Meet the Team
Craig Holt
Head Guide
Hey I’m Holt!
I live and breathe the outdoors, whether I’m hiking, sea or whitewater kayaking, climbing or skiing, any chance to get out in the wilderness, I take it. The wild places of New Zealand are filled with weird and wonderful plants and animals and as one of those animals I am the best person to show you! Whether your new to it all or seen it all before its a beautiful place to explore.
Let’s do this!
Grace Wallace
Guide
Hi, I'm Grace!
Born and raised on the West Coast of New Zealand! I love nothing more than a good adventure. I've been exploring and loving the outdoors all my life. My big passions are hiking, sea kayaking and skiing. When I'm not, you'll find me deep in the world of photography or running the trails of the South Island. I love being able to show New Zealanders and travelers alike the beauty of this country and how to get the most out of their experience!
Let's get stuck in!
Cale O'Donnell
Guide
Meet Cale – your guide and certified good time!
This season, I have swapped mountaineering axes for paddles and super stoked to dive into the magic of Kaikōura.
You’ll be hard-pressed to finish the tour more fizzed than me!. Ask me for my best whale call, or the tale of how I became the back-to-back 2022 & 2023 Moustache World Champ, or (if you're brave) what happened to all my hair. Sensitive topic, that one.
Rain or shine, the grin stays on—and it’s contagious.
Ollie Lewis
Guide
Kia Ora Whānau
I’m Ollie, a Kiwi Outdoor Educator from Otautāhi Christchurch.
I’ve got a passion for being on and in the water while also being drawn to the mountains. Having spent the last 18 months instructing rock climbing in the US and Canada I can’t wait to get back to the local playground this summer.
Cam Greig
Guide
"Kia ora"
I'm Cam from Picton, South Island, NZ!
I graduated from NMIT Adventure Tourism in 2018 and now in my 7th year as a kayak guide. I have guided in many locations around New Zealand, including the Abel Tasman National Park, Queen Charlotte Sound and Rotorua. There is something about Kaikōura's natural beauty and wildlife that keeps bringing me back.
Best office in the world, I can't wait to get you out on a paddling adventure with us!
Sean Hancock
Guide
“ Kia Ora, I’m Sean”
Originally from the Waikato I have grown up frothing the ocean and the mountains. Outdoor education and guiding has taken me all over New Zealand, the United Kingdom and South America. In my spare time you can find me surfing, tramping, rock climbing or reading books on marine and ecological life. I am excited to show you the beauty that surrounds Kaikōura!
Samantha
"The Boss"
Kia ora - I'm Sammy! The junior guide in the making.
I enjoy keeping everyone in line:) l love to kayak with the dolphins and swim in the sea. My favourite sport is rugby, my dream is to become a Black Fern.
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Matt Foy
Owner-Operations Manager
Kaikōura is one of the most unique places on earth and I am proud to call it my home!
I absolutely love introducing people to wildlife under towering mountains along our breath-taking coastline from a sea kayak.
Kim Foy
Owner- Administrator
Kia ora
Kaikōura truly is a piece of magic nestled between majestic mountains and the ocean. The breathtaking landscapes, abundant marine wildlife, and local community make it a special place that captures the heart of everyone who visits. From the snow-capped Seaward Kaikōura Range to the deep ocean trenches just offshore, our little coastal haven offers natural beauty that changes with each season but remains enchanting year-round!
What our customers have to say
Wow wow wow! We'd done whale watching the day before but this beat that hands down. Miles was great, just enough instruction and safety chat and getting us involved in prep. He mentioned that he'd seen spouting and splashing over the other side of the bay so we decided to head that way. Within minutes we were seeing loads of leaping...
Lesley H, UK
We did the trip with a 6 and 8 year old. Parents in the back of each kayak, kids in the front. This worked really well. Saw a huge number of dolphins & Seals. They were playing & doing crazy tricks. Had a lovely time, the staff were really friendly, helpful & enthusiastic. Great value for money and would highly recommend this...
Steve, Nelson NZ
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
I would have to say this is up there with one of my best experiences in New Zealand! The kayak tour was incredible and I would really recommend this to anyone. The staff are great, friendly and funny which made the tour even more enjoyable. My team included Emma, Cam and Sophie. As I was on my own, I had the pleasure of sharing a kayak with...
Giorgio Favarulo, UK / Ireland
Third time with Kaikōura Kayaks! Have been in guided tours and hired a double kayak; all experiences were incredible. Great staff and equipment. Kaikōura is one of the most amazing places to kayak - so much wild life and you're surrounded by epic scenery.
Kiana Saltarelli, North America
Great Trip - even the oldies loved it! Had a really great trip with Cowan out to the see the seals and the reef on a beautiful morning. I was a bit worried getting in a kayak with my mother (67) and father (70) but Cowan kept us going at a leisurely pace and even convinced us to have a go in the open ocean! What a great experience and...
John R, UK
"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
Sunset magic 10/10 thanks to Emma and her crew. We had a magical day on the water and got to see feeding seals, dolphins and wildlife. Thanks so much would 100% recommend to anyone looking for a unforgettable experience in Kaikōura!!
DKG, Australia
We had a truly wonderful experience; my husband and I went as a stop on our honeymoon trip. Our guide, Ru, was knowledgeable and skillful, and checked in with us often to provide the experience that would help us feel challenged, excited, and also safe and comfortable. From start to finish the team was so thorough and made sure we had all of...
Laura James, USA