Itinerary
Kaikoura's Original Kayak Operator - Est 1998 - Over 25 years of operation!
Experience the excitement of watching Fur Seals ducking, weaving and diving around your kayak.
Paddle gently along with them as they swim around the Kaikoura Peninsula hunting for their favourite feed of Octopus.
But be sure to keep your distance as they devour their delicious dinner in front of you, then watch in amazement as hundreds of Pelagic (ocean going) birds swoop in to clean up the tasty left-overs.
This adventure around the beautiful coastal waters takes in the breath-taking views of sheer cliff faces, craggy rocks and mountain ranges while searching for chance encounters with Dusky Dolphins and Blue Penguins.
This fun tour is suitable for all ages and abilities while operating year round and doesn't require any previous kayaking experience.
These professionally guided kayaking expeditions adhere to the highest of safety standards.
Our Wildlife Kayaking tours are one of the most popular activity tours in Kaikoura.
Paddling time is approx 1.5 hours, please allow 3 hours duration.
Stop At:
• Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway, 40 Fyffe Quay West End, Kaikoura 7300 New Zealand
• Peninsula Seal Colony, Point Kean, Kaikoura New Zealand
See Availability.
19 Killarney Street, Kaikōura 7300, New Zealand
3 hours(approx.)
Returns to original departure point
Not wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate
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.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 1 day of travel. In this case confirmation will be received as soon as possible, subject to availability
Posted By : MaxwellE342
Fairly boring paddle. Honestly, kayak is not an awesome way to see the seals in the area. Much better view walking from beach.
We paddled around in rough water to see not much. Would skip kayaking in this town.
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Posted On : 2024-05-07
Posted By : 145ruthd
This was the second time we have paddled with Kaikoura Kayaks and we were equally as impressed this time. The organisation and the attention to safety were both excellent.The sheer fun of kayaking in such a beautiful spot is magical and it was great the way we were split up into small groups when we were on the water. We thoroughly recommend this experience.
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Posted On : 2024-04-24
Posted By : 535abig
We have just had the most fabulous kayaking experience with guide Brad. We travelled as a family with children - 3, 6 and 8. We did the early morning trip out on the water and saw so many dolphins jumping, swimming and playing next to our kayaks. It was magical. We felt well looked after, clear instructions and good equipment. All the guides were friendly and supportive. I would absolutely recommend.
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Posted On : 2024-04-23
Posted By : 129reecer
Whether you’re a rookie to kayaking or an expert this is the right experience for you.
I’ve only recently learned how to swim, was nervous at first with ocean kayaking which I’ve never done before. I felt secure and confident with our tour guide (Cam).
Guided both me and my wife, we were a bit slow at the start but very speedy towards the end after lots of practice.
Extreme expertise in identifying the wildlife. We got to see the Dolphins and Seals, and even got to hear some penguins. The Dolphins swam under and around our kayak. Overall I don’t think anyone could be disappointed with such a small and personal company, who takes photos free of charge and offered to drop us into town!
Can’t wait to continue kayaking back home in our local rivers.
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Posted On : 2024-04-20
Posted By : michellesS3634OT
The wildlife we saw was amazing! Getting set up with the gear was easy and Brad and Emma were great tour guides (they need a pay rise!). Both briefed us well about what we needed to do and what we were looking for!
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Posted On : 2024-04-20
Posted By : Curiosity41255617954
Amazing kayak trip well worth the money! We saw about 200 dolphins that swam around us multiple times on our trip. The instructor was super friendly and knowledgeable. I hate kayaking but id happily pay to do this again anytime.
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Posted On : 2024-04-20
Posted By : Guide19091624174
It was ok. Saw seals for 10 to 15 mins and some jellyfish. For a nature tour were given very little information about the nature and marine life in the area. Actually saw more seals, closer up and for a longer time on a peninsula walk and playing dolphins off the coast driving out of Kaikoura.
As our group was an odd number one of us had to pair up with a stranger whatever their paddling ability would have been good to be warned about this and offered a single kayak option.
Staff nice but left feeling a bit flat as not the great tour we were anticipating.
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Posted On : 2024-04-16
Posted By : 984MikeL
A beautifully organized tour in a stunning location. We had pods of dolphins swimming around our kayak and jumping in front of us. Magnificent.
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Posted On : 2024-04-16
Posted By : Luis G
I loved to be out at sea kayaking in the amazing and legendary bay of Kaikōura (south bay). It was a gorgeous crisp morning. In our case we were incredibly fortunate to see dozens of dusky dolphins all the while. They jumped next to the kayaks and interacted with us for long minutes. It was extraordinarily. Apparently they were seen in the bay so the company decided to go more towards the dolphins and less towards the seal. (They have different routes they can take). I was very very fortunate. I don’t know how common the “dolphin route” is but it was one of the greater experiences in my life. I’d still strongly recommend this activity if this was “just” with seals. Go out there and do it! It’s amazing and you feel connected to nature, to the smells of the ocean, to the wild.
Safely and professionally run.
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Posted On : 2024-04-15
Posted By : Curious56502872417
It was lovely to get out on the water and watch the seals from that vantage point. Our guides were terrific - knowledgeable and friendly!
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Posted On : 2024-04-09
