FAQs

In any adventure activity, there is an element of risk involved.
Risks in undertaking this activity include, property damage, personal injury, illness because of adverse weather conditions, risk of drowning, sunburn, dehydration, hyperthermia, and exhaustion.

Staff and management of Kaikōura Kayaks take all practicable steps to identify and minimize potential dangers. However, you must always follow our instructions and use the safety equipment provided. Adults accompanying any person under the age of 18 must ensure that the underage person always follows our instructions.

Our award-winning kayak tours are a Travelers’ Choice activity in Kaikōura on TripAdvisor 2026.

Proud holders of a Qualmark Gold award, recognising the highest standard of sustainable tourism and visitor experience in New Zealand.

We hold New Zealand’s only permit allowing guided kayak tours to view whales, dolphins, and seals.

Our kayaks are enclosed, stable, easy to paddle, and fast on the water. Cockpits are fitted with lumbar support, closed-cell foam seats, and adjustable foot pegs for added comfort.

Qualified sea kayak guides are passionate about delivering the best experience possible while sharing knowledge about Kaikōura’s marine environment and wildlife.

We are New Zealand’s first certified Friend of the Sea kayak operator for sustainable dolphin and whale watching.

Operating year-round, with unforgettable summer and winter paddling experiences.

Our wildlife kayaking tours are the real deal — genuine encounters in one of New Zealand’s most spectacular marine environments.

We guarantee that you will see the New Zealand Fur Seal on our guided tours.
Our success rate is 100%.

While we make no promise, you may be lucky enough to have chance encounters with Dusky or Hector's Dolphins.

We often see pods of dolphins anywhere between a few and a few hundred.

The Kaikōura coastline hosts a huge variety of seabirds including the mighty albatross, petrels, Australasian gannet and Hutton shearwaters.

Do not forget to look out for the little Blue penguins bobbing in the water also next to your kayak.

Whales encounters by kayak are rare with sightings on average 12 times a year.

Species of Whales that have been viewed while kayaking includes, Orca, Humpback, Minke and Blue Whales.

Autumn and winter is the best time of the year for viewing Humpback Whales as they migrate up the east coast of the South Island.

Other Whale species can make an appearance at any time of the year around the Kaikōura Peninsula and usually pass through within a day or two.

We are the only operator in New Zealand that is permitted by The Department of Conservation to view the listed whales above by kayak.

Essentially the Family Kayaking Tour is the same as the Wildlife Kayaking Tour, only difference is that our ratios change from 1 Guide to 8 clients for Wildlife Tours to 1 to 4 for family tours.
This means that your family end up with a private tour by default once you hit the water.

Yes, we do!
Some of our most memorable marine life encounters have taken place while kayaking in the rain which doesn’t bother them.
You will be provided with a shell layer to wear over your clothing along with wet shoes and a neoprene spray skirt around your waist that attaches to the cockpit of your kayak and encloses you from the elements.
This equipment keeps you warm and dry.
Gloves and hats are also available.

12 years and under.

Our Wildlife Kayaking tours run for 3 – 3.5 hours from sign up to completion.

A 45 minute briefing at the start of your tour covers safety, gearing up, kayak and paddle instruction.

1.5 to 2 hours is then spent paddling around the coastline viewing the Wildlife.

On completion a 15 minute pack up and debrief.

Please bring: a water bottle, thermal top, shorts or lightweight pants such as quick-dry clothing (definitely no jeans).

For winter paddling, we recommend wearing a thermal top and bottom layer, a light fleece, and quick-dry pants or shorts.

We also recommend bringing sunglasses, a cap or fleece hat, water shoes, running shoes or sandals, plus a camera or smartphone.

If you are prone to motion sickness, please take any medication prior to the tour.

Yes, we are dog owners ourselves and have a secure dog facility which is sheltered with water available.

We take out non swimmers all the time in our safe stable double kayaks and pair people up with an experienced paddler or guide.
As you are wearing a life vest in the unlikely event of a capsize you would be supported in the water.
We average around 3 capsizes a year.

We have a secure off-street compound available and there is also plenty of street parking as well.
All parking is free!

Yes, not a problem as we will pair you up with a guide or somebody else on the tour.
Lots of solo travelers have kayaked with us in the past.

Yes — this is a great option if you’re short on time.

The InterCity bus departs Christchurch at 7:30am and arrives in Kaikōura at 10:20am, giving you plenty of time to join our 12:30pm guided Wildlife Kayaking tour.

The tour finishes at approximately 3:30pm, and the bus stop is just a short 10-minute walk from our base if you’re catching the 4:25pm return service to Christchurch.

Our kayak tours offer fantastic experiences for both adults and children catering for all abilities and fitness levels, no previous kayaking experience is needed. We will teach you everything you need to know. You do not need to be a fitness fanatic; you do not need to be an incredible swimmer and you do not need to have any previous kayaking experience! Whether you are looking for leisure or an adventure – we have you covered! Your safety is paramount to us and this is why you will use stable enclosed double sea kayaks, which will also protect you from the elements and keep you warm and dry.

Please enquire through online form with proof of membership for your Top Ten promo code.