NEW ZEALAND · REGION
New Zealand's best.
New Zealand's 15 most popular kaikoura tours, 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.
“The rescheduling of my cruise (bc of bad weather) was handled really well. I was notified in a timely manner and given options. The ride out to sea was fun and getting to see a whale as well as dolphins, seals, and sea birds was exciting. The commentary on the way out was good, but…”
3.5-hour catamaran whale watch from Kaikoura with live commentary, sperm whale sightings, and an 80% refund if no whale appears.
“The trip is well organised and the boat crew very professional. Trip well worth the value and the knowledge of the crew made the trip both interesting and memorable.”
A 40-minute Kaikōura whale-watching flight with guaranteed window seats, live headset commentary, and great odds to spot sperm whales.
“Must do expirience. In the morning we saw them from a ship what was great. Bij AirPlay’s you see the full size”
Paddle Kaikoura Peninsula by sea kayak in a marine reserve. Small-group wildlife tour with fur seals, birds, and dolphin chances.
“Was a great trip with a helpful, friendly, and enthusiastic guide (thanks Charli!). We were lucky enough to see dolphins and a baby seal swimming.”
Pedal kayak in Kaikoura for New Zealand fur seals. Small-group 3-hour tours with dolphins and birds, plus sunset options.
“Conner was an incredible Guide with lots of knowledge! We had such a cool time and saw even a little blue penguin swimming around our kayaks! Thanks for this really enjoyable experience :)”
Kayak Kaikoura’s rugged coast for guaranteed seal viewing, with chances for dusky dolphins and blue penguins. Gear and guides included.
“Fantastic. I’d never kayaked before so was a little nervous but Emma and Lawrence put me straight at ease. I had a brilliant time and saw so many seals. Thank you!”
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.
“Great views , awesome instructors that make it a great day on the lines. Best you get their and do it if you haven't already.”
Fly 40 minutes above Kaikoura’s coast in a small group for sperm whales, dolphins, and big scenery, with live pilot commentary.
“All of the staff we interacted with were so kind and friendly. You could tell they genuinely wanted us to have a good experience and see a whale. They had us wait for a bit before going on our flight based on the whales diving patterns to give us the best chance at seeing one…”
Fly 30 minutes over Kaikōura to spot sperm whales and dusky dolphins from guaranteed window seats with real-time pilot commentary.
“Felt very safe in the planes ! Beautiful from the sky!”
EcoZip Adventures Kaikōura pairs 5 dual zip lines (250m–620m) with a native-forest walk and 4x4 working-farm ride. From $118.
“It was a fabulous afternoon. The views were stunning and the guides were personable and skilled. We enjoyed the information about native plants and vegetation.”
See sperm whales, dolphins, and fur seals on a long but well-run Kaikoura day trip from Christchurch, with pickup and expert guidance.
“We had a wonderful experience with our driver/guide, Jude. She picked us up on time and filled us in on information about the places we passed by. She surely went the extra mile to make sure we were comfortable. We even stopped at Read more”
Meet your llama on Kaikoura’s beaches, then spot New Zealand fur seals at Ohau Point with history and earthquake stories included.
“If you think llamas are cute, this is the tour for you. Fun walk, funny moments and an amazing view. Kevin our guide is extremely knowledgeable and caring for the animals. Truly enjoyed ourselves! 100% recommended. Thanks Kevin.”
Sunset kayaking in Kaikōura with enclosed sea kayaks, 100% fur seal sightings, Māori and whaler stories, and possible dolphins.
“It was a beautiful sunny evening, perfect for this activity.”
Fly over Kaikoura for 30 minutes of whale and dolphin spotting, with headset commentary and ocean views you can’t get from a boat.
“Super friendly staff, amazing flight. Ben the pilot was really knowledgeable about the area and great info about the Whales that frequent the area...AND... *WOW* got to watch a Humpback whale jumping out of the water. Such a special flight. Recommend doing this, you won't regret it ever!!”
