NEW ZEALAND · REGION
New Zealand's best.
New Zealand's 15 most popular kaikoura whale watching, in one place. What each one is actually like, who runs it, and what you will pay.
Join a Kaikoura catamaran cruise for giant sperm whale sightings, plus dolphins, seals and seabirds, with expert onboard narration.
“Thoroughly enjoyed - great to see the Sperm Whale, but even better to encounter a pod of circa 300 dolphins who we watched for 15-20 minutes. Would happily do the trip again.”
3.5-hour catamaran whale watch from Kaikoura with live commentary, sperm whale sightings, and an 80% refund if no whale appears.
“What a lucky day, saw sperm and killer orca whales within an hour of the tour! Very professional tour with great facilities! The pictures are gold!”
4.5-hour eco safari by catamaran from Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour to spot whales, dolphins, seals, penguins, seabirds, and more.
“Very well organized. Left on time, and arrived back on time. We happened to go on a morning trip with very calm water so it made an excellent boating experience through the gulf. The staff was very knowledgeable and it was exciting to leaRead more”
Luxury catamaran eco-cruise from Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf to spot orcas, dolphins, whales, and sea birds with expert research talk.
“The perfect trip, we really enjoyed our trip. Managed to see a pod of dolphins and two Bryde’s whales. The staff were very friendly and knowledgable about local wildlife and the area. I would highly recommend to anyone looking for an activity to do in Auckland. Especially towards a good cause! You can see all…”
A 40-minute Kaikōura whale-watching flight with guaranteed window seats, live headset commentary, and great odds to spot sperm whales.
“Great view of the area in any case, and we had the chance to see 2 sperm whales, so that was definitely worth it!”
Paddle Kaikoura Peninsula by sea kayak in a marine reserve. Small-group wildlife tour with fur seals, birds, and dolphin chances.
“À very great kayak experience….. navigateur on the sea was fabulous even we didn’t see many mamans exempt Seals …. The staff is very kind and professional !”
Pedal kayak in Kaikoura for New Zealand fur seals. Small-group 3-hour tours with dolphins and birds, plus sunset options.
“A great experience, super chill, friendly and knowledgeable guides. The kayaks were easy to use and very stable. Loved seeing the seals, we also saw dolphins and a lone penguin.”
Kayak Kaikoura’s rugged coast for guaranteed seal viewing, with chances for dusky dolphins and blue penguins. Gear and guides included.
“Holt was an exceptional and knowledgeable guide. I really enjoyed his personality and commentary. We didn’t see any dolphins or penguins unfortunately, but the seals were everywhere. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking and kayaking in the rollers was so much fun! I’m so glad that I chose this activity with this company”
Swim in Kaikoura’s shallow fur seal waters with included gear, hot showers, and expert guidance, in a small group for about 2.5 hours.
“My husband and I went on at least ten tours throughout New Zealand, and this one, by far, was my favorite. The equipment provided was wonderful, the staff super helpful in guiding us to high seal traffic areas, and this trip gave us thRead more”
Half-day zipline adventure above Kaikoura with twin side-by-side lines, Unimog 4x4 farm ride, small group, and big coastal views.
“Amanda was great in assisting us when we had a snafu on arrival time. Team was professional and fun, we loved the experience even if we were terrified at the first zip line! Angela was great in assuring us and giving us confidence to relax Read more”
Small-group Kaikōura whale watching from Christchurch: 2-hour cruise for sperm whales, humpbacks, orcas and seals, plus fish and chips.
“Amazing experience. Our driver Clive was so helpful and easy going, made a long journey relaxing and comfortable. He helped ordering the fish and chips and took us to an amazing chippy in Kaikōura. He dropped us off in a more convenient location which he didnt have to do, was also full of interesting facts…”
Fly 40 minutes above Kaikoura’s coast in a small group for sperm whales, dolphins, and big scenery, with live pilot commentary.
“We were luckily able to spot one and only whale right after take off. And also able to spot school of dolphins. What I like is I don't get sea sick and fast, saving my time for other activities. Overall great experience!”
Fly 30 minutes over Kaikōura to spot sperm whales and dusky dolphins from guaranteed window seats with real-time pilot commentary.
“Absolutely amazing ☺️ The flight was amazing and we saw a humpback whale with many dolphins. The pilot was great and knew great about the sea creatures. Thank you very much for this wonderful experience. The flight was amazing and we saw a humpback whale with many dolphins. The pilot was great and knew great…”
See sperm whales, dolphins, and fur seals on a long but well-run Kaikoura day trip from Christchurch, with pickup and expert guidance.
“Well organised. Stephanie kept us safe throughout the journey. We saw 2 sperm whales, 1 humpback whale & dolphins.”
Meet your llama on Kaikoura’s beaches, then spot New Zealand fur seals at Ohau Point with history and earthquake stories included.
“Our time with Hero and Joey, our new llama friends, was amazing. During our time on trek, we learned so much about llamas and the history of Kaikoura. Understanding the world through the llama’s eyes was educational and becoming a part of their company was heartwarming. A delightful way to spend time in Kaikoura.”
