Exciting Things to Do in Kaikoura for Thrill Seekers
THE 10 BEST Extreme Activities & Thrilling Things to Do in Kaikoura
Exciting Things to Do in Kaikoura for Thrill Seekers
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Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
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Dolphin & Whale Watching • Nature & Wildlife Tours
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Surfing & Windsurfing • Stand Up Paddleboarding
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What travellers are saying
- Marianne WSanta Cruz, CA54 contributionsThis was the BEST experience EVER! I thought beforehand that I might be swimming with maybe one or two dolphins, should they happen to come around...but NO I swam with PODS of dolphins!! Four different times. The captain of the boat knows how to find the active pods and then plunk us right in the middle of them. The dusky dolphins swam around us, by us, circled us, went the other way. WOW that was fun. I will never forget it.
The business of Dolphin Encounter really has the organization of their trips down pat. No hiccups. And the crew is helpful and considerate, as well. I highly recommend this activity in Kaikoura.Written 21 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - katie h52 contributionsWe hired a kayak for 4 hours and were surrounded by 50-60 dolphins! Full review on our youtube @rkbackpacking
One of the highlights of New Zealand for us. The hire is expensive but you're limited to who you can hire from (there's guided tours but not many that will let you self tour, in fact this was the only company we found that would!).
Lots of safety talks, provided with flares, walkie talkie, life jacket, first aid kid and mobile phone... very professional. 100% worth it for the marine life you will see.Written 1 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Yaniv S7 contributionsReally good tour. Guide is a real pro and also a very cool person. Got to see lots of seals who came to sweam right by us and other wildlife.Written 14 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- MotivaKent, UK50 contributionsAmazing! Saw whales, seal and a mystery other single shape! We had a boat trip cancelled but this turned out better. I am a nervous flyer but it was gentle and I am so pleased we went for this.
Thanks Sam and all the crew!Written 27 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Alastair D2 contributionsReally great trip. Friendly hosts, lots of fish, very well run. 3 hours was long enough-even the 2 hour trip would have been fine. Thanks!Written 17 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Gail M1 contributionGreat experience:) loved the pilot for staying up longer so we could see a whale and we did … had a whale of a time … would do it againWritten 27 February 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Susan M4 contributionsViews like you've never seen before! The weather on the day was textbook perfect. Our guides Alex and Kerry were professional and friendly. Jason drove us to and from the site office in the comfortable transfer shuttle. The safety procedures were all excellent and gave us confidence. While I will admit to closing my eyes at times on the first zip, it's an experience with our son and his partner we will keep as a special memory. Do it! You only live once!Written 21 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Katie FMooloolaba, Australia158 contributionsWe spent yesterday morning swimming with the seals and enjoyed it immensely! I couldn't have had a better experience with the seals. The tour the were very carefully not to abuse the natural wildlife during the tour and explained the time before we set off (ie keep three meters away etc), except they forgot to tell the seals! These lovely creatures playfully somersault around us, looking us directly in the grave from less than a meter away. I always felt totally safe underway the expert care of Al, who was very helpful and expert.Written 25 September 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- FarAway409168275211 contributionThis is a must do. The total experience was excellent - from the pre journey brief and practice rides with Johnnie and Alastair (safety and care was foremost in their minds) - to the banter and knowledge that Alistair had as he shared this fantastic slice of paradise with the two of us. We both rode the quad bikes.
We had a 30 degree day with little to no wind which enhanced this experience.
Cold drinks and bikkies while parked in the creek under the shade of the bush was brilliant.
The variety of terrain and vegetation is sublime.
Huge pods of dolphins in the bay and crystal clear waters below the cliffs and over the reefs.
True blue Kiwi blokes and an authentic experience.Written 17 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Safari061612780811 contributionIncredible experience, professional crew, cannot rate it high enough. Would definitely come again. The photos do convey how awesome it feels. A must do!Written 20 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Helena F5 contributionsAbsolutely fantastic experience flying a helicopter! Aaron was friendly, clear and incredibly knowledgeable. We saw loads of dolphins, seals and even a blue whale! Perfect Birthday present and once in a lifetime activity.Written 14 April 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- kaimaijaneKatikati, New Zealand5 contributionsWonderful relaxing holiday. Fantastic scenery, weather, food and company. The guides were very entertaining, knowledgeable and competent. Great to see the emphasis on conservation.Written 28 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Caroline r2 contributionsI was on a doble dive. Really professional crew! Dive with them! Can’t really tell you anything they did wrong.Written 18 January 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Casey DKaikoura9 contributionsPeter and the crew were a great team to look after us! Out for a girls trip with 14 pretty inexperienced people fishing they were helpful and knowledgeable. Great experienceWritten 12 November 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- amydowerWest Yorkshire, UK13 contributionsHad my first surfing lesson with Tamara. She was awesome, such a good teacher. I communicated with dave over the phone and he was super friendly. If your in Kaikoura and want to give surfing a go, I would Highley recommend these guys.Written 1 February 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
