Kaikoura Kayaks

327 Rankers Reviews

18 Face-to-Face

3 Sea Kayaking

9 Kaikoura

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Maps

Photos

Seal Kayaking
Chance Encounters with Dusky Dolphins
Paddle with the mighty Albatross!
Paddle with Blue Penguins
Dolphin Tag!
Family friendly
Seal Dive!

Information

Kaikoura Kayaks

100% Success rate for Seal Viewing! Voted "Top Choice" Lonely Planet, Kaikoura's Original Kayak Operator Est:1998. Paddle with playful Fur Seals, have chance encounters with dusky dolphins and blue penguins on our 1/2 day guided tours in a real sea kayak!

The curious NZ fur seals, dusky dolphins and blue penguins are only a few paddle strokes away and our local qualified guides would love to introduce you to them around the Kaikoura Peninsula.

Stay warm and dry in our enclosed stable sea kayaks with all equipment provided including GORE-TEX dry pants over the winter months, wet suit booty's for your feet and dry bags for camera's.

Our eco-friendly 1/2 day guided "Seal Kayaking" tours offer a safe, enjoyable, interactive experience, with little effort and a whole lot of good fun.

No experience necessary, suitable for all ages and abilities. Family's are most welcome.

If you want to tick off a real Kayaking experience from your bucket list with the help of our qualified local guides amongst a multitude of marine life while in New Zealand, come paddling with us!

Details

Feature Value Info

Organisation

Kaikoura Kayaks

Commercial organisation

Location

South IslandKaikoura RegionKaikoura

Categories

  • Activity__sea_kayakingSea Kayaking

Operating Season And Hours

Operating year round, 7 days a week, 8am - 8pm
Spring - Summer :October - March - 3 x 1/2 day tours daily.
Departs 8:30am, 12:30pm & 4:30 pm.
Autumn - Winter : April - September - 2 x 1/2 day tours daily.
Departs 8:30am & 12:30pm.

Directions

To Coordinates

Coordinates

-42.407189110882

173.682823777199

Latitude
-42.407189110882
Longitude
173.682823777199

Reviews

    • The team is super friendly and helpful.
    • A really professional but fun experience.
    • Wonderful morning on the water.
    • We enjoyed our Kayak tour very much.
    • Must do if you're spending time in Kaikoura.
    Rating Count Percentage
    10/10 250
    76%
    9/10 56
    17%
    8/10 12
    4%
    7/10 5
    2%
    6/10 2
    1%
    5/10 1
    0%
    4/10 0
    0%
    3/10 1
    0%
    2/10 0
    0%
    1/10 0
    0%
  • 5.0/5

    Arrived in Kaikoura to be greeting with bad weather however the Kaikoura Kayaking (KK) team managed to reschedule the weather and our Paddling experience.

    I am a very experienced paddler but this was Suzanne's first time on the water. Was very impressed with how they explained and prepared us all for our 3hr open water paddle around the seal colony. Awesome day out and a wonderful experience for both of us. To Brad and the KK Team many thanks for sharing your skills and extensive knowledge on the local inhabitants with both of us and for making Suzanne's first real Paddling experience memorable one. Cheers R & S

    Reviewed 7 months ago

  • 5.0/5

    Super fun way to spend a Saturday morning & get all the seal facts from Emma (very knowledgeable & great guide).

    Really recommend as an unique way to see the marine life in kaikoura.

    Reviewed over 4 years ago

    Kate's avatar

    Kate

    Customer

    Thank you for the great review Kate! We agree, seeing Marine Life by kayak is unique and something awesome to do here in Kaikoura.

    Many thanks,

    The friendly team at Kaikoura Kayaks

    NEW ZEALAND
    Matt Foy's avatar

    Matt Foy

    Representative

  • 5.0/5

    Emma gave us a fantastic time Kayaking in Kaikoura we loved our time with her as she showed us the seals and to our suprize a humpback whale so close to us, it was a real buzz.her knowlegde of the area

    was fantastic.

    Thankyou Emma

    Reviewed over 4 years ago

    Janet wheeler's avatar

    Janet wheeler

    Customer

    Thank you for the 10/10 review Janet!

    Sounds like you had a wonderful tour with guide Emma, the NZ Fur Seals and a bonus suprise Humpback Whale!

    Many thanks,

    The friendly team at Kaikoura Kayaks

    NEW ZEALAND
    Matt Foy's avatar

    Matt Foy

    Representative

  • 5.0/5

    Awesome afternoon.

    Emma was friendly and knowledgeable about the area and would highly recommend the experience!

    Reviewed over 4 years ago

    Karen Howie's avatar

    Karen Howie

    Customer

    Thank you for the great review and recommendation Karen!

    Thanks,

    The friendly team at Kaikoura Kayaks

    NEW ZEALAND
    Matt Foy's avatar

    Matt Foy

    Representative

  • 5.0/5

    It was an awsome experience!

    We did the sunset tour and Math was a great guide.

    Reviewed over 4 years ago

    Fred's avatar

    Fred

    Customer

    Thank you for the 10/10 review Fred!

    Regards,

    The friendly team at Kaikoura Kayaks

    NEW ZEALAND
    Matt Foy's avatar

    Matt Foy

    Representative

  • 5.0/5

    Highlight of our trip so far!

    We absolutely loved this kayaking experience! Saw soooo many seals both in the water and on the rocks. Our guides Emma and Cohen were super friendly, fun and professional. 100% worth doing. Stunning views, super close encounters with the seals and great guides! Support this local small business, you won’t regret it!

    Reviewed over 4 years ago

    Abbey's avatar

    Abbey

    Customer

    Hi Abbey,

    Pleased to hear the tour was the highlight of your trip! We will pass the great feedback onto Emma and Cowan.

    Thanks for coming out with us!

    The friendly team at Kaikoura Kayaks

    NEW ZEALAND
    Matt Foy's avatar

    Matt Foy

    Representative

  • 5.0/5

    Kayaking with Kaikoura kayaks was awsome.

    The guides where very clear and educating. They were funny and freindly and they give you always a safe feeling. So they are really professionals I should say.

    Reviewed almost 5 years ago

    Els Vloedbeld 's avatar

    Els Vloedbeld

    Customer

    Hi Els,

    Pleased to hear you enjoyed kayaking with us! Thanks for the honest review

    Regards,

    The friendly team at Kaikoura Kayaks

    NEW ZEALAND
    Matt Foy's avatar

    Matt Foy

    Representative

  • 5.0/5

    Kayak with seals An excellent experience with Emma and Maria who have an exceptional knowledge of nature and biodiversity in the region Teaching was exceptional with a good focus on safety I fully

    recommend- an amazing and enjoyable experience

    Reviewed almost 5 years ago

    JB's avatar

    JB

    Customer

    Thanks for the 10/10 review! Awseome to hear the great feedback, we will be sure to pass it onto our guides.

    Many thanks,

    The friendly team at Kaikoura Kayaks

    NEW ZEALAND
    Matt Foy's avatar

    Matt Foy

    Representative

  • 4.5/5

    Kaikoura kayaks put together a memorable experience.

    Perfect weather. The team at Kaikoura Kayaks were professional and refreshingly chilled and easy to talk too

    Fur seals and dolphins were found during our trip. I would happily recommend this experience.

    Reviewed almost 5 years ago

    Warren Taylor's avatar

    Warren Taylor

    Customer

    Thank you for the review and recommedation Warren!

    From the friendly team at Kaikoura Kayaks

    NEW ZEALAND
    Matt Foy's avatar

    Matt Foy

    Representative

  • 5.0/5

    Kaikoura Kayaks was accomodating for our family with people of different ages and expertise in kayaking.

    We had a guide and enjoyed the tour of the bay. We weren't able to go too far out due to an oncoming storm but spent a good hour kayaking and getting close to sea lions. Excellent experience with wonderful pictures that will always be treasured. Thanks!

    Reviewed almost 2 years ago and experienced in August 2017

    CANADA
    Jani Roberts's avatar

    Jani Roberts

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Arrived in Kaikoura to be greeting with bad weather however the Kaikoura Kayaking (KK) team managed to reschedule the weather and our Paddling experience.

    I am a very experienced paddler but this was Suzanne's first time on the water. Was very impressed with how they explained and prepared us all for our 3hr open water paddle around the seal colony. Awesome day out and a wonderful experience for both of us. To Brad and the KK Team many thanks for sharing your skills and extensive knowledge on the local inhabitants with both of us and for making Suzanne's first real Paddling experience memorable one. Cheers R & S

    Reviewed 7 months ago

  • 5.0/5

    Kaikoura Kayaks was accomodating for our family with people of different ages and expertise in kayaking.

    We had a guide and enjoyed the tour of the bay. We weren't able to go too far out due to an oncoming storm but spent a good hour kayaking and getting close to sea lions. Excellent experience with wonderful pictures that will always be treasured. Thanks!

    Reviewed almost 2 years ago and experienced in August 2017

    CANADA
    Jani Roberts's avatar

    Jani Roberts

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Super fun way to spend a Saturday morning & get all the seal facts from Emma (very knowledgeable & great guide).

    Really recommend as an unique way to see the marine life in kaikoura.

    Reviewed over 4 years ago

    Kate's avatar

    Kate

    Customer

    Thank you for the great review Kate! We agree, seeing Marine Life by kayak is unique and something awesome to do here in Kaikoura.

    Many thanks,

    The friendly team at Kaikoura Kayaks

    NEW ZEALAND
    Matt Foy's avatar

    Matt Foy

    Representative

  • 5.0/5

    Emma gave us a fantastic time Kayaking in Kaikoura we loved our time with her as she showed us the seals and to our suprize a humpback whale so close to us, it was a real buzz.her knowlegde of the area

    was fantastic.

    Thankyou Emma

    Reviewed over 4 years ago

    Janet wheeler's avatar

    Janet wheeler

    Customer

    Thank you for the 10/10 review Janet!

    Sounds like you had a wonderful tour with guide Emma, the NZ Fur Seals and a bonus suprise Humpback Whale!

    Many thanks,

    The friendly team at Kaikoura Kayaks

    NEW ZEALAND
    Matt Foy's avatar

    Matt Foy

    Representative

  • 5.0/5

    Awesome afternoon.

    Emma was friendly and knowledgeable about the area and would highly recommend the experience!

    Reviewed over 4 years ago

    Karen Howie's avatar

    Karen Howie

    Customer

    Thank you for the great review and recommendation Karen!

    Thanks,

    The friendly team at Kaikoura Kayaks

    NEW ZEALAND
    Matt Foy's avatar

    Matt Foy

    Representative

  • 5.0/5

    It was an awsome experience!

    We did the sunset tour and Math was a great guide.

    Reviewed over 4 years ago

    Fred's avatar

    Fred

    Customer

    Thank you for the 10/10 review Fred!

    Regards,

    The friendly team at Kaikoura Kayaks

    NEW ZEALAND
    Matt Foy's avatar

    Matt Foy

    Representative

  • 5.0/5

    Highlight of our trip so far!

    We absolutely loved this kayaking experience! Saw soooo many seals both in the water and on the rocks. Our guides Emma and Cohen were super friendly, fun and professional. 100% worth doing. Stunning views, super close encounters with the seals and great guides! Support this local small business, you won’t regret it!

    Reviewed over 4 years ago

    Abbey's avatar

    Abbey

    Customer

    Hi Abbey,

    Pleased to hear the tour was the highlight of your trip! We will pass the great feedback onto Emma and Cowan.

    Thanks for coming out with us!

    The friendly team at Kaikoura Kayaks

    NEW ZEALAND
    Matt Foy's avatar

    Matt Foy

    Representative

  • 5.0/5

    Kayaking with Kaikoura kayaks was awsome.

    The guides where very clear and educating. They were funny and freindly and they give you always a safe feeling. So they are really professionals I should say.

    Reviewed almost 5 years ago

    Els Vloedbeld 's avatar

    Els Vloedbeld

    Customer

    Hi Els,

    Pleased to hear you enjoyed kayaking with us! Thanks for the honest review

    Regards,

    The friendly team at Kaikoura Kayaks

    NEW ZEALAND
    Matt Foy's avatar

    Matt Foy

    Representative

  • 5.0/5

    Kayak with seals An excellent experience with Emma and Maria who have an exceptional knowledge of nature and biodiversity in the region Teaching was exceptional with a good focus on safety I fully

    recommend- an amazing and enjoyable experience

    Reviewed almost 5 years ago

    JB's avatar

    JB

    Customer

    Thanks for the 10/10 review! Awseome to hear the great feedback, we will be sure to pass it onto our guides.

    Many thanks,

    The friendly team at Kaikoura Kayaks

    NEW ZEALAND
    Matt Foy's avatar

    Matt Foy

    Representative

  • 4.5/5

    Kaikoura kayaks put together a memorable experience.

    Perfect weather. The team at Kaikoura Kayaks were professional and refreshingly chilled and easy to talk too

    Fur seals and dolphins were found during our trip. I would happily recommend this experience.

    Reviewed almost 5 years ago

    Warren Taylor's avatar

    Warren Taylor

    Customer

    Thank you for the review and recommedation Warren!

    From the friendly team at Kaikoura Kayaks

    NEW ZEALAND
    Matt Foy's avatar

    Matt Foy

    Representative

  • 5.0/5

    Amazing experience with really knowledgeable guides!

    Thought we saw the planes circling some whales so we went for a look, didn’t see any but hung out with some seals instead. Cruisy day and we were so fortunate to have awesome weather! Would definitely fly back to NZ just to do this again and would recommend to all!

    Reviewed about 5 years ago

    Dee's avatar

    Dee

    Customer

    Thank you for the review Dee!

    We hope to see you again for another tour :)

    Many thanks,

    The friendly team at Kaikoura Kayaks

    NEW ZEALAND
    Matt Foy's avatar

    Matt Foy

    Representative

  • 5.0/5

    It was amazing!

    The two guides Maria and Cole were so nice and friendly. We saw so many dolphins. A group of over hundred was swimming around us. They were jumping out of the water and interacting with us. Just a stunning moment. Thanks a lot for this great experience!

    We were really lucky to see such a big group of dolphins. That’s not usually. But I think without the dolphins it will be a great kayaking experience as well. There is so many interesting marine life in Kaikoura and the guides are trying their best to get you as close as possible to that marine life.

    Reviewed over 5 years ago

    Thanks for your review!

    Sounds like you hit the jackpot out there with all of the Dolphins!

    From the friendly team at Kaikoura Kayaks

    NEW ZEALAND
    Matt Foy's avatar

    Matt Foy

    Representative

  • 5.0/5

    Kayaking in Kaikoura ...

    Great experience Excellent guides and coaches . Highly recommend 👍👍

    Reviewed over 5 years ago

    Dickinson Ann's avatar

    Dickinson Ann

    Customer

    Hi, Thanks for your review!

    Pleased to hear you had such a great expperience.

    From the friendly crew at Kaikoura Kayaks

    NEW ZEALAND
    Matt Foy's avatar

    Matt Foy

    Representative

  • 5.0/5

    Best experience - a real must do!

    The guys were all very knowledgeable of both the area + wildlife & respectful of both as well as all their guests. They explained everything well so even a novice could go out & have a great time + be inspired to go again. We saw seals & penguins & had a great time riding some waves back into shore too.

    Reviewed over 5 years ago

    LYDIA ADAMS's avatar

    LYDIA ADAMS

    Customer

    Thanks for your review!

    Sounds like you had an awesome experience.

    NEW ZEALAND
    Matt Foy's avatar

    Matt Foy

    Representative

  • 5.0/5

    Kaikoura Kayaks were fantastic.

    The staff went out of their way to ensure our experience was truly wonderful. We were able to get up close to the seals, learn about their habitat, learn about the other wildlife in the area as well as experience the exhilaration of paddling out into the bay and near the break water. Although we did go for a swim due to my partner and I both leaning the same way at the same time, the staff were close by and helped us back onto our kayak quickly. Would highly recommend the experience to everyone. Don't need to be super fit as the exertion is minimal. Great activity for teenagers. They are also able to accommodate the little ones with advance notice.

    Reviewed over 5 years ago

    Fee08's avatar

    Fee08

    Customer

    Thanks a lot for your review,

    Sounds like you had a good experience and it's awesome to hear the guides were so helpful!

    NEW ZEALAND
    Matt Foy's avatar

    Matt Foy

    Representative

  • 5.0/5

    Friendly and warm welcome.

    Very professional and an exciting outing for all levels. Connor, our guide was amazing. What i wanted to know and proved correct, you stay dry, it’s safe, it’s fun!

    Reviewed over 5 years ago

    Dr. Bill's avatar

    Dr. Bill

    Customer

    Hi, Thanks for your review!

    Awesome to know you had a great time with Conner.

    NEW ZEALAND
    Matt Foy's avatar

    Matt Foy

    Representative

  • 4.5/5

    Place and conditions of whether were absolutely perfect.

    We saw seals not just resting on rocks but also in water when they oiled themselves:) instructors were super friendly, anytime helpful and they gave us not just safety information but also very interesting and funny infos about seals, place and other animals or New Zealand culture , great job guys!

    Reviewed over 5 years ago

    Martin Bolech's avatar

    Martin Bolech

    Customer

    Sounds like the guides gave you some super fun facts and provided you with an awesome tour, glad to hear!

    From the team at Kaikoura Kayaks.

    NEW ZEALAND
    Matt Foy's avatar

    Matt Foy

    Representative

  • 5.0/5

    Great trip, staff fun but very attentive to all of us.

    We saw seal and hoping for dolpins, but a rare opportunity of seeing 8 orcas swim past us was just a delight

    Reviewed over 5 years ago

    Tim's avatar

    Tim

    Customer

    Wow! not every day we get to see Orca so this must have been a very special trip!

    Glad you enjoyed.

    NEW ZEALAND
    Matt Foy's avatar

    Matt Foy

    Representative

  • 5.0/5

    What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon/ evening in a sea kayak, enjoying seals on the rocks and in the water.

    Reviewed almost 6 years ago

    Marjan D's avatar

    Marjan D

    Customer

    Thankyou for your review, Glad you enjoyed your Sunset tour!

    NEW ZEALAND
    Matt Foy's avatar

    Matt Foy

    Representative

  • 5.0/5

    Awesome fun !

    The guides were great, knowledgeable and caring ! We had Cowan, he was a rad dude and made sure everything went smooth the whole time, even offering water proof pants to my wife as we came unprepared. Highly recommend it, it’s safe, exciting, and wonderful to see the wildlife this way. Do it! You will not regret it.

    Reviewed almost 6 years ago

    Andrew Barclift's avatar

    Andrew Barclift

    Customer

    Hi, Thanks for you review,

    Glad to hear you had a great tour out on the water with Cowan!

    NEW ZEALAND
    Matt Foy's avatar

    Matt Foy

    Representative

  • 5.0/5

    Had a great first time kayaking with our guide Blake.

    Thank you for a great experience.

    Reviewed almost 6 years ago

    thomas's avatar

    thomas

    Customer

    Thanks for your review!

    Awesome news to hear that you had such a great time with Blake.

    NEW ZEALAND
    Matt Foy's avatar

    Matt Foy

    Representative

  • 5.0/5

    Had a fantastic trip out with the lads from Kaikōura Kayaks.

    They are very knowledgeable, helpful and really good fun. We had a perfect day weather wise and the lads helped us make the most of it. The fur seals were beautiful and a privilege to see in their natural environment. This trip would be suitable for a variety of ages and all abilities even if you haven’t kayaked before. Highly recommended and good value for money.

    Reviewed almost 6 years ago

    Sue, UK's avatar

    Sue, UK

    Customer

    Hi Thanks for your awesome review!

    Glad you enjoyed your time paddling out from the beautiful Kaikoura Peninsula.

    NEW ZEALAND
    Matt Foy's avatar

    Matt Foy

    Representative

  • 5.0/5

    Amazing sunset paddle with the very knowledgeable, informative and friendly Renee.

    I didn’t get slapped in the face by an octopus, but we did see a seal slapping an octopus for his dinner. Throw in a blue penguin wave surfing, seals sunbaking and swimming around, beautiful weather and you have a pretty perfect afternoon 😁👍🏼. Great fun, excellent value for money and a must do in Kaikoura

    Reviewed almost 6 years ago

    Kathy Lee's avatar

    Kathy Lee

    Customer

    Thankyou for the awesome review!

    Great to hear that you had such an awesome afternoon paddling with our guide Renee!

    NEW ZEALAND
    Matt Foy's avatar

    Matt Foy

    Representative

  • 5.0/5

    Half day fur seal kayak tour.

    Awesome experience with lots of seals a pod of dolphins and a passing whale. A trip not to be missed

    Reviewed about 6 years ago

    Nathan's avatar

    Nathan

    Customer

    WOW! Not very often we get to see the Whales passing by so you must have had an amazing tour.

    Thanks again for the review!

    NEW ZEALAND
    Matt Foy's avatar

    Matt Foy

    Representative

  • 5.0/5

    Wonderful experience.

    Connor is a great guide very knowledgeable experienced and friendly. You really must do this when in Kaikoura.

    Reviewed about 6 years ago

    Glenys's avatar

    Glenys

    Customer

    Thanks for the review,

    We too appreciate Conner for his great guiding skills, experience and wonderful personality! Glad you enjoyed.

    NEW ZEALAND
    Matt Foy's avatar

    Matt Foy

    Representative

  • 5.0/5

    Kayaking was a great experience!

    It wasn’t labor intensive at all and actual kayaking was about 2.5 hours with seeing seals, dolphins, and stingray along the way. Our tour guide was knowledgeable and took photos throughout that he was happy to send to us. Would definitely recommend!

    Reviewed about 6 years ago

    Mary S.'s avatar

    Mary S.

    Customer

    Thanks for your review,

    Fantastic that you got to see both Dolphin and Stingray!

    NEW ZEALAND
    Matt Foy's avatar

    Matt Foy

    Representative

  • 5.0/5

    Such a wonderful experience!

    We saw many seals up close, and Connor was a great guide. My husband gives it the “seal” of approval!

    Reviewed over 6 years ago

    Caitlin's avatar

    Caitlin

    Customer

    Thanks Team :)

    NEW ZEALAND
    Matt Foy's avatar

    Matt Foy

    Representative

  • 5.0/5

    Absolutely fantastic kayak experience!

    In an easy paddle from South Bay we saw whales, dolphins and seals up close. The equipment and safety briefing were excellent and Conner is a brilliant guide - thanks for the experience and great memories

    Reviewed over 6 years ago

    Grant's avatar

    Grant

    Customer

    Wow what a tour you had! Its not a regular occurrence viewing Whales by kayak but when it happens it is simply "WOW", I'm sure you will always remember this tour:) We are very proud to be the only operator permitted to view Whales by kayak!

    NEW ZEALAND
    Matt Foy's avatar

    Matt Foy

    Representative

  • 5.0/5

    Great experience!

    Had kids aged 3 & 5 with us, guides were fantastic, we were lucky enough to see dolphins as well as seals. Highly recommend

    Reviewed over 6 years ago

    Sam Cherry's avatar

    Sam Cherry

    Customer

    Thank you for your review:) We love our family kayaking tours!

    NEW ZEALAND
    Matt Foy's avatar

    Matt Foy

    Representative

  • 5.0/5

    Awesome experience, we saw seals, albatross, and even a shark (?!) - our guide was funny and knowledgeable and made us feel very safe.

    Could not recommend it more!

    Reviewed over 6 years ago

    Friederike's avatar

    Friederike

    Customer