Kaikoura: Seal Kayak Tour & Sunset Pedal Kayaking Options

Summary

Seal kayaking in Kaikoura gets you right beside playful fur seals, hands free to snap photos and pedal as the sun drops behind the peninsula

You’ll pedal or paddle along Kaikoura’s wild coast with a local guide, getting eye-level with fur seals as they play nearby. Hands-free kayaks mean easy photos or just drifting in silence as sunlight glows off the water. It’s part adventure, part peaceful escape — and you’ll probably laugh more than once along the way.

What’s the experience like?

Pushing my feet down into the pedals, I could feel this odd mix of nerves and excitement — turns out, you really can kayak with your legs. Our guide Levi grinned when he handed over the pedal kayak, showing us how to steer without needing to put down our cameras (or snacks, in my case). The water around Kaikoura was glassy that morning; I kept catching whiffs of salt and seaweed every time the breeze shifted. There was a moment where I forgot what I was doing and just drifted, watching a fur seal pop up right next to me — close enough that I could see its whiskers twitch. Didn’t expect that at all.

Levi seemed to know every ripple and rock along the peninsula. He’d point out where the seals liked to nap or play — sometimes they’d dart under our kayaks so fast you’d only catch a blur. At one point, I tried snapping a photo with my phone (finally, no need to stop paddling), but got distracted by the way the light hit the water instead. Someone else in our group tried saying “kekeno” (that’s Māori for fur seal) and totally butchered it — Levi laughed so hard he nearly dropped his paddle. It felt good not taking things too seriously.

By late afternoon, everything felt slower. The sun started slipping behind those jagged hills around Kaikoura and the whole place turned gold for a while. My arms weren’t even tired — guess those leg muscles do most of the work after all. We pedaled back toward shore with just enough time for one last look at the seals lolling on their rocks, not caring about us at all. That quiet ride back is something I still think about sometimes — just ocean sounds and a bit of salt on my lips.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Seal Kayaking Adventure in Kaikoura

• Choose pedal or paddle kayak
• Begin kayaking around Kaikoura peninsula
• Observe New Zealand fur seals closely
• Take photos and selfies while kayaking

Top questions

Is this seal kayaking tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, beginners can join as long as they have moderate physical fitness.

Are there options for sunset kayaking in Kaikoura?

Yes, you can choose between a regular Seal Kayak tour or a Sunset Kayak Tour.

Do I need to paddle or can I use pedals?

You can choose between pedal-powered or traditional paddle kayaks for this tour.

Will we see New Zealand fur seals up close?

Yes, you’ll get close views of New Zealand fur seals around the Kaikoura peninsula.

Is there a weight limit for participants?

The maximum weight is 115kg; if you’re 115-125kg, book a private tour for safety.

Are children allowed on this seal kayaking tour?

Children must be accompanied by an adult during the tour.

Is public transportation available near the meeting point?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby.

What should I do if I’m over 6'4" tall?

Please advise your height at booking if you’re over 6'4".

What’s included

Your day includes all equipment plus guidance from a knowledgeable local guide who knows every corner of Kaikoura’s coastline; both pedal and paddle kayaks are available depending on your preference.