How Kaikōura Kayaks Began
In 1996, Kaikōura Kayaks founder Matt Foy ventured to the South Island in search of uncrowded surf breaks and the fresh dry snow of the Southern Alps.
He had recently finished studying Adventure Tourism while based in the Tongariro National Park, and was looking for opportunities to start his own sea kayaking tour business. After reading an article in New Zealand Surfer magazine on Kaikōura, he decided that this coastline could provide the opportunity to create Kaikōura Kayaks.
Matt stayed a few days in Kaikōura on his way to Wanaka for the ski season. The small seaside village was a fantastic spot for nature-loving tourists, with Whale Watch Kaikōura, Dolphin Encounter, Seal Swim, Wings Over Whales and Kaikōura Helicopters all operating successfully.
With no trace of any kayaking operators in Kaikōura, Matt got excited! Mountain biking over the Kaikōura Peninsula he found an abundance of marine life, breath-taking scenery and a dramatic coastline. This was the place!
In 1998, his dream kayak tour company finally became a reality. After two years of planning, saving, obtaining a marine mammal watching permit, building up a fleet of kayaks and purchasing a Land Rover, Matt was away, and Kaikōura had its first licensed Kayak Operator.
Kaikōura Kayaks pioneered half day guided sea kayaking tours in New Zealand, with 100% guaranteed Fur Seal sightings and chance encounters of Dusky Dolphins and Blue Penguins.The family friendly tour was also created and continues to be a popular interactive and fun family activity 25 years later.
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 26 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 5 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