Guided Wildlife Kayaking Experience in Kaikoura
Highlights & inclusions
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May 2026
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Highlighted reviews
Friendly well organised staff. The tour was supposed to be 3 hours long, but we were only actually on the water for 2 hours. This point needs to be clarified on the website!
Fun and informative guides made the kayak experience. Would recommend.
What you can expect
Imagine a lovely day on the water, taking in the gorgeous surrounds of the quaint little seaside village of Kaikoura as you kayak along peacefully. What could be better? How about the antics of some playful fur seals to entertain you on your paddle? Kaikoura Kayaks can offer you this, and more!
The village of Kaikoura and its surrounds is a little slice of New Zealand heaven, with marine wildlife galore and glorious mountains that stretch straight up from the sea. The half-day (three hour) guided Seal Kayaking tours – which allow you to see the gorgeous Kaikoura coastline from the water – are Eco friendly, hassle free and suitable for all ages and abilities.
While you enjoy your paddle, you will encounter the friendly, excitable New Zealand fur seals as they dive and swim, under and around your kayak. Fur seals love to show off, so expect some slick manoeuvring as they frolic around, full of energy and curiosity. As these cheeky little critters hunt for their octopus lunch along the peninsula, you can paddle right along with them and watch while they eat. Your knowledgeable, skilled and friendly tour guide will let you in on the secrets of this magical area, point out the amazing sea and bird-life and hopefully, even a Dusky dolphin or two.
Kaikoura Kayaks tours are safe, enjoyable and interactive. They require a small amount of effort for a large, rewarding experience, so they are very popular with family groups, locals and tourists alike. The tours – which operate all year round – include all equipment, so they are a fun, low-fuss option.
Location
What you need to know
- All equipment (kayaks, paddles, life jackets)
- 3 hour guided sea kayaking tour
- Informative & skilled guides
- The duration of this experience is 3 hours
- You will have approximately 90 - 120 minutes spent on the water, including about 30 minutes interacting with the fur seals
- We're an easy 10-minute walk from the Sudima Hotel or Café Encounter, or 15 minutes from the town centre with plenty of room for secure parking in our compound
- With sea views from the office you can spot dolphins splashing while you check-in, and it's never been easier to take part in one of our experiences
- 8.30am, 12.30pm & 4:30pm during summer (Nov - Apr)
- 8:30am & 12:30pm during winter (May - Oct)
- This experience departs from 17 Killarney Street, Kaikoura New Zealand
- Operates daily all year
- Is it possible to do Guided Wildlife Kayaking for people with disabilities? Eg someone on crutches? Yes we are able to take people with disabilities Kayaking. You would just need to sit in the front of a double sea kayak with a guide or strong kayaker behind them.
- Can non-swimmers do the Guided Wildlife Kayaking? non-swimmers are more than welcome to kayak with Kaikoura Kayaks. The guides will paddle closely to your kayak and depending on the ratio you may even be in a kayak with a guide. For extra safety and comfort they can secure a tow line between your kayak and the guides kayak. The chance of capsizing is very minimal as you will not be in rough waters and the kayaks are very steady.
- Active wear clothing-shorts or light pants e.g., quick dry (no jeans), sunglasses, cap, water shoes or sandals, drinking water and camera
- Child rates apply (3-12yrs)
- Family groups most welcome!
- Please bring: Long sleeved thermal top, fleece, shorts or light pants (e.g. quick drys, NO JEANS!), sunglasses, cap, running shoes or sandals, drinking water, camera & towel
- No previous kayaking experience required
- Our trips depart from 17 Killarney St, Kaikoura.
- I agree that by participating in this activity I accept there are inherent risks and hazards associated with participating in sea kayaking and I understand what these risks are (including serious harm and death).
- Understanding the risks:
- The staff and management of Kaikoura Kayaks take all practicable steps to identify and minimize potential dangers
- The risks and hazards include, but are not limited to property damage, personal injury, illness because of adverse weather conditions, risk of drowning or death, sunburn, dehydration, hyperthermia & exhaustion, rolling or capsizing or flipping kayaks and Sups, hitting obstacles, (such as rocks or other watercraft) or being hit by other watercraft and equipment failure
Recent reviews
Friendly well organised staff. The tour was supposed to be 3 hours long, but we were only actually on the water for 2 hours. This point needs to be clarified on the website!
Fun and informative guides made the kayak experience. Would recommend.
Unfortunately, our tour was cancelled due to weather. Communication with the tour operator was excellent. Wish we could have kayaked.
Need help?
- Email us at plan@everythingnewzealand.com
- Product ID: 24456
- This experience is supplied by Kaikoura Kayaks