the area and its marine life species. Definitely recommend!
Great Experience, First Time Kayaking in New Zealand
Happiness62737491705,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00As a Canadian, kayaking in New Zealand for the first time, enjoyed my experience kayaking with Kaikoura Kayaking. The staff were welcoming and friendly, even though we showed up quite early for our tour. We left our meeting location on time, had ample time to go a few kilometers off shore, explored around, saw several fur seals on nearby reefs and returned back to shore within a few minutes of our expected arrival time. The staff were professional, giving a well-performed safety talk, as well as being knowledgeable about local fauna, sea birds and history. They split us into groups to go over proper paddling technique, putting on of gear and emergency procedures, if a kayak capsized. As I returned to shore and tried to get out of my kayak, my leg lost feeling and I fell over, but I was not harmed and my group's guide made sure I was okay and didn't scrape my hand. Overall, my kayaking tour was a fun and enjoyable experience and I would definitely recommend it to anyone travelling through Kaikoura.
Beautiful scenery. Early...
Lori R,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful scenery. Early evening water was a bit choppy, but very manageable with one guide for every three kayaks. We saw fur seals, dolphins, and several types of birds. Bring/wear bug spray for the training that occurs while standing on the beach.
Amazing time
Iain C,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were so lucky to see a huge pod of dolphins (estimated a c.100) playing & flipping. Not that common an experience as I understand.
From NZ$165.00
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