Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
You’re going to love how easy it is to kayak in and around the beautiful Kaikōura Peninsula using the Hobie Mirage Drive Pedal. We have a 100% success rate of viewing the New Zealand Fur Seal. There is also a lot of other marine life to view such as the blue penguin, albatross, and plenty more. Come and capture some moments with the fun and friendly fur seals playing around and under your hands-free pedal kayak in New Zealand.
The kayaks we use are made by Hobie Cat, one of the leading boating and kayak companies in the world. Explore with family and friends by booking one of our New Zealand sea kayak adventures!
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
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Please sit back and unwind as we take you on an unbeatable kayak cruise into the sunset, where marine life is plentiful and the scenery is world-class. 100 % success rate to see the New Zealand Fur Seal! The Kaikōura Peninsula heads out 5km into the Pacific Ocean off the Kaikōura township. This stunning peninsula is home to much of our marine life, which enables us to get you up close and personal with some of the most fantastic sea creatures and surroundings you’ll ever see.
Private transportation
43 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
lichinggladyso,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Take a drive up from Christchurch to the seaside town of Kaikoura to experience kayaking in the sunset. We took a short ride from the meeting place to the beach and we were immediately warmly greeted by a rainbow. The expert guides lead the way and showed us how to get up close to the resident seals on the rocks to take the close range photos. The guides are knowledgeable and provided educational information on changing environments and water conditions. They even brought up jellyfish, some dead some alive, and we managed to touch jellyfish for the first time. It was relatively easy to operate the kayaks as we got in the kayaks with foot pedals with steering control instead or the ones that work purely by oar peddling. We saw another group along the way that opted for the latter and their faces displayed their exhaustion.




Richard S,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
The kayaks are state-of-the-art using pedals rather than oars for forward motion. Even if your body will not bend to the 90 degrees required for a "normal" kayak,kayaks, these are comfortable and easy to use. I have never seen any similar to these in other places in the world. The guides are also great. Unfortunately, on my trip there was not as much wildlife to view as I would have preferred. But much of that is random luck. I would certainly endorse this trip even if only to use these excellent kayaks.
Seaside51925980341,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had a lovely evening Kayaking out on the sea. We got to use the pedalling kayaks which were a lot easier than the standard kayaks. Our guides Lucy and Bailey were very knowledgable about the wildlife and the history of the area . Highly recommend !
asanden,,Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Wonderful kayak tour of the bay. The guide was very informative and was a great guide. Full of knowledge of the area and the animals that reside around. The foot paddle kayaks were so nice! Highly recommend if in the area!

Roving18133273691,,Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had an amazing kayaking tour yesterday! Levi and Charly were fantastic — so kind, patient, and great at explaining everything. On top of that, they were genuinely fun to talk to, which made the whole experience even better. The kayaking itself was just awesome: paddling on the open sea, surrounded by nature, spotting animals, and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. A truly wonderful and memorable experience with two of the nicest guides you could ask for. Highly recommend — I’d do it again anytime! We had such a great time thank you so much 😊
484allisterb,,Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
From start to finish, this was an incredible experience! Our guides were charismatic, knowledgeable, and made the entire tour so much fun. Paddling (or rather pedalling!) along the Kaikōura coastline was breathtaking, and getting up close to the seals in their natural habitat was unforgettable. The pedal kayaks were an interesting twist, although I personally would have preferred traditional paddles. We also spotted other marine life during the tour, which was an unexpected and amazing bonus! One small note: if you’re in an odd-numbered group, you may need to share a kayak with another solo traveller. I didn’t mind, but would have preferred my own. Overall, an absolutely fantastic experience and a must-do when visiting Kaikōura!


296maurices,,May 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
The pedal kayaks are fantastic - makes it very easy taking photos as you go. We had a great sunset and calm sea and seals. Couldn't be better, thanks to our great guide Connor, who passionately told about the area and took all the time to answer questions.
morgothnz,,Feb 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
What a wonderful adventure. The pedal kayaks are fantastic enabling you to look around and take photos as you move. Fantastic sunset on the open water. Our guides were fantastic, both Bailey and Ava did above and beyond.
Victoria T,,Feb 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
This was one of the best kayak experiences we have ever had. Firstly Connor was so lovely and extremely knowledgeable. We got to see blue penguins seals and a pod of dusky dolphins played in the water around us twice. It was a magical experience. We highly recommend! Everything about the tour was so well done and it’s a family run business which makes it even more special.
Amy G,,Feb 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
We were so disappointed that this tour was cancelled. Received an email at 11:00 am saying that the evening tour was being cancelled due to windy conditions. I think it was a bit premature to cancel it that early as the evening turned out to be beautiful. I’ve since received several emails asking to let others know how we enjoyed our trip …. Guessing there’s a disconnect somewhere.
Operated by Seal Kayak Kaikoura