Private Tours
Escape the crowds and immerse yourself in an unforgettable private kayaking adventure. It's the ultimate indulgence for those seeking a truly personalised experience to meet the locals of the ocean.
Tour Overview
Make your visit to Kaikōura one to remember with a completely tailored private experience.
Suitable for singles, couples, families, small or large groups, corporates and special interest travellers.
Explore the Kaikōura coastline, enjoy the incredible landscape and wildlife in their natural environment with your own guide.
This tour is the perfect solution if you do not enjoy groups or if you are looking for that special occasion to share your experience with the people you love.
The private tours cater's for all levels of experience and desire for leisure or adventure.
In any adventure activity, there is an element of risk involved, view risks in undertaking this activity here.
Tour at a glance
Open Season:
All year
Prior Experience:
Not 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
- Humpback Whale migration May - October
- Maximize encounters with Wildlife
- Guaranteed NZ Fur Seal sightings with chance encounters of Dolphins & Penguins
- Luxury kayaking experience customized to your interests
- Your own personal guide
- Safety & paddle instruction included
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