Private Tour
Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Kaikōura’s Original Kayak Operator – Est. 1998
Celebrating 27 years on the water!
New Zealand’s only sea kayak operator with a marine mammal permit to view NZ Fur Seals, Dolphins, and Whales.
Kaikōura’s exclusive kayak operator licensed for Dolphin, Seal, and Whale viewing.
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
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 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
Kaikoura’s Original Kayak Operator – Est. 1998 | Celebrating 27 Years! Join Kaikoura Kayaks for an unforgettable wildlife adventure, paddling through the stunning coastal waters of the Kaikoura Peninsula. Experience the thrill of watching New Zealand Fur Seals duck, weave, and dive around your kayak as they hunt for their favourite meal—octopus! Keep a respectful distance as they feast, and marvel as hundreds of pelagic seabirds swoop in to claim the leftovers. As you paddle across the water, take in the breathtaking scenery of sheer cliff faces, rugged crags, and majestic mountain ranges. With a little luck, you might also encounter Dusky Dolphins or spot Blue Penguins along the way. This guided tour is: Fun and safe for all ages and abilities Perfect for first-time kayakers and adventures—no experience required Available year-round with professional guides and top safety standards Tour Details: Paddling time: ~1.5 hours Total duration: ~3 hours (please arrive 15 minutes early) Come discover why our Wildlife Kayaking Tours are one of Kaikoura’s most popular experiences!
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
Options
Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura
Reviews
456 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Nice day on the water
dannakrogers,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a really nice tour despite the rainy weather, saw lots of seals and birds, sadly no dolphins... but our guide Emma was great
Staff were fantastic,...
David N,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Staff were fantastic, would recommend. Split into a faster group for those more experienced with kayaking and slower smaller groups for people new to it
Awesome
Navigate52948544359,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome experience. Very professional and great to deal with. Very safety conscious and helped to settle my nerves. Recommended to all.
Kayak + Dolphins = Happy holidays!
Gilbert L,,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00What an amazing day to kayak and see the seals and a pod of Dusky dolphins. Great experience paddling with the guide Robert. Thanks for the photo. Booking via Viator let me earn Aeroplan points. 👍
Don't miss this experience!
annaliesew2013,,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such an incredible experience, saw Dusky Dolphins right next to us and the guides were very helpful and took us back early since we felt a bit sea sick!
Family Christmas vacation
Heather H,,Dec 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was such a peaceful day 22nd of December. We even saw dolphins, even though it’s not necessarily their season…. Which is normally starts around February. It was upper body workout in the kayak, but there is no pressure and our two guides checked in with us very regularly to make sure we had good energy, and were feeling good. Would recommend the morning time, as I’m told it can be less windy. I’m grateful we got the chance to go. So beautiful out there in the water
Great guides
AlenaH357,,Dec 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Lars was very knowledgeable and easy to talk too! Sadly we didn't see any dolphins as they were not out but we did spot a blue penguin swimming which was cool! Hard to take take a picture of though... it was cool to look at the peninsula from kayak and tips of what to do around Kaikoura!
A Bit Misleading
Stephen L,,Dec 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Our guides were fantastic. We were safe. The thing I didn’t like is it felt like we chased after whale and dolphin boats that were so far away. It was exhausting. A lot of work heading out far into the ocean for little payout. We enjoyed the second half of the trip near the seals and the more protected bay and wish that would have been what we did the entire time. I booked this trip 10 months ago. Contacted them through email asking the best time of day to see wildlife. Was told the morning was best. We did see seals. Up close. We did see sea birds. It just wasn’t what I thought was depicted in the advertisements. A little misleading.
An unexpected surprise on the sea.
JamesB3050,,Dec 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We would wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone with a few hours to spare in Kaikoura. The check in was easy and quick, and the safety briefing efficient and to the point. The tour led by Ben and Ollie was physically active, but taken at the pace of the slowest. Informative yet casual. Helpful but not overbearing. 10/10 from me.
Pleasant
Pioneer46402476397,,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00The highlight of this activity was the guides/staff , they were great, very friendly and welcoming and clearly enjoy what they do. The Kayaking was pleasant but feel underwhelmed considering the cost of the trip, the 1st hour was taken up by travel to the water and a safety induction which went on for a bit too long.
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