Discovering Hope Springs
The incredible new Hope Spring was found in the shallow waters of the Kaikoura Peninsula. It is believed the Hope Spring bubbles have been caused by the 7.8 earthquake that rocked Kaikoura on November the 14th 2016.
The incredible new attraction was found in the shallow waters of the Kaikoura Peninsula - Whalers Bay by kayak guide Connor Stapley and owner Matt Foy.
It is believed the bubbles have been caused by the 7.8 earthquake that rocked Kaikoura on November the 14th 2016.
On November the 21st 2016 Matt and Conner went out on a recky ( reconnaissance ) paddle around South Point in to Whalers Bay too see if there were any changes to the coastline and check on marine life after the quake.
Conner saw some bubbling on the water surface in Whalers Bay and yelled out to Matt "What is that?"
"We paddled over and it looked like someone had turned on a spa pool from underneath with a very strong smell of sulphur as well.
" Dr Matthew Hughes of Canterbury University says the bubbles are likely dissolved gases in the sea floor which have become exposed by new cracks in the rock which has opened up around 50 metres from the shoreline and exposed carbon dioxide which is causing bubbles to rise to the surface.
The bubbles are a combination of several different gases, but the strong smell likely comes from hydrogen sulfide. Dr Hughes says it is a "magical little silver lining" for the tourist town.
What our customers have to say
Truly amazing experience! We had a lot of luck with the weather and animal encounters, we saw a small whale and loads of seals. Staff were super friendly and it was much fun. Would definitely recommend
Serafin K, Europe
I’d like to say thanks for a great day today. The guides were excellent setting up the day and introducing everyone. They’re very organized. The equipment was of a great standard and the day was brilliant. The weather was good and we saw well over 100 dolphins, and even seals and birds local to the area. All in all we had a great...
Emma H, Canada
Marine mammal megamix Spent a truly incredible morning around the Kaikōura Peninsula with Matt and Emma, two fantastic local guides. The whole operation was very professional, with high quality kayaks, equipment and a detailed safety briefing. Spent a good amount of time observing the seals, tried our hand at some kayak surfing in the big...
Tom, Neverlands
We loved our trip with Kaikoura kayaks. We took our whole family and the kids aged 9,12 and 14 really enjoyed paddling on the water and getting up close to the seals on the rocks. The guides were really informative and friendly. The safety briefing meant us parents felt comfortable with our kids out on the water. We would highly recommend!
Erin, Australia
We had a great time kayaking with this outfit. The guides were professional and trained us well before we got into the water. We saw loads of fur seals as well as albatross. It was a wonderful experience that I highly recommend.
Marcella R, USA
We had an amazing time with our guide Loz, gave us some really cold facts about all the wildlife around! He had a wealth of knowledge and even managed to bring us to some Dusky dolphins!!
Emma R, Ireland
"To Matt and the Kaikōura Kayaks team, Thank you very much for a fantastic day of kayaking. Both our trips were very well organised by your friendly team. We found your lessons enjoyable, helping us all to be confident, expert paddlers! We were so lucky to have a beautiful sunny day, and we enjoyed fantastic scenery and wildlife out...
Kowhai Class, Hurunui College NZ
The experience of a lifetime! Having intuitive and professional guides who allowed us the opportunity to experience an outstanding and very memorable day. They knew just where the incredible action was happening. We saw an amazing array of dolphins playing right near us and also saw blue penguins and seals. We travelled for two weeks around...
Paula Kirby, Wellinton NZ
We were soooo lucky - perfect sunshine, calm water and 300 dolphins! But it wasn't just luck: Kaikoura Kayaks were also superbly organised, friendly, safe, encouraging and a LOT of fun. Thank you!
Lucy M, UK