Kaikōura Peninsula
A great half day paddle through the seal colony around the headland at Kaikōura. On clear days you will be treated to amazing views of Mount Fyffe and the Kaikōura Range.
Quick Facts
Start - Jimmy Armers Beach, 55 Fyffe Quay, Kaikōura Peninsula, 7300
Finish - South Bay Recreation Reserve, South Bay Parade, Kaikōara, 7300
Distance - 8km
Time - 2-3 hours
Difficulty - Easy
Tides - minimal affect, best done at low to mid tide
Cautions - You will likely see a lot of seals, don't get too close!
Key Planning Information
Wind
Swell
This trip can be done in either direction and it is worth either paddling with the tide, or with the wind. The flood tide will flow anti-clockwise direction. The wind is likely to give you more trouble than the tide, so try to paddle with the wind behind. It is also worth checking the swell height and direction. Depending on your ability, swell of 1 metre or more will make for challenging conditions to be in close to the seals.
Although this trip can be done at any time, it is best when at least some of the rocky outcrops are showing. The main attraction of this trip is seeing the seal colony, so you want at least some rock showing for the seals to sit on! Try paddling in the 3 hours either side of low water.
If you have time, there are many passageways and inlets to explore. You'll be able to see seals in their natural environment, and if you're there in Summer you will almost certainly see pups.
Important - it is important to stay at least 10 metres from the seals and try not to disturb them. Although seals look slow on land, they have a good lunge and have been known to cause serious injury.
Alteration - if the conditions (wind or swell) are too big for the full trip, often one side of the peninsula will still be sheltered. You could park on the sheltered side and doing an out and back trip.
