Gannets
Gannets are magnificent birds which can be spotted on nearly every tour with Seal kayak Kaikoura. With a spectacular diving action and breathing soaring motion, the birds can be commonly witnessed feeding on different species of fish from great heights.
- Australasian gannets are common sights around the Kaikoura coast and have a lifespan of between 25-40 years making them one of the oldest living seabirds.
- Gannets or “takapu” in Maori are large birds who mate for life and have a wingspan of about 2m.
- Distinguishable in their blacktipped wings and yellow head and distinctive diving styles. They fly around the coastline until they spot prey with their incredible eyesight and descend in an arrow like formation towards the water.
- They descend from 10-20m in the air onto their prey at speeds of upto 100kmh staying underwater for no more than 10 seconds and usually having swallowed their prey before returning to the surface.
- Gannets have a large air sack in their throats which fill with air just before they hit the water acting as an airbag to the impact.
More Kaikōura Wildlife
Learn more about the wildlife you'll see on one of our Seal Kayak Kaikoura tours.
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Award-winning tours on award-winning kayaks
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Our Kayak Tours
New Zealand's first and only kayak tour of its kind. Easier, faster, hands-free, pedal or paddle Kaikōura kayaks — perfect for photos or those cheeky selfies
2.5 - 3 hours
Ages
7+
9:30am or 1:30pm
From
$
250
Private Tour
The best way to create that special Kaikōura memory is an intimate experience for anyone who prefers the privacy of their own party over a group-based activity. For singles, couples, large families or any other combination, we can cater private tours for groups up to the size 16.
2.5 - 3 hours
Ages
3+
9:30 am - 1:30 pm - 6:30 pm
From
$
135
Family Kayak Tour
Family Pedal Kayaking is the best!!! Your kids are going to love how easy it is to use the pedals, kayaking around our unique peninsula and viewing the NZ Fur Seal. Each child will have an adult right behind them for safe and enjoyable hands–free kayaking: seals, seaweed, seabirds and so much more. Let our guides journey you around the peninsular, creating memories that both mum and dad and the kids will enjoy.
3 hours
Ages
3+
9:30am or 1:30pm
From
$
135
Seal Kayak Tour
Take pictures of the New Zealand Fur Seals from your kayak as they play in their natural habitat. Enjoy a 100% chance of seeing these amazing creatures on your tour!
3 hours
Ages
7+
6pm
From
$
135
Sunset Kayak Tour
Sit back and unwind as we take you on an unbeatable kayak cruise into the sunset, where marine life is plentiful, and the scenery is world-class. Experience unrivalled interactions with New Zealand fur seals as well as an abundance of other wildlife, such as penguins and albatross. You cant beat a Kaikōura sunset from the water.