Guided Sunset Evening Classic
The Sunset Evening Classic tour has left a lasting impression with people from all over the world for over 25 years..... Join us today!
Tour Overview
Guaranteed viewing of fur seals with surreal visuals of the seaward Kaikōura Mountains as the light changes towards the end of the day.
Watch seals dive and manoeuvre around and under your kayak as the sun sets, paddle with them as they swim around the Peninsula hunting for octopus!
Along your way keep an eye out for blue penguins or albatross then have chance encounters with dusky dolphins.
Using only top of the line real sea kayaks be ready for a true kiwi experience you won't forget!
The kayak's are enclosed, safe, stable, easily steered using a rudder, while fast on the water and you will stay warm and dry.
Our qualified and experienced local guides will paddle you through areas used years ago by local Māori and early whalers as you watch the light change and the day draws to an end.
Don't forget your camera for sunset shots and to capture marine life encounters.
In any adventure activity, there is an element of risk involved, view risks in undertaking this activity here.
Tour at a Glance
Open Season:
September - May
Prior Experience:
None Required
Duration:
3 hours (1.5 - 2 hrs paddling time)
Age:
Child 3 - 12yrs ~ Adults 13yrs +
Highlights
Top Activity in Kaikōura- TripAdvisor Traveller Rating 2025
- Surreal Sunsets in the bay
- Cooler part of the day with less UV rays
- Family Friendly
- Best time to view seals feeding on Octopus
- Best way to end the day in Kaikoura
- Safety & paddle instruction included
Spring - Summer 2025 / 26
September 28th - April 5th 2026
4:30pm
Autumn 2026
April 5th - 30th 2026
3:30pm
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