Guided Wildlife Kayaking Experience

Paddle around the rugged Kaikoura Peninsula keeping an eye out for Seals hunting for their favorite feed of Octopus.

This adventure around the beautiful coastal waters takes in the breath-taking views of sheer cliff faces, craggy rocks and mountain ranges while searching for chance encounters with Dusky Dolphins and blue Penguins.

Kaikoura Kayaks are the specialist - with over 25 years of service, New Zealand’s only sea kayak operator that holds a marine mammal permit to view Whales and Kaikoura’s only Kayak operator that holds a marine mammal permit to view Dolphins and Seals.

This award winning tour is suitable for all abilities. Minimum age 3 years old.

Operating year round and doesn't require any previous kayaking experience.

These professionally guided kayaking expeditions adhere to the highest of safety standards.

Our wildlife kayaking tours are one of the most popular activities in Kaikoura.

All tours depart from our base at 19 Killarney Street Kaikoura daily, allow 3 to 3.5 hours from sign up until we bid you farewell.

The tour includes a short briefing at the start of your adventure, transport, dressing up to look like pro's, setting up your enclosed double sea kayak, an introduction to kayaking and paddling instruction and of course we will cover all safety protocols. You will spend 1.5 to 2 hours paddling alongside an experience local guide as they talk about the Kaikoura history and share their passion and knowledge on the wildlife of Kaikoura.

We look forward to sharing New Zealand's marine life at it's very best, kayaking around Kaikoura's aquatic wonderland, it will be an experience that you'll remember for a lifetime!

Awesome Award-Winning Entertainment

Qualmark Endorsed visitor activity "Gold" Certification

2024 Travellers Choice - TripAdvisor.

Inducted into TripAdvisors Hall of Fame.

The very first Friend of the Sea sustainable operator for Dolphin and Whale viewing in New Zealand. 

TripAdvisor Review - March 2024

Marine mammal megamix

Review of Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura

Spent a truly incredible morning around the Kaikoura 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 swells, and just as we were thinking about heading home, encountered a super pod of about 100 dusky dolphins completely by chance. Needless to say this was unbelievably lucky, but an absolutely unforgettable experience, and just goes to show the abundance of marine life in Kaikoura. Thanks for an awe-inspiring day out in the kayaks!