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.
“Awesome morning whale watching! Mikayla was a fantastic guide, super knowledgeable and just a great person to give this tour! One tip would be to book a bit of a later tour as they use the first tour to find the whales they will look for for the rest of the day but we still…”
3.5-hour catamaran whale watch from Kaikoura with live commentary, sperm whale sightings, and an 80% refund if no whale appears.
“Not the nicest of days but got to see Sperm and Humpback Whales, a pod of Dusky Dolphins along with many seabirds including Albatross. Between sightings there were some good videos and a excellent commentary.”
A 40-minute Kaikōura whale-watching flight with guaranteed window seats, live headset commentary, and great odds to spot sperm whales.
“Seeing the whale and learning about them, and it was great that our pilot made sure people on both sides of the plane got clear views of Mohio!”
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.
“I was a little worried about my fitness level, but the peddling option was easy. You are just cruising slowly taking in the sites so there is no hard physical activity. The back support chairs are super. The weather was perfect, so very fortunate. Didn't see as many seals as I was hoping but that's…”
Kayak Kaikoura’s rugged coast for guaranteed seal viewing, with chances for dusky dolphins and blue penguins. Gear and guides included.
“Transportation was clean and comfortable, safety/instructions were thorough, and the kayaks were in very good condition. Guides were friendly, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic. Although there wasn’t as much sealife as I’d hope to see on the day I went, it was still a great outing!”
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.
“Do it! Age is no barrier here. The guides are professional, helpful and kind. The views of the ocean and mountains were also spectacular. We had a wonderful time and would do it again.”
Fly 40 minutes above Kaikoura’s coast in a small group for sperm whales, dolphins, and big scenery, with live pilot commentary.
“Fantastic experience. We loved the flight in general, but saw 2 sperm whales and 2 orca. The pilot was great, making sure that all on board had a great view by circling the animals in both directions in turn. Would highly recommend”
Fly 30 minutes over Kaikōura to spot sperm whales and dusky dolphins from guaranteed window seats with real-time pilot commentary.
“Smooth ride and great guide! We saw a sperm whale, dolphins, and probably a blue whale. It was a short flight that fit into our tight schedule.”
EcoZip Adventures Kaikōura pairs 5 dual zip lines (250m–620m) with a native-forest walk and 4x4 working-farm ride. From $118.
“I was so nervous but the guides Katie and Olive were super supportive. Katie in particular was very reassuring throughout the whole course. Would highly recommend, even if you’re afraid of heights like I am.”
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.
“It provides the opportunity to get up close and learn about handling Llamas. We also learnt some of the history of the town, especially in respect to the whaling industry and the impact of the earthquake.”
Sunset kayaking in Kaikōura with enclosed sea kayaks, 100% fur seal sightings, Māori and whaler stories, and possible dolphins.
“really great trip - we saw seals, dolphins and a penguin :)”
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!!”
