How Kaikōura Kayaks Began
In 1996, Kaikōura Kayaks founder Matt Foy headed south in search of uncrowded surf breaks and the fresh, dry snow of the Southern Alps.
Having recently completed his studies in Adventure Tourism while based in Tongariro National Park, Matt was looking for the right place to start his own sea kayaking business. An article about Kaikōura in New Zealand Surfer magazine caught his attention, and he wondered if this little coastal town could be the place to turn his idea into reality.
On his way to Wanaka for the ski season, Matt stopped in Kaikōura for a few days. At the time, the small seaside village was already attracting nature-loving visitors, with Whale Watch Kaikōura, Dolphin Encounter, Seal Swim, Wings Over Whales and Kaikōura Helicopters all successfully operating.
But there was one thing missing — kayaking.
Excited by the possibilities, Matt explored the Kaikōura Peninsula by mountain bike. What he discovered was an extraordinary coastline alive with marine wildlife, dramatic rock formations and breathtaking scenery. He knew he had found the place.
In 1998, after two years of planning, saving, securing a marine mammal viewing permit, building a fleet of kayaks and purchasing a Land Rover, Matt's dream finally became a reality. Kaikōura Kayaks opened its doors as Kaikōura's first licensed kayak operator.
From the beginning, Kaikōura Kayaks pioneered half-day guided sea kayaking tours in New Zealand, offering guaranteed New Zealand Fur Seal encounters alongside the chance to encounter Dusky Dolphins and whales in season.
The family-friendly kayaking experience was also introduced, giving families the opportunity to explore Kaikōura's remarkable coastline together in a fun, interactive and memorable way.
Almost three decades later, that same spirit of adventure remains at the heart of Kaikōura Kayaks — sharing the coastline, its wildlife and the experience of exploring it by kayak with visitors from around the world.
Our Kaikōura Kayaks Commitment:
Providing the Best Experience
We always endeavour to give you the best kayaking experience possible. We strive to protect the natural environment and marine life during all of our kayak tours, while sharing our special coastline and awesome wildlife with you.
Excellent Customer Service
Our small locally owned family business is operated by Kiwis, and our objective is to provide excellent customer service with our friendly and knowledgeable guides.Kayaking with the marine life in Kaikōura has been the highlight for a lot of travelers and families in New Zealand, and we aim to keep it that way.
Kaikōura Kayaks is Tripadvisor Top Activity in Kaikōura.
Check out www.tripadvisor.com to see why travelers have voted us one of the best activities in Kaikōura!
Why Choose a Kaikōura Kayaks Tour?
- We are a Qualmark Gold visitor activity
- We have a Department of Conservation Marine Mammal Watching Permit to view Seals, Dolphins and Whales.
- We are Kaikōura's Original Kayak Operator, estabilished in 1998, operating for over 28 years - we're the local kayaking experts!
- Experienced, qualified guides, with high quality kayaking and safety equipment from Rasdex, Palm & Mission Kayaks
- We transport you to and from kayaking sites
- We limit our tours to 4 kayaks maximum per group, so you can enjoy a crowd-free Kaikōura coastline.
- We know the best spots for spotting the animals in an ocean teaming with marine life
- We operating around the whole Kaikōura Peninsula, alternating areas for best viewing, sea conditions and interaction with wildlife
- We can run private tours for big groups, team building or schools / polytechs and families. (Yes, discounts may be available for groups!)
- We operating all year round, and provide all the gear to keep you warm and dry in the winter
- Full NZOIA Member
