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
494 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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.
Great trip, would recommend
Lindsey R,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00On arrival at the office we did the usual waivers and got ready for the trip. Shuttle to the bay. Good briefing and kitting up with neoprene boots, splash jacket, buoyancy aid (kept us warm on a grey day). Basic tuition on using the paddles. There was a reasonable swell but it was a very enjoyable experience. With the briefings, shuttle etc you are out on the water for about 1.5 hours which is long enough. You need to help get the boats down to the water and back up. We saw close up various seals in the colony and a number of different birds. The guide (Teal) was very informative and it was very interesting about the seals, whaling etc
Fab memories - milestone experience
aw12342016,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an amazing experience. 2 ladies of a certain age not sure what to expect but willing to give it a go. The crew were amazing. Very thorough with the training/briefing on land prior to entering the sea. Once on the water we felt safe with our 1st guide Teal and then Robbie who took us as close as possible to see the sea lions. We just loved seeing the sea life and enjoying the scenery. We didn't want it to end. A marvellous experience all round. Thank you guys for your care and patience.
Wow! A great experience!
Cantwaittoretire2024,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing kayak experience. The tour company tracked wildlife in the area, informed the guides, who then guided us to a group of over 300 dolphins. It was incredible.
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