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Things to do in Kaikōura put you face to face with the ocean's locals. Kayak beside New Zealand fur seals, spot whales from a helicopter or plane, or land on a mountain top with the Pacific spread out below. Book a day out for yourself, or give it as a gift and let them pick the date.
Kaikōura sits where the mountains drop almost straight into the ocean, and deep water close to shore brings whales, dolphins and seals within easy reach. These Kaikōura activities get you out on the water, up in the air and into the hills behind town.
Kayaking is the closest you'll get to Kaikōura's wildlife. The fur seal pedal kayak tour uses hands-free Hobie kayaks and guarantees New Zealand fur seal sightings, with a chance of dusky dolphins too. Bringing the kids? The family friendly pedal kayak tour runs in double kayaks, and in summer the sunset pedal kayak tour heads out as the light turns gold.
Prefer to paddle? Wildlife kayaking for 2 is a guided three hour trip with guaranteed seal sightings and no experience needed. Experienced sea kayakers can explore on their own with half day sea kayak hire for 2. Browse more kayaking and canoeing.
From the air you see the whole whale, not just the tail. The 30 minute whale watching scenic flight goes by plane, while the whale watching heli flight for 2 takes off from the beachfront helipad.
For longer in the air, the 45 minute ocean safari helicopter flight orbits the wildlife and touches down on a remote stretch of coast. The whale watching flight with a Mt Fyffe landing pairs the sperm whales with an alpine stop in the Seaward Kaikōura Range.
Some flights are more about where you land. The helicopter flight with mountain top picnic for 2 is made for a special occasion. The Mt Fyffe heli gin experience lands for a gin tasting and sends you home with a bottle. The Matai Peak helicopter flight and farm tour visits a fifth generation Angus stud farm for lunch and clay bird shooting. See more helicopter flights.
Inland, the ziplining and native forest trail tour crosses the Kahutara River in a 4x4 Unimog, then sends you down five giant flying-fox ziplines and along a bush walk. Transfers from town are included. Explore the wider Central South Island, or head inland to Hanmer Springs.
Yes. Whale watching flights over Kaikōura run from 30 minutes to an hour by plane or helicopter, and often spot dolphins and seals as well. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed because the animals are wild.
Yes. Guided seal kayak tours in Kaikōura guarantee New Zealand fur seal sightings, with options for families and sunset trips. The minimum age is seven on the pedal kayak tours, so check the product page before booking.