Seasons & Weather

From the crisp days of spring to the burnt orange beauty of autumn, snow capped mountains in the winter, New Zealand is a visitor's paradise. Kaikōura lies 8m above sea level, the climate here is mild and generally warm and temperate. No matter the season, Kaikōura Kayaks operates all year-round.

Autumn: March to May 8°- 22°

Autumn is a beautiful time of year in Kaikōura and enjoys some of the most settled weather of the whole year.  The sea air is crisp from its first light dusting of snow on the mountains and the ocean glitters from long sunny days. In autumn and winter the Dusky Dolphin pods are at their largest.

Person looking over rocks and water

 

Seals sitting on rocks with snow covered mountains in the background

 

Winter: June to August 3°- 16°

Beautiful crisp winter days. The Kaikōura Ranges are generally covered in snow. Migratory whales pass through, it is a great time of year to see humpback whales.

Spring: September to November 7°- 22°

Kaikōura welcomes the return of the Hutton's Shearwaters, an endangered seabird endemic to Kaikōura. Baby seal pups and wildlife makes this an inspiring time of year to visit. Our famous sunset evening classic tour is back for the season, continually into the summer months. 

Dolphins jumping out of the ocean, with mountains in the background

 

Two people kayaking in the ocean

 

 

Summer: December to February 10°- 30°

Warm sunny weather make the most of long summer days and evenings by taking part in any three of our tours to check out the abundance of marine life. You can hire a kayak and even a fishing rod from us and try catching your own dinner 

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