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 sea kayak guides with local expertise.
100% guaranteed Fur Seal sightings on every tour!
Family-friendly adventures, operating year-round.
The Wildlife Kayaking Tour – the Real Deal!
Come experience Kaikōura’s incredible marine life up close in a sustainable, unforgettable way.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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.
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!
Options
Private Wildlife Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Dry bags for camera's, all kayaking equipment, paddle jackets, wet shoes, spray skirts, dry pants, gloves and hats over the winter months.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
47 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Guided Kayak tour
Lisa K,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing tour experience Guide was friendly , helped get my non mobile spouse into a kayak. Tons of dolphins putting on a show. No rushing about.
Fantastic Experience
juliebB7095WF,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Went on the kayaking trip expecting to see some seals and seabirds. Instead we kayaked with a pod of dolphins. It was the most magical, unexpected experience, the highlight of our NZ trip. Would definitely recommend. All the guides were very professional and knowledgeable too which made it a really interesting experience.
Wonderful experience
hloyd3314,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was great kayaking and I don't kayak much. Our guide, Lawrence (Lars) was very knowledgeable, friendly and an excellent guide. We had a great time. We saw a blue penguin, many birds, fur seals and a sting ray. The kayaks are very stable and we always felt very safe! A beautiful way to possibly see some wildlife. I highly recommend this!
Wonderful day on the water
1turnaroundcoach,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Grace was an exception and personable guide for my wife and I. We saw so many seals and birds while kayaking in and around amazing rock formations. Grace made this a true highlight for our cruise of New Zealand. GREAT COMPANY!!!
Great kayaking adventure
afab1490,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great tour. We saw alot os seals and we watched one eating an octopus . Amazing adventure. Not to be missed The guides we first rate.
Highly recommended.
jamesaS4579DH,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My daughter and I did a private tour. Our guide was excellent and he gave us a tour of the bay and open water. We were even fortunate enough to see a Shy Albatross.
Private kayak Tour
Trip06348439466,Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Did a private tour with Sean and had a blast. Very knowledgeable and kind. Saw dolphins playing everywhere! Would highly recommend
A wonderful morning with the dolphins and seals.
sobe531,Nov 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The equipment was well maintained and comfortable and the guide, Grace, was terrific. She was accommodating in whatever we wanted to do.
Great day out on the water with fantastic guides.
tobyswallow1975,Sep 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We got a bit lucky perhaps with the weather- conditions were just about perfect, and we got a bit lucky with the wildlife, not everyday you see a whale reasonably close up but the guides were fantastic, the equipment was top notch and the organisation was great. We all enjoyed the day immensly and would recommend this trip hughly. The guides were knowledgable and professionl and clealry seemed to enjoying themselves as much as we were which made for a great atmosphere.
Seeing dolphins at sea-level is brilliant!
Call me Raul,May 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were very lucky with the weather, scoring a calm, sunny day. The water was flat and we paddled about happily surrounded by both Bottle-nose and Hector's Dolphins. Only having a dolphin leap out of the water right in front of us (while we had the camera ready) could have made this better, and frankly, seeing dolphins swimming in the wild is soooo much better than watching a trained dolphin leaping through a hoop in a pool (sad face emoji). The boats, gear, and training/safety briefing were excellent and our guide knew a lot about the wildlife, which made for a very interesting trip. Being down at sea level gives a completely different perspective on the landscape (and seascape). It was all very well organised and run, we felt we were in good hands, and had a wonderful time. In terms of value for money, this is a winner and I highly recommend it for locals and visitors alike.
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