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
80 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing kayaking by the mountains
brownat2,,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was fun to go out in the waves in a safe and stable kayak. The guides did such a great job navigating all of us and showing us around. Great tour!
Peaceful afternoon paddle
P67SNsusanw,,Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Friendly experienced guides. It was my first time sea kayaking and I was very comfortable and felt safe. We were not blessed with a lot of sea animal activity but it was a great experience to get out on the water.
Great Kayak adventure.
Lana L,,Nov 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great sea kayaking evening. I would highly recommend this company for their professionalism, kindness, quality of equipment and safety concerns. The staff were all great and went the extra mile to help me with some physical limitations to enjoy the sunset kayak. Loved riding the ocean swells and seeing the fur seals up close!
First Class
Sightseer54568253797,,Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience with this fabulous company. Very safe and equipment was top notch. Scenery and wildlife was spectacular. The staff are very passionate about maintaining their environment. A complete novice would be ok with this.
Amazing kayaking...
Vickie C,,Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing kayaking experience, great condition during sunset and we saw a few fur seals around the colony.
Lots of fun & cool sights
Mike d,,Apr 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00My wife & I were in New Zealand as part of our honeymoon (mid-March 2025), traveling to different cities every several days. Second on the entire stay was Kaikoura, and this excursion really grabbed our attention. Arriving at the shop, all the staff were very friendly and helpful regarding foot size, safety instructions and a general outline of the whole activity. The group ride to the shore was comfortable and we all received a quick kayak lesson before heading into the water. The kiyak pedals were a little uncomfortable to adjust, but nonetheless, once we got out into the ocean (early evening), it was full steam ahead. Waves were fairly big and definitely had to coordinate together to kiyak in the right direction. People were split into multiple groups with different leaders. We went out fairly far, but our leader was very patient/helpful was keeping everyone in the same vicinity at all times. It wasn’t in season for dolphins/whales, but we had the pleasure of seeing TONS of seals up close, which was amazing!! Took amazing photos of both them and the scenery from the shore (absolutely beautiful). After about 2 hours total, we headed back into shore. It was quite a workout and, while tiring, we had an absolute blast! Kiyaking for the first time, this “could” be challenging/frustrating, but nonetheless, if it’s something you like to do and are good at it already, would definitely recommend to try this. It was an excellent day out on the water and we’re very satisfied with the company, all at a reasonable price too 😊
It was nice to get out on...
Alice W,,Mar 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00It was nice to get out on kayaks beautiful surroundings, my guide could have communicated more clearly on the water. (Ps it wasn’t at sunset as advertised)
Not worth it
felipetQ7558PF,,Mar 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00Not worth the money in my opinion. The advertisements make it seem like you will see dolphins especially for the sunset time. The only positive thing was that the kayak guide Shelem was friendly and knowledgeable. But the experience was not great for me. If you go alone you will have to get on a double kayak which means you might get stuck with someone who isn’t a strong kayaker and have to do all of the work.
No dolphins but great trip
Stephen H,,Mar 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Very professional in getting us acquainted with kayaking. Although we did see seals close u did not see dolphins which is ok because just being out in the water was fun. Also the guide was able to be with us since we could not do a more strenuous row,and still see the seals up close
SO many dolphins!
480lisaf,,Mar 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had so much fun on this tour. It was a cooler day and I thought we might be cold but all the gear you need to stay warm and dry is provided. The kayaking took about 30 minutes to get to the area where the dolphins were that day. It was fairly easy to get to the area and it was beautiful scenery on the way. Once we got there, WOW! We had so many dolphins swimming around us. They were having a blast swimming around us and we were having a blast watching them. When they started to leave, they put on a show with flips in the air. Such a fun trip!
From NZ$160.00
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