Best Adventurous Things to Do in Kaikoura
THE 10 BEST Adventurous Things to Do in Kaikoura
Best Adventurous Things to Do in Kaikoura
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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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What travellers are saying
- Nicola EBorrowash, UK9 contributionsThis company is fantastic - the whole team from front of house, the cafe and customer services right through to the guys who kitted us up and the team on the boat. Everyone was hugely kind, friendly and professional and gave 110% to help us to have the most amazing, memorable experience of a lifetime.
We visited Kaikoura during a week of unseasonably bad weather and storms. As a result, our first trip was cancelled because it was too choppy to go out. The customer services team (led by Helene) were absolutely fantastic and despite the fact the swims were all fully booked they managed to get us on another trip the next day. Sadly that one had to be cancelled too - but the team again managed to get us on a third trip two days later. But the weather was still against us and it was cancelled again. This is unusual and nobody’s fault - just bad luck.
But Helene and team were so supportive and approachable and they managed to get us on another trip today - at 5.30am so we could do it on our last day on the South Island before we flew out of Christchurch.
And today the boat went out as planned , we were surrounded by a large pod of dolphins and we were all able to swim with them . The dolphins were very friendly - swimming around and underneath us and doing flips right next to us. We swam with them for more than half an hour and it was the absolute highlight of our trip to New Zealand. A once in a lifetime experience for us and our two kids (aged 8 and 11). I was a bit worried about my 8 year old - she can swim but isn’t hugely confident in the water. The team on the boat really encouraged her and she was given a float to hold on to - she was so proud of herself for doing it and will be telling all her friends when we get home!
I genuinely cannot speak highly enough of this company and all its staff - one of the best teams I have ever dealt with in many years of travel. Don’t hesitate to book with them if you are thinking about either swimming with dolphins or spectating - it is absolutely fantastic and worth every penny!
We were really surprised to be offered a partial refund because visibility in the water wasn’t as good as usual due to the stormy weather, but this didn’t impact our swim and I honestly can’t imagine how this experience could have been better than it was ! I wish I could give it extra stars ! 🌟
Thank you all - and especially Helene for doing so much to make this happen for us.Written 15 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - WanderlustNottinghamshire, UK477 contributionsReally enjoyed this trip, everything was well organised, from the booking, check in, the coach trip to the catamaran terminal. The day we were on the trip, they had advised there was a high risk of sea sickness due to the high winds/choppy water so at least you could prepare by taking medication in advance of the sailing.
The staff were entertaining, engaging and really made the trip by providing advise if you were feeling unwell etc as to where the best seating would be and things to try.
Very informative as to the whales seen in the area, lifespan, migration habits and the whales they had come to know.
We were lucky enough to spot a sperm whale, who was at the surface long enough for everyone on the vessel to see. We subsequently found out the whale's name is Rangatira, a male, well known to them from the nicks/ shape of the tale.
It really couldn't have been any better the staff really made this!Written 5 February 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. - 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.
- Logan Y7 contributionsEpic morning out with albatross encounter crew ! Super quick to Get on the water and was amazed my albatross and seabirds galore . Gary is such an amazing skipper and so so knowledgeable. We were even treated to a humpback popping up and surprising us when we were viewing the albatross ! Hugely recommend even if you’re not a diehard bird lover .Written 19 June 2024This 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.
- LeisaLogan City, Australia1 contributionThis activity was so good I went back for a second session in the afternoon. Fin and Charlie (Charlotte) were amazing guides and elevated the experience to be fun for everyone. Absolutely stunning views, the best I have seen in New Zealand so far in 3 visits. Ziplining is an awesome activity even if you are scared of heights, a pretty tame adventure activity to get you started and brilliant value for money with a bit of everything for everyone.Written 21 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- mieyeedMiddletown, CT1 contributionThe flight was awesome. Viewing Kaikoura from the sky was an exceptional experience. We would recommend this highly (pun intended).Written 25 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Stay665917870472 contributionsThe experience was fun!
The views were stunning!
The guys were nice and accommodating (for me who only wanted to be a passanger princess while my family had their own)!
Highly recommend!Written 30 October 2024This 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.
- 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.
