Private Tour
Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Kaikōura’s Original Kayak Operator – Est. 1998
Celebrating 27 years on the water!
New Zealand’s only sea kayak operator with a marine mammal permit to view NZ Fur Seals, Dolphins, and Whales.
Kaikōura’s exclusive kayak operator licensed for Dolphin, Seal, and Whale viewing.
NZ’s first “Friend of the Sea” sustainable operator for Dolphin and Whale encounters.
Paddle in traditional double sea kayaks with cockpits, spray skirts (for a dry ride), and rudders for easy steering.
Led by qualified New Zealand guides with local expertise.
100% guaranteed Fur Seal sightings on every tour!
Operating year-round (weather permitting).
The Wildlife Kayaking Tour – the Real Deal!
Come experience Kaikōura’s incredible marine life up close in a sustainable, unforgettable way.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
In any adventure activity, there is an element of risk involved. Risks in undertaking this activity include, property damage, personal injury, illness because of adverse weather conditions, risk of drowning, death, sunburn, dehydration, hyperthermia, and exhaustion.
We recommend you bring the following: Long sleeved thermal top, Fleece (if a bit chilly), shorts or light pants e.g. quick drys, NO JEANS! Sunglasses, cap, running shoes or sandals, drinking water, camera and towel.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Kaikoura’s Original Kayak Operator – Est. 1998 | Celebrating 27 Years! Join Kaikoura Kayaks for an unforgettable wildlife adventure, paddling through the stunning coastal waters of the Kaikoura Peninsula. Experience the thrill of watching New Zealand Fur Seals duck, weave, and dive around your kayak as they hunt for their favourite meal—octopus! Keep a respectful distance as they feast, and marvel as hundreds of pelagic seabirds swoop in to claim the leftovers. As you paddle across the water, take in the breathtaking scenery of sheer cliff faces, rugged crags, and majestic mountain ranges. With a little luck, you might also encounter Dusky Dolphins or spot Blue Penguins along the way. This guided tour is: Fun and safe for all ages and abilities Perfect for first-time kayakers and adventures—no experience required Available year-round with professional guides and top safety standards Tour Details: Paddling time: ~1.5 hours Total duration: ~3 hours (please arrive 15 minutes early) Come discover why our Wildlife Kayaking Tours are one of Kaikoura’s most popular experiences!
What‘s Included
Dry bags for camera's, all kayaking equipment, paddle jackets, wet shoes, spray skirts, dry pants, gloves and hats over the winter months.
Private transportation
Options
Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura
Reviews
468 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wonderful experience!
brucehD7449FB,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very flexible and communicative with a weather change, and great fun out on the water. We saw penguins and seals, and a few shags. Loved it.
HORRIBLE manager LIAR!!!
kexinz2026,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Manager hung up my call multiple times. I tried to change my booking time due to sickness. They refused even though there are slots available. Liar saying it was fully booked. Worst experience with tourism companies and I’ve been in NZ more than 10 years. Bravo to refreshing my concept of customer service.
Beautiful morning on the water!
sarahsP1865LV,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The wildlife kayaking in Kaikoura was lovely. We saw tons of fur seals, saw a stingray and even saw a little blue penguin! It was a good time learning about the area and the animals that live there.
Loved it
scgoldsbury,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We loved this experience of getting out and having an adventure whilst seeing the sealife. Was lucky enough to see penguins and loads of seals.
Fantastic Nature Kayak
O7002NZrogerc,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A great afternoon kayaking close to the seal colony followed by an impromptu encounter with a pod of Dusky Dolphins. Thanks Team 🙏
A great experience
143carmelh,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a great experience. The guides were professional, every eventuality was covered, great pre paddling information and instruction. We felt very safe on the water with our guide who read the conditions and made safe decisions. We also loved our guides extensive knowledge of wildlife. Having dolphins swimming under our kayaks was a highlight. We highly recommend kaikoura kayaks.
Nice kayak tour, nice staff and good guidance.
W8027FTclaudiak,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Was a nice kayak trip. Our guide Holt has also regularly told us about the sea, deals and other wildlife. However, we found the general explanation quite long compared to the time in the kayak. We would have liked a little more time at sea and at the seals.
Nice day on the water
dannakrogers,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a really nice tour despite the rainy weather, saw lots of seals and birds, sadly no dolphins... but our guide Emma was great
Staff were fantastic,...
David N,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Staff were fantastic, would recommend. Split into a faster group for those more experienced with kayaking and slower smaller groups for people new to it
Awesome
Navigate52948544359,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome experience. Very professional and great to deal with. Very safety conscious and helped to settle my nerves. Recommended to all.
Related Experiences
Operated by Kaikoura Kayaks