Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura

4.8 (501 reviews) 3 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

501 reviews

4.8

Meet the locals - Kekeno (New Zealand Fur Seals) — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Kaikōura’s Original Kayak Operator – Est. 1998

Celebrating 28 years on the water!

Exclusive access -New Zealand’s only sea kayak operator with a marine mammal permit to view NZ Fur Seals, Dolphins, and Whales.

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.

Kayaking Tours Whale Watching On the Water Dolphin Watching Excellent Quality Best Conversion Involves Animals Top Product

At a glance

Duration: 3 hours
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Kaikoura Kayaks

Ages: Adults (13–90 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Dry bags for camera's, all kayaking equipment, paddle jackets, wet shoes, spray skirts, dry pants, gloves and hats over the winter months.
Included: Private transportation

Itinerary

Experience the spectacular Kaikōura coastline from a unique perspective on this guided sea kayaking adventure with Kaikōura's original kayak operator since 1998. Paddle along the spectacular Kaikōura Peninsula coastline, where dramatic cliffs meet the sea beneath the towering mountain ranges. Encounter New Zealand fur seals in their natural environment as they swim, dive, and play around the coastline. Your knowledgeable guide will share insights into the region's rich marine ecosystem, history, and geology, making this more than a kayaking trip. Keep watch for a variety of seabirds and, if conditions allow, you may also spot dusky dolphins and whales. Suitable for first-time kayakers and experienced paddlers alike, this small-group tour includes traditional stable double kayaks and a comprehensive safety briefing. Tour Highlights • Guided sea kayaking along the spectacular Kaikōura coastline • View New Zealand fur seals in their natural habitat • Stunning mountain, ocean, and coastal scenery • Opportunities to see seabirds, dolphins, and humpback whales. • Suitable for beginners and all fitness levels Duration • Approximately 3 hours total • Around 1.5 hours on the water

Stop 1
Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway
Peninsula Seal Colony

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Travel through the main street of Kaikoura South heading towards the seal colony and take your first right off the Esplanade on to Killarney st.

Look for the Kaikoura Kayaks yellow street sign and flying banner at our base.

Please check in 15 minutes prior to departure.

End point

Travel through the main street of Kaikoura South heading towards the seal colony and take your first right off the Esplanade on to Killarney st.

Look for the Kaikoura Kayaks yellow street sign and flying banner at our base.

Please check in 15 minutes prior to departure.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Wheelchair accessible
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 dry clothing, NO JEANS! Sunglasses, cap, running shoes or sandals, drinking water and phone or camera. Any medication required. If you suffer from motion sickness, please take medication prior.