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Adventure · Kaikoura

Top 10 adventure things to do in Kaikoura

If your idea of a good day in Kaikoura ends with sore legs and a great photo, start here. Treks, kayaks, ziplines, off-road runs and the occasional adrenaline-up — every operator below is licensed and safety-checked.

  1. 1-Hour Private Heli-Picnic Mountain top tour in Kaikoura, Kaikoura1

    1. 1-Hour Private Heli-Picnic Mountain top tour in Kaikoura

    5.0· 2 reviews· 1 hours

    This tour is perfect for a romantic getaway, family adventure or group of friends. We are sure that you will enjoy this unique experience and remember it forever. Fly with Kaikoura Helicopters and enjoy a delicious picnic at altitude amongst the stunning Kaikoura Seaward Ranges with 360-degree views of this unique and rugged coastline. The pilot will choose the best location on the day, where weather conditions are best and the views are finest. After a scenic flight around the lower levels of the seaward Kaikoura ranges, land at a secluded landing site. Our picnic offers spectacular views of the Kaikoura township and Peninsula. On a fine day, you can look North along the coastline to spot Wellington and South to Banks Peninsula.

  2. 40-minute Mt Fyffe Summit Heli Tour in Kaikoura, Kaikoura2

    2. 40-minute Mt Fyffe Summit Heli Tour in Kaikoura

    5.0· 1 reviews· 40 min

    Experience the true beauty of Kaikoura and mountain top experience without the 4 hour hike. On a clear day the view stretches from the North Island to Banks Peninsula. During Winter there is often an abundance of snow to play in, take pictures and build a snowman!

  3. Llama Trek (Half-day) - Kaikoura Bay, Beaches & Seal Colony, Kaikoura3

    3. Llama Trek (Half-day) - Kaikoura Bay, Beaches & Seal Colony

    5.0· 167 reviews· 3.5 hours

    Spend quality time with one of the world's most exotic animals. You trek with your own llama, who walks on a lead, at your side, while carrying your belongings in saddle bags. Llama are highly intelligent, clever animals = requiring that you get to know them (and work with them) to successfully complete your trek. The subtle 'bond' you form with your llama companion is highly rewarding. You experienced guide will help you get to know your woolly companion. Your guide will also share a range of local Kaikoura history and information, including the extraordinary effects of the 2016 earthquake (the largest ever recorded in New Zealand) You do not ride your llama.

  1. Half Day Zipline Adventure in Kaikoura, Kaikoura4

    4. Half Day Zipline Adventure in Kaikoura

    5.0· 279 reviews· 3.5 hours

    A half day of adventure in nature awaits you in Kaikōura, with five zipline flights, totalling 2.2km, above lush rolling farmland, native forest, an interpretive walk through a private 3,000-acre station, and a ride on custom-built 4X4 Unimog. Departing from central Kaikōura township, your journey will begin with a scenic drive, with a breathtaking backdrop of the Seaward Range and views over South Bay, this is an eco adventure not to be missed!

  2. Seal Kayaking Adventure in Kaikoura, Kaikoura5

    5. Seal Kayaking Adventure in Kaikoura

    5.0· 442 reviews· 3 hours

    This tour offers 2 different kayaking options for you to choose from: Seal Kayak tour and the Sunset Kayak Tour. It is the first kayak tour in New Zealand to offer hands free kayaking. Now with the largest human muscle group in play, kayaking becomes easier and more efficient than ever. Come get up close and personal with the New Zealand fur seal as they play around and under your hands free pedal kayak. Taking photos/selfies have never been easier now you can capture all your moments without stopping!

  3. Llama Trek (Taster) - Kowhai River Valley and Native Woodland Tour, Kaikoura6

    6. Llama Trek (Taster) - Kowhai River Valley and Native Woodland Tour

    5.0· 81 reviews· 1.5 hours

    Enjoy a 1hr Taster Llama Trek - along the Kowhai River banks and riverbed. Surrounded throughout by protected native woodland, and abundant wildlife.

  4. Private Wildlife Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura, Kaikoura7

    7. Private Wildlife Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura

    4.9· 46 reviews· 3 hours

    Kaikōura’s Original Kayak Operator – Est. 1998 Celebrating 27 years on the water! New Zealand’s only sea kayak operator with a marine mammal permit to view NZ Fur Seals, Dolphins, and Whales. Kaikōura’s exclusive kayak operator licensed for Dolphin, Seal, and Whale viewing. 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 sea kayak guides with local expertise. 100% guaranteed Fur Seal sightings on every tour! Family-friendly adventures, operating year-round. The Wildlife Kayaking Tour – the Real Deal! Come experience Kaikōura’s incredible marine life up close in a sustainable, unforgettable way.

  5. Sunset Kayak tour in Kaikoura, Kaikoura8

    8. Sunset Kayak tour in Kaikoura

    4.9· 54 reviews· 3 hours

    You’re going to love how easy it is to kayak in and around the beautiful Kaikōura Peninsula using the Hobie Mirage Drive Pedal. We have a 100% success rate of viewing the New Zealand Fur Seal. There is also a lot of other marine life to view such as the blue penguin, albatross, and plenty more. Come and capture some moments with the fun and friendly fur seals playing around and under your hands-free pedal kayak in New Zealand. The kayaks we use are made by Hobie Cat, one of the leading boating and kayak companies in the world. Explore with family and friends by booking one of our New Zealand sea kayak adventures!

  6. Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura, Kaikoura9

    9. Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura

    4.8· 494 reviews· 3 hours

    Kaikōura’s Original Kayak Operator – Est. 1998 Celebrating 27 years on the water! New Zealand’s only sea kayak operator with a marine mammal permit to view NZ Fur Seals, Dolphins, and Whales. Kaikōura’s exclusive kayak operator licensed for Dolphin, Seal, and Whale viewing. 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.

  7. Sunset Evening Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura, Kaikoura10

    10. Sunset Evening Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura

    4.8· 91 reviews· 3 hours

    Kaikoura's Original Kayak Operator - Est 1998 Celebrating 27 years of operation! 100% guaranteed to view Fur Seals on all tours. Family Friendly - operating year round. New Zealand's only Sea Kayak operator that holds a marine mammal permit to view Whales. Kaikoura's only Kayak operator that holds a marine mammal permit to view Dolphins, Seals and Whales. New Zealand's 1st Friend of the Sea sustainable operator for Dolphin and Whale viewing. Traditional double sea kayaks with cockpits and spray skirts for a dry ride and rudders for easy steering. Qualified Sea Kayak guides. The Sunset Evening Classic tour has left a lasting impression with people from all over the world!

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