About Us

Hi, my name is Levi O'Connor,

ISeal Kayak Kaikōura was established in 2010 and originated from a lifetime spent in and around the water through various activities such as surfing, fishing and diving. Having moved to Kaikōura as an 8-year-old, this amazing small town has been my playground for as long as I can remember. Being a sponsored surfer from the age of 15 and developing an interest in collecting kaimoana(seafood) through diving and fishing, my passion for the moana (ocean) naturally grew.

The joy I received from showing visiting friends the incredible Kaikōura landscapes and the respect I had for the local marine wildlife after countless special encounters birthed the idea to combine the two and give visitors an intimate local experience of my backyard.

After a holiday to Australia introduced me to Hobie Pedal Kayaks I was sold and knew I had the perfect way to explore the rugged and beautiful Kaikōura coastline in the least invasive way possible. After obtaining my marine mammal viewing permit, I focused on the intelligent and entertaining New Zealand fur seal occupying the peninsula and an abundance of seabirds and penguins. The hands-free pedal kayaks meant guests were constantly wowed by the ability to get close to marine life and photograph them effortlessly.

Seal Kayak Kaikōura is still family-owned and operated by my wife and me, and we have surrounded ourselves with a team of passionate guides who help us lead the best small-group wildlife tours Kaikōura offers