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.

From first-time kayakers to experienced paddlers, we welcome guests with a range of kayaking experience and abilities. No previous kayaking experience is required to participate in a guided sea kayaking trip with us; however, an average level of fitness is recommended.

You should be comfortable with approximately 1.5–2 hours of paddling and have sufficient mobility to get in and out of a sea kayak. Our stable, enclosed double sea kayaks provide a comfortable way to explore the Kaikōura coastline.

Before heading out, your qualified guide will provide a safety briefing and paddle instruction, with guidance and support throughout the trip.

If you have any concerns about whether kayaking is suitable for you, please contact us before booking.

Please let us know about any current or previous injuries, health conditions, or other concerns that may affect your ability to participate safely. This may include things such as asthma, seasickness or lower fitness levels. Sharing this information with us allows our guides to take these factors into account when planning and managing your trip.

If you are unsure whether a particular health concern or injury may affect your ability to participate, please contact us before booking.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Whale encounters by kayak are a special and memorable experience, and we may encounter whales in the waters around the Kaikōura Peninsula. As with all wildlife, sightings are never guaranteed and can vary throughout the year. Whale species that have been viewed from our kayaks include Orca, Humpback, Minke and Blue Whales.

Winter and Spring are a particularly good time for viewing Humpback Whales as they migrate along the east coast of the South Island. Other whale species can make an appearance at any time of year and may pass through the Kaikōura Peninsula for a day or two.

We are the only operator in New Zealand permitted by the Department of Conservation to view these whale species by kayak.

Seasickness is possible! If you are prone to sea/motion sickness then please take medication as recommended prior to departure. Make sure you let us know!

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.

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.
Please book the family tour if you have children 12 years and under.

Our double kayaks have a combined capacity of 250kg for two people. Most people are able to kayak comfortably, but if you have any concerns about fit, please give us a call before booking so we can discuss your requirements.
The Econizh kayak cockpits are 41cm wide at their widest point.

If you are taller than 6ft 7″ (198cm), you may not fit comfortably in our enclosed kayaks and will need to try a kayak before your trip. Please speak with our staff beforehand so we can advise you appropriately. Where suitable, we may be able to use an open sit-on-top kayak for greater comfort.

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.

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.

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.

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

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