Meet the Team
Emma Ward
Head Guide - AKA Whale Whisperer
Kia Ora! I'm Emma
Originally from the bottom of the South Island (definitely bias the South Island is better than the North Island!). I moved to Kaikōura after graduating with the plan to guide the summer here, follow the sun and travel. I instantly fell in love with all thing’s ocean and marine life. Fast forward nearly five years guiding with Kaikōura Kayaks, I haven’t looked back.
The abundance of extraordinary marine life makes every tour unique. Kaikōura is a special hidden gem. I love meeting people from all over the world and showcasing how wonderful Kaikōura is by kayak. There’s so much to do, see and explore here. It’s the place where the mountains meet the ocean after all!
Cameron Armstrong
Guide
Hey I’m Cam!
I come from Scotland and have worked as an outdoor instructor my whole working life, both within Scotland and internationally. I’m involved with lots of outdoor sports but I’m happiest paddling a boat on the sea or a river! I love getting people stuck into the outdoors and I can’t wait to show people everything Kaikōura has to offer. Bring it on!
Isobel Cox
Guide
Hey, I’m Izzy!
I am an outdoor instructor from the Highlands of Scotland. I love exploring the wild places of my home country.. so I am super excited to explore New Zealand next! I love exploring by sea kayak because they’re so unintrusive to wildlife, and allow you to venture as close or far from the coastline as you like. I was drawn to Kaikōura because of the incredible wildlife and blend of mountains and sea.. and am excited to call it home for the season!
Charli Nevin
Guide
Hi I’m Charli!
Born and raised on the east coast about 4hrs south of Kaikoura in the town of Timaru. My curiosity for the sea was created from countless days at the beach, chipper ocean dips and catching my first wave in Caroline bay. The liking I have for the sea led me over to the west coast to study at Tai Poutini Polytechnic where I kayaked, kayaked some more and spent time with people who really love kayaking. I also gained a diploma in instructing and guiding in outdoor education. Being a guide in Kaikōura seemed like the perfect combination of these two aspects of my life and an extension of my skills, so I’m super excited to be part of and share this experience with other people.
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.
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