Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura
Overview
Kaikōura’s Original Kayak Operator – Est. 1998
Celebrating 28 years on the water!
Exclusive access -New Zealand’s only sea kayak operator with a marine mammal permit to view NZ Fur Seals, Dolphins, and Whales.
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.
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
Meeting Location
17 Killarney Street
Kaikōura 7300, New Zealand
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Experience the spectacular Kaikōura coastline from a unique perspective on this guided sea kayaking adventure with Kaikōura's original kayak operator since 1998.
Paddle along the spectacular Kaikōura Peninsula coastline, where dramatic cliffs meet the sea beneath the towering mountain ranges. Encounter New Zealand fur seals in their natural environment as they swim, dive, and play around the coastline.
Your knowledgeable guide will share insights into the region's rich marine ecosystem, history, and geology, making this more than a kayaking trip. Keep watch for a variety of seabirds and, if conditions allow, you may also spot dusky dolphins and whales.
Suitable for first-time kayakers and experienced paddlers alike, this small-group tour includes traditional stable double kayaks and a comprehensive safety briefing.
Tour Highlights
• Guided sea kayaking along the spectacular Kaikōura coastline
• View New Zealand fur seals in their natural habitat
• Stunning mountain, ocean, and coastal scenery
• Opportunities to see seabirds, dolphins, and humpback whales.
• Suitable for beginners and all fitness levels
Duration
• Approximately 3 hours total
• Around 1.5 hours on the water
Additional Info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- 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 dry clothing, NO JEANS! Sunglasses, cap, running shoes or sandals, drinking water and phone or camera. Any medication required. If you suffer from motion sickness, please take medication prior.
Frequently Asked Questions (13)
Q: Are there any weight restrictions for kayaking?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-246568P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.84 out of 5 stars based on 482 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (13)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
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The maximum weight capacity for kayaking is 340 lbs / 154 kg.
Nov 2021No experience is necessary! Beginners are welcome on all of our kayak tours. Most of our guests have never been in a sea kayak before. Anyone in average physical condition may join a kayak tour. If you can hike or bike, you can paddle our sea kayaks. You do not need any swimming skills either.
The only prerequisite is a healthy spirit of curiosity and adventure.
Regardless of age or skill level you will find that our expeditions offer enough flexibility to make your experience with us safe and rewarding. We will show you proper sea kayaking technique and water safety before leaving the beach. And your expert guides will be with you throughout the adventure to give you pointers and improve your skills.
Sep 2022As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour – Kaikoura. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat.
Dec 2022Your safety is City Balloon Tours’s number one concern. In general, sea kayaking is safer than most other outdoor pursuits, even bicycling.
Jan 2023If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT).
- 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.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 13. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura is as follows:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour – Kaikoura will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What'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
Additional Info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- 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 dry clothing, NO JEANS! Sunglasses, cap, running shoes or sandals, drinking water and phone or camera. Any medication required. If you suffer from motion sickness, please take medication prior.
