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.
“Really good. It was really choppy water and the team were really friendly and helpful”
3.5-hour catamaran whale watch from Kaikoura with live commentary, sperm whale sightings, and an 80% refund if no whale appears.
“Beautiful and very well organized tour. Reached the whale area at the right time and they gave us enough time to take photos. Then we went through the playful dolphins and that was crazy cool 😎 loved it 😍”
4.5-hour eco safari by catamaran from Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour to spot whales, dolphins, seals, penguins, seabirds, and more.
“It’s a must do. Fantastic day out with amazing crew. Very knowledgeable and friendly. Got to see sharks, whales, dolphins and blue penguins. Viator contributes to conservation and research. Will definitely recommend it and Viator to anyone visiting in Auckland.”
Luxury catamaran eco-cruise from Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf to spot orcas, dolphins, whales, and sea birds with expert research talk.
“Our activity was good and the weather cooperated for the majority of the day but it did rain towards the end. The crew was amazing and knowledgeable. We saw plenty of Gannet birds and Dolphins during the trip but unfortunately no whales.”
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.
“Beautiful day on the water. Zoe was a great guide, very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Seals and birds were a delight. There was more work getting the kayaks into the water than expected but did not diminish the experience!”
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.
“Amazing trip out on the water! Saw some fur seals! Great conditions”
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.
“This was my first zipline experience. The beauty of the New Zealand landscape on a perfect day enhanced the overall fun. All the Ecozip employers were terrific, especially our guide and tour lead Jen. I would happliy do these five ziplines all over again on my return to NZ”
Small-group Kaikōura whale watching from Christchurch: 2-hour cruise for sperm whales, humpbacks, orcas and seals, plus fish and chips.
“Very nice trip. Guide was interesting and stopped for a few photo opportunities. Lunch was very good. The whale watching was AMAZING!”
Fly 40 minutes above Kaikoura’s coast in a small group for sperm whales, dolphins, and big scenery, with live pilot commentary.
“An awesome experience that we would highly recommend as part of any trip to Kiakoura. The company will also aid in getting you to and from the airport when possible. We were able to see hundreds of dusky dolphins and beautiful views in every direction.”
Fly 30 minutes over Kaikōura to spot sperm whales and dusky dolphins from guaranteed window seats with real-time pilot commentary.
“A great trip with a fabulous pilot. Good vision from the plane. The briefing before the trip was also very informative. All staff were very helpful”
See sperm whales, dolphins, and fur seals on a long but well-run Kaikoura day trip from Christchurch, with pickup and expert guidance.
“Pete was a great guide who gave lots of relevant information and was accommodating to the needs of the kids. Comfortable ride to see the whales. Good that we didn’t drive on our own as some had sea sickness after the cruise.”
Meet your llama on Kaikoura’s beaches, then spot New Zealand fur seals at Ohau Point with history and earthquake stories included.
“just spending the afternoon walking with a llama, a new experience for me. the scenery was great and the seal colony was interesting too”
