Kayak School
Get up to speed on one of our kayak school sessions today! Learn to surf, kayak roll and paddle efficiently.
If you're new to the aqua sport of sea kayaking or simply want to improve your skills, our New Zealand Kayak School here in Kaikōura will really help you get up to speed.
Our Kayak School modules can provide you with the basics of sea kayaking if it's your first time in a kayak, to the Sea Kayak Leader award, and ultimately a full Sea Kayak Instructor qualification.
Instructors hold the NZOIA Sea Kayak Instructor 1 qualification and have an extensive knowledge of sea kayaking, having trained themselves along the same pathway.
Here is what Leonie had to say about her Rolling Clinic experience
"Just a quick email to say thank you for yesterday, really enjoyed it! Still cant believe you taught me to roll in a day!, thank you for your time and everything, and I'll keep an eye on your website see if you manage to get any video up. Have a good summer, and I'll let you know if I'm heading your way later in the year thank you!"
- Leonie
Our comprehensive courses include:
- Introduction to Sea Kayaking Skills Course
- Kayak Rescue
- Kayak Rolling
- Kayak Surfing
- Weather and Navigation
- Multi Day Kayaking
- NZOIA Kayak Leader Pre-course
Kayaks, paddling gear, pool hire, online lessons and shuttle rides all included.
In any adventure activity, there is an element of risk involved, view risks in undertaking this activity here.
Free phone 0800 452 456 to discuss course options with one of our instructors.
Course at a Glance
Open Season:
Open all year
Prior Experience:
Not required
Duration:
1/2 day, full day and multi day
Age:
16 years and above
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