Viator Rating : 5 (46 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 8.3/10 (Verified Excellent)
Kaikoura
Kaikoura Sunset Kayak Tour: Seals & Marine Life!
180
Overview
Sunset Kayak Tour in Kaikoura offers an easy way to explore the beautiful Kaikōura Peninsula using Hobie Mirage Drive Pedal kayaks. This kayak cruise into the sunset provides unbeatable views and abundant marine life. With a 100% success rate of viewing the New Zealand Fur Seal, it's an unforgettable experience.
The Kaikōura Peninsula extends 5km into the Pacific Ocean, just off the Kaikōura township. This stunning area is home to diverse marine life, allowing visitors to get up close to amazing sea creatures in their natural surroundings. Along with fur seals, keep an eye out for blue penguins and albatross.
Using Hobie Cat kayaks, a world leader in boating, this tour provides a hands-free, pedal-powered adventure suitable for families and friends. This is a unique opportunity to capture moments with playful fur seals in New Zealand’s beautiful waters. 
Experience DNA Fingerprint
Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.
What People Love
Safety (9 - Secure) : Strong feeling of safety and control
Upsell Risk (9 - Transparent) : No upsells or hidden costs
Logistics (8 - Seamless) : Smooth and well executed
Mobility (8 - Easy / Accessible) : Comfortable for most people
Pacing (8 - Balanced) : Smooth and comfortable timing
Instagram Factor (9 - Iconic) : Highly photogenic and memorable
Guide Quality (9 - Exceptional) : Engaging and memorable
Guide Reliability (9 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
What to Watch Out For
Crowd Density (6 - Standard) : Normal crowd, some waiting or tight spots
Highlights
See Fur Seals Up Close: Get really close to New Zealand Fur Seals in their natural home.
Easy Pedal Kayaks: Use special pedal kayaks that are easy to move around, even if it's your first time.
Beautiful Sunset Views: Enjoy amazing views as the sun goes down over the ocean.
See Other Marine Life: Watch for blue penguins and albatross during your tour.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers loved seeing lots of seals up close.
-
The guides are really nice and helpful.
-
People thought the kayaks were easy to use, even if they had never kayaked before.
-
Many felt it was a highlight of their trip.
Some people wished they could have stayed out longer.
-
A few mentioned the weather can be unpredictable.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes private transportation to and from the kayak launch point. What's not included should be confirmed upon booking. Please confirm the exact meeting point and pickup details directly with the tour operator before your scheduled tour.
Hot Tip
Many customers suggest bringing a waterproof camera to capture the seals playing around your kayak. Also, dress in layers because the weather can change quickly, even on a sunny day!
Review Summary
Customers find this Sunset Kayak tour in Kaikoura highly enjoyable and accessible, praising the ease of the Hobie Mirage pedal kayaks and the knowledgeable guides. Frequent positive remarks highlight close encounters with playful fur seals and the stunning coastal scenery, especially at sunset. Some travelers noted that weather conditions can affect the experience, but overall the tour is described as safe, memorable, and suitable for all skill levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
This page is synthesized and developed by Dyvarcity Team
More like this
Kaikoura
$159
Kaikoura Seal Swim: An Unforgettable Adventure!
5.0
(276 reviews)
Duration: 150
minutes
Experience Name: Seal Swimming Tour from Kaikoura. Get ready for an amazing time swimming with wild New Zealand Fur Seals! This tour takes place in the clear waters around the beautiful Kaikoura Peninsula. It's a super special adventure that many people call one of the best marine animal trips in the world.
What to Expect: Imagine floating in the cool water as playful seals zoom around you. These curious creatures might come right up to you, looking you right in the eye! A local guide will be with the group to make sure everyone is safe and having fun. The guide also knows a lot about the seals and the area. All the gear you need, like a warm wetsuit, is included. Get ready for an experience of a lifetime! Kaikoura is known for its great sea life.
This half-day tour is perfect for animal lovers and anyone wanting a fun and different adventure. The tour group will stay small. An air-conditioned van keeps everyone cool and comfy. Please note that food and drinks are not included, so the traveler might want to bring snacks. This experience also helps support the local economy through taxes.
Wellington
$195
Wellington Seal Coast Safari: Secret Coast 4WD Tour
4.9
(293 reviews)
Duration: 210
minutes
Seal Coast Safari - Exclusive access to Wellington's secret coast offers a thrilling adventure to a hidden gem, just a short drive from Wellington. This 4WD tour takes visitors through private farmland, revealing stunning views and unique wildlife encounters.
Expect to see a real working farm with sheep, cows, and goats, all while soaking in amazing sights of the Cook Strait, South Island, and the Kaikoura Ranges. The journey leads to the coast, home to playful New Zealand Fur Seals. Guests can enjoy morning or afternoon tea while watching these seals sunbathe, play, and swim in their natural home. Learn about their history and how to protect them from a friendly guide.
Key stops include the scenic Otari-Wilton's Bush, the expansive Terawhiti Station & West Wind Wind Farm, and the iconic Karori Rock Lighthouse & Tongue Point Seal Colony. This safari provides exclusive access to areas unknown to most, even locals. It's a unique chance to explore Wellington's natural beauty and wildlife. The tour ensures comfort with new 4WD Mercedes vehicles, perfect for the rough terrain, this tour is owned and operated by passionate nature lovers.
Kaikoura
$275
Kaikoura Whale Flight: Witness Giants from Above!
4.9
(217 reviews)
Duration: 40
minutes
Kaikoura Whale Watching Flight offers stunning aerial views of sperm whales and diverse marine life. Experience Kaikōura's dramatic landscape where mountains meet the sea. With Air Kaikoura's 30 years of experience, enjoy expert commentary in a small group setting for an unforgettable eco-adventure.
Kaikoura
$135
Kaikoura's Coastal Wonders: A Private Kayaking Wildlife Adventure
5.0
(7 reviews)
Duration: 180
minutes
Seal Kayak Kaikoura offers an intimate, guided kayaking tour around the Kaikoura peninsula. Pedal-powered kayaks provide hands-free exploration of the rugged coastline, with views of seals, penguins, and seabirds against a mountain backdrop. Expert guides share local history, tailored for families, couples, or wildlife enthusiasts, creating unforgettable memories.
Kaikoura
$249
Kaikoura: Air Whale Watching - Breathtaking Views!
4.9
(99 reviews)
Duration: 30
minutes
Air Whale Watching in Kaikoura offers a unique and unforgettable perspective on the majestic marine life of the region. This scenic whale watching flight provides panoramic views of the mighty Sperm whale, the resident species of these waters. Passengers also have the exciting opportunity to spot playful dusky dolphins and other fascinating marine life from above.
During the flight, passengers are treated to stunning views of Kaikoura's dramatic landscape. This includes the snow-capped Kaikoura mountains and the deep blue expanse of the Pacific Ocean, creating a breathtaking backdrop for the aerial adventure. The experience includes the use of a headset to listen to the pilot's commentary about the area and the wildlife, as well as welcoming children and infants onboard.
While the non-profit Aero Club strives to provide every customer with a magical and memorable experience, it is important to note that whale sightings cannot be guaranteed. However, they maintain a high success rate and are committed to providing honest and transparent information about the day's chances.
Wellington
$309
Kapiti Island: Guided Nature Tour & Chef-Prepared Lunch
4.8
(519 reviews)
The Kapiti Island Classic Guided Day Tour offers an unforgettable journey to one of New Zealand’s premier nature reserves. This island sanctuary is a pest-free haven, teeming with native birds and unique flora, just a short ferry ride from Paraparaumu Beach.
The adventure begins with a scenic ferry trip to Waiorua, located on the northern tip of Kapiti Island. Upon arrival, a knowledgeable local guide welcomes visitors with an engaging talk, sharing the captivating history and ecological significance of the island. Participants will enjoy a guided nature walk, learning to identify the diverse plant and animal life that calls Kapiti Island home. The experience also includes time for independent exploration, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the island's natural beauty at their own pace. A highlight of the tour is a delicious buffet lunch at The Lodge, prepared by a talented chef. After lunch, the tour concludes with a relaxing ferry ride back to the mainland.
This tour includes round-trip ferry transportation, a one-hour guided nature and history walk, an introductory talk from a passionate local guide, a chef-prepared lunch at The Lodge, and all necessary permits and entry fees. It excludes hotel pick-up and drop-off, and gratuities. With its commitment to conservation and exceptional visitor experiences, the Kapiti Island Classic Guided Day Tour promises a day of discovery and connection with New Zealand’s natural heritage.
Nearby Events
The Opera House Wellington
Apr 16
8:00 PMJoanne McNally: Pinotphile Live at The Opera House Wellington
Joanne McNally brings her wildly anticipated stand-up show Pinotphile to The Opera House Wellington, delivering her signature blend of sharp wit, fearless honesty, and laugh-out-loud storytelling. Known as the record-breaking queen of Irish comedy, Joanne’s latest tour follows the global smash hit The Prosecco Express, which sold out venues across the UK, Ireland, Australia, Dubai, Canada, and the US, earning her accolades from The Sunday Times and Variety.
Pinotphile dives into the messy realities of modern relationships, situationships, revenge, and rejection, all delivered in Joanne’s 'terrifyingly funny' and 'joyously nuts' style. The Opera House Wellington, renowned for its stunning architecture and intimate atmosphere, provides the perfect setting for this unforgettable night of comedy.
TSB Arena
May 29
11:00 AMExplore NZ Art Show at TSB Arena Wellington
The NZ Art Show at TSB Arena in Wellington is New Zealand’s premier art event showcasing over 300 artists and 4,000 original artworks. This immersive cultural exhibition celebrates the vibrant creativity of New Zealand artists across diverse media, making it a must-visit for art lovers and collectors alike.
Renowned for promoting national and regional artistic excellence, the New Zealand Art Show elevates the country's contemporary art scene with unique works spanning painting, sculpture, photography, and more. TSB Arena, a leading venue in Wellington known for hosting major cultural and entertainment events, offers a spacious, accessible setting that enhances the immersive experience of this prestigious exhibition.
The Opera House Wellington
Apr 09
7:00 PMDaniel Sloss: Bitter Live in Wellington
Daniel Sloss: Bitter brings the acclaimed Scottish comedian to The Opera House Wellington for an evening of intelligent, provocative stand-up comedy. Sloss, an internationally renowned performer who has become one of the biggest global names in stand-up, is known for his ability to weave serious ideas into genuinely hilarious comedy while maintaining total control of tone and delivery. His sharp, rapid-fire style leaves audiences questioning their own relationship to logic and emotion, making each performance a uniquely engaging experience.
With 13 solo shows created to date and performances spanning over 50 countries, Sloss has established himself as a master of his craft, appearing on major platforms including Netflix, HBO, and countless U.S. television appearances. The Opera House Wellington, New Zealand's premier cultural venue, provides the perfect setting for this award-winning comedian's provocative and intelligent brand of humor.
San Fran
Apr 21
6:30 PMJason Leong: In Laughing Memory at San Fran
Jason Leong: In Laughing Memory brings the doctor-turned-comedy sensation to San Fran in Wellington for an evening of sharp, observational humor. Known for his Netflix specials Hashtag Blessed and Ride With Caution, Leong delivers clean, intelligent laughs drawn from his bold career switch from medicine to the stage, captivating audiences worldwide.[1][2]
Dr. Jason Leong, Malaysia's trailblazing comedian, won the 2013 Hong Kong International Comedy Competition as the first Malaysian victor and performed at iconic venues like Laugh Factory Hollywood and Just For Laughs Montreal.[1][2] His personal anecdotes on career transitions and Asian family expectations resonate deeply, blending insight with hilarity. San Fran, Wellington's premier live music and comedy hotspot, offers an intimate setting for this unmissable show.
Michael Fowler Centre
May 24
8:00 PMEddie Izzard The Remix Tour Live Wellington Tickets
Eddie Izzard - The Remix Tour Live returns to the Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington, NZ, offering an extraordinary comedic journey through 35 years of surreal, witty comedy. This live theatrical show features Eddie remixing and reimagining some of her most iconic material, blending intelligence with unexpected humor for a uniquely engaging experience.
With a career spanning over three decades marked by record-breaking tours and critically acclaimed performances, Eddie Izzard is recognized for her thought-provoking and imaginative style. The Michael Fowler Centre, a premier venue known for its stunning design and excellent acoustics in Wellington, provides an ideal setting for this memorable arts and theatre event.
St James Theatre Wellington
Feb 25
7:30 PMMacbeth Ballet Wellington 2026 | Book Tickets Now
The Royal New Zealand Ballet presents Macbeth, a bold and visceral reimagining of Shakespeare's tragedy that marks the opening of their dynamic 2026 season. Choreographed by internationally acclaimed Australian artist Alice Topp, this world premiere co-production with West Australian Ballet transforms the classic tale into a contemporary exploration of political ambition, power, and downfall set within a volatile high-society world. The production features a groundbreaking score by Christopher Gordon that layers full orchestral arrangements with heavy metal influences and live string octet, creating an electrifying soundscape that propels audiences through themes of seduction, paranoia, and inevitable destruction.
Macbeth showcases the Royal New Zealand Ballet's artistic versatility through cutting-edge choreography and exceptional performances from the company's dancers. The production brings together an exceptional creative team including award-winning designer Jon Buswell and Sydney-based costume designer Aleisa Jelbart, whose bold contemporary aesthetic brings the volatile political world to life. Performances take place at St James Theatre Wellington, one of New Zealand's premier theatrical venues, offering an intimate yet grand setting for this searing exploration of ambition and its consequences.
The Bucket List Playbook: Top Things to do in Wellington
Ready for adventure? Dyvarcity is your ultimate guide to the top 100 things to do in Wellington From must-see attractions like Short Term Availability, Music, Bus Tours & Arts & Theatre in Wellington. We've handpicked events & experiences with passion: whether you love activities that move your body, vibrant music, sports, food, or cultural explorations.
View Wellington Activities