Wildlife Kayaking
Discover Kaikōura’s spectacular marine environment from the water, surrounded by rugged coastline, mountains and abundant wildlife. Our stable enclosed sea kayaks keep you warm, dry and comfortable as you explore with professional guides.
Book this tour
Adults
$165.NZD
For children under 13 years of age, please book Family Wildlife Kayaking.
BOOK NOW - BUY VOUCHERTour Overview
Explore the coastal waters of the Kaikōura Peninsula and experience New Zealand fur seals in their natural environment. Seal viewing is guaranteed, with the chance to encounter dusky dolphins and an abundant marine birdlife along the way.
No previous kayaking experience is required and the tour operates year-round. All kayaking equipment is provided, including jackets, wetsuit booties, dry bags and GORE-TEX dry pants in winter.
Our professionally guided Wildlife Kayaking tour is suitable for all abilities and is one of Kaikōura’s most popular activities. Your guide will share their knowledge of Kaikōura’s history, marine environment and wildlife while maintaining the highest standards of safety throughout your experience.
Allow approximately 3 hours from arrival at our base to farewell, including transport, changing, safety briefing and approximately 1.5–2 hours on the water.
As with all adventure activities, there is an element of risk involved. Please view the risks associated with this activity here.
Google Review August 2026
We had an excellent time going out in the water with our guide - who was excellent and provided fantastic commentary about the wildlife in the area. Seeing the shearwaters up close and enjoying the views of the Kaikoura mountains from the water was certainly the highlight. This is the best way to enjoy the views and wildlife in Kaikoura.
Tour at a Glance
Open Season:
Open all year round
Prior Experience:
None Required
Duration:
3 hours (1.5 - 2 hrs paddling time)
Age:
13yrs +
Highlights
Kaikōura’s only kayak company where you can view dolphins — and New Zealand’s only kayak operator offering the chance to see whales!
- Guaranteed sightings of NZ Fur Seals
- Humpback Whale migration May - October
- Chance encounters of Dolphins
- Expert safety & paddle instruction provided
- Fun, engaging & professionally guided
- Qualmark Gold Operator - Award-winning
- First Friend of the Sea certified sustainable dolphin and whale watching operator in New Zealand.
- Top Activity in Kaikōura - TripAdvisor Traveller Rating 2026
Winter Timing 2026
April 5th - September 26th 2026
8.30AM
Best interaction with marine life as it's before prevailing winds.
12.30 PM
Warmest part of the day.
3:30pm
Available 5th to 30th April 2026
Summer Timing 2026 - 2027
September 27th - April 3rd 2027
Book the "Sunset Evening Classic Tour" for 4:30pm
8.30 AM
Best interaction with marine life as it's before prevailing winds.
12.30 PM
Warmest part of the day.
4.30 PM
"Sunset Evening Classic Tour" Surreal visuals of the mountains as the light changes in the bay.
Book this tour
Adults
$165.NZD
For children under 13 years of age, please book Family Wildlife Kayaking.
BOOK NOW - BUY VOUCHERBook this tour
Adults
$165.NZD
For children under 13 years of age, please book Family Wildlife Kayaking.
BOOK NOW - BUY VOUCHERWhat 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