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Matt, Kim & Sam's Kiwi Summer Story


“Kaikōura drew me in — mountains, sea, and an abundance of life,” Matt says. At twenty-four he bought a few kayaks, a Land Rover, and started guides from the beach. Years later, the feeling hasn’t faded.

Here, summer means choices at your doorstep: run the trails, jump on a bike, grab a rod, or slide a kayak into glassy water. “You’re standing on the beach and a seal or a dolphin pops up,” Kim smiles. For Sam, it’s sunset paddles and sausages on the sand — the kind of simple memory that lasts.

This is sea kayaking the quiet way: low-impact, no engines, everything on the animals’ terms. “We’re looking after what we’ve got,” Matt says. “We still get a buzz watching people get a buzz — sometimes they cry with joy. That’s why we do it."

Kaikōura has come alive again — and it’s only getting better. “Kaikōura will always be Kaikōura,” Matt says. “That’s what keeps us paddling.

Matt

"I had this gut feeling that I wanted to start a sea-kayak company somewhere in New Zealand. Kaikōura drew me in — the mountains, the sea, the sheer abundance of marine life. Within twenty minutes of paddling you’re surrounded by seals, sometimes dolphins or even whales. At twenty-four I bought some kayaks and a Land Rover, borrowed a bit of money, and had a go — taking cash on the beach and running tours along the northern side of the peninsula. Being trained as an outdoor and sea-kayak guide, it felt natural. This place felt like me. I didn’t want to leave."

Every day on the water is different. We see seals feeding on octopus, dolphins turning up out of nowhere — it’s surreal. After all these years we still get a buzz watching people get a buzz; that feeling is infectious. We’ve had people crying in their kayaks because they’re so overjoyed by what they’re seeing. When the vans roll back in, we can’t wait to see the smiles. That’s why we keep doing it.

Matt

"I had this gut feeling that I wanted to start a sea-kayak company somewhere in New Zealand. Kaikōura drew me in — the mountains, the sea, the sheer abundance of marine life. Within twenty minutes of paddling you’re surrounded by seals, sometimes dolphins or even whales. At twenty-four I bought some kayaks and a Land Rover, borrowed a bit of money, and had a go — taking cash on the beach and running tours along the northern side of the peninsula. Being trained as an outdoor and sea-kayak guide, it felt natural. This place felt like me. I didn’t want to leave."

Every day on the water is different. We see seals feeding on octopus, dolphins turning up out of nowhere — it’s surreal. After all these years we still get a buzz watching people get a buzz; that feeling is infectious. We’ve had people crying in their kayaks because they’re so overjoyed by what they’re seeing. When the vans roll back in, we can’t wait to see the smiles. That’s why we keep doing it.

Kim

"Kaikōura is where I want to be. I’ve been here since I was five. There aren’t many places where you can step out the gate and choose: go for a run, a walk, jump on the mountain bike, head up to the mountains, go fishing, or grab the kayaks. You’re standing on the beach and a seal or a dolphin pops up right beside you. It’s a good lifestyle and a strong community — great for bringing up kids."

Kim

"Kaikōura is where I want to be. I’ve been here since I was five. There aren’t many places where you can step out the gate and choose: go for a run, a walk, jump on the mountain bike, head up to the mountains, go fishing, or grab the kayaks. You’re standing on the beach and a seal or a dolphin pops up right beside you. It’s a good lifestyle and a strong community — great for bringing up kids."

Sam

"My favourite memories are simple: summer evenings at the beach with the paddleboards, watching the sunset and eating sausages. Not many people have the ocean as their backyard — to just grab a kayak or a board and go. It’s pretty cool to have it all right here."

Sam

"My favourite memories are simple: summer evenings at the beach with the paddleboards, watching the sunset and eating sausages. Not many people have the ocean as their backyard — to just grab a kayak or a board and go. It’s pretty cool to have it all right here."

A Community That Moves Together

On doing it right

For us, sustainable tourism means delivering an unforgettable experience while leaving the lightest footprint we can. Paddling is quiet, low-impact, and everything is on the animals’ terms — no chasing, no disturbing, no noise, no fuel. We’re looking after what we’ve got so the next generation can have it too.

On community

We’ve worked hard alongside others here to keep Kaikōura special. It’s been amazing to see the town come alive again after some tough times — and it’s only getting better. Kaikōura will always be Kaikōura. That’s what keeps us paddling.

A perfect summer day

We’re usually working — seven days a week in peak season — but when we get time, it’s still the beach. We take the barbie to South Bay, cook sausages, then get the paddleboards out as the sun goes down.

Sometimes we all jump in kayaks together. You don’t need special skills — just know how to paddle and go. It’s a pretty unique way to catch up as a family, with marine life around and snow-capped mountains beyond. I couldn’t think of anything better.

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