Whale Watching

NEW ZEALAND

15 Best Whale Watching In New Zealand

New Zealand's best.

New Zealand's 15 most popular whale watching, in one place. What each one is actually like, who runs it, and what you will pay.

15 Best Whale Watching In New Zealand

Kaikoura: Whale Watching Cruise

Kaikoura: Whale Watching Cruise - The Catamaran Setup: Comfort, Low Noise, and Practical Deck Space

1.Kaikoura: Whale Watching Cruise

Most Popular 4.6

Join a Kaikoura catamaran cruise for giant sperm whale sightings, plus dolphins, seals and seabirds, with expert onboard narration.

“Captain and crews are very knowledgeable clearly, because they found the whale. :-) what a view! Being so close as well. We really enjoyed it!”

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Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat

Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat - The Catamaran Ride: Indoors Comfort and Outside Deck Reality

2.Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat

4.5

3.5-hour catamaran whale watch from Kaikoura with live commentary, sperm whale sightings, and an 80% refund if no whale appears.

“This experience is incredibly well run. I was skeptical of the likelihood of seeing marine life but they are able to locate and position the boat beside the whale and wait alongside until the whale dives again (so you can hopefully see a tail flip). WiRead more”

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Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise

Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise - Your route through Auckland’s island world (and what each stop adds)

3.Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise

4.5

4.5-hour eco safari by catamaran from Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour to spot whales, dolphins, seals, penguins, seabirds, and more.

“I highly recommend this crew. They were incredibly kind and knowledgeable. We had two whale sightings and saw multiple dolphin pods during our January 6th afternoon safari. This trip was truly memorable and well worth it.”

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Auckland: Whale and Dolphin Watching Half-Day Eco Cruise

Auckland: Whale and Dolphin Watching Half-Day Eco Cruise - Boarding at Eastern Viaduct: Fast Check-In, Real-City Views

4.Auckland: Whale and Dolphin Watching Half-Day Eco Cruise

4.5

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…”

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Kaikoura: Whale Watching Flight with Commentary

Kaikoura: Whale Watching Flight with Commentary - What you’re really paying for: $131 buys time in the air and seat access

5.Kaikoura: Whale Watching Flight with Commentary

4.6

A 40-minute Kaikōura whale-watching flight with guaranteed window seats, live headset commentary, and great odds to spot sperm whales.

“We managed to see 4 pilot whales when we went further out to sea. Then on our way back in we managed to see a pod of dolphins by the coast, which I would guess numbered around 200. This was an unbelievable sight that we will never forget. Shout out to the pilot Dan for…”

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Auckland: Tikapa Moana Whales, Dolphins and Islands Cruise

Auckland: Tikapa Moana Whales, Dolphins and Islands Cruise - How the Marine Mammal Scanning Really Feels

From Christchurch: Kaikōura Day Tour with Whale Watching

From Christchurch: Kaikōura Day Tour with Whale Watching - The Christchurch to Kaikōura Drive: Early Start, Smart Stops

7.From Christchurch: Kaikōura Day Tour with Whale Watching

4.5

Small-group Kaikōura whale watching from Christchurch: 2-hour cruise for sperm whales, humpbacks, orcas and seals, plus fish and chips.

“Excellent trip with great driver Josh who is very informative. For people who prone to have seasick, I would suggest only eating a little food before riding the vessel.”

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Kaikōura Whale Watching Scenic Flight (40 Minutes)

Kaikōura Whale Watching Scenic Flight (40 Minutes) - Check-in and the small-plane setup at Kaikōura

Kaikoura: Whale Watching Flight with Guided Commentary

Kaikoura: Whale Watching Flight with Guided Commentary - Check In at Kaikōura Airport Log-Cabin Terminal

9.Kaikoura: Whale Watching Flight with Guided Commentary

4.5

Fly 30 minutes over Kaikōura to spot sperm whales and dusky dolphins from guaranteed window seats with real-time pilot commentary.

“Absolutely amazing! Transfer and storing my bags at their office in Kaikoura was no problem. The pilot put a lot of effort in the flight so that we can actually see whales. They are in contact with all the other pilots and boats to check where the whales are. We saw 3 sperm whales and…”

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Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch

Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch - The boat cruise: how Kaikoura whale watching is managed

10.Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch

4.5

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.”

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Kaikoura: Whale Watching Flight

Kaikoura: Whale Watching Flight - Where You’ll Meet: Air Kaikoura Aero Club in Peketa

11.Kaikoura: Whale Watching Flight

5.0

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!!”

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Kaikoura Helicopters Classic Whale Watch

Kaikoura Helicopters Classic Whale Watch - The 30-Minute Route: From the Beachfront Helipad to the Deep-Sea Canyon Views

12.Kaikoura Helicopters Classic Whale Watch

5.0

Kaikōura helicopter whale watch with headset commentary and scenic canyon flights, targeting sperm whales, humpbacks, dolphins, and fur seals.

“Excellent service, we arrived early & wasn’t an issue taking us earlier than our scheduled time. Seen a whale and dolphins during our flight! Highly recommend this company. Thank you”

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Kaikoura Whale Watching – 45 Minute Ocean Safari

Kaikoura Whale Watching - 45 Minute Ocean Safari - The flight plan: what you do during the 1 hour 15 minutes

Kaikōura Whale Watching and Scenic Landing – 1hr Premier Tour

Kaikōura Whale Watching and Scenic Landing - 1hr Premier Tour - Marine Life Spotting: Whales, Dolphins, and Fur Seals

14.Kaikōura Whale Watching and Scenic Landing – 1hr Premier Tour

5.0

1-hour Kaikōura whale-watching helicopter tour with a scenic peak landing and chances to spot humpbacks, dolphins and fur seals.

“Daniel, his wife and entire crew provided a welcoming and seamless experience!! The communications were helpful , we felt entirely safe and totally feel as if we got our moneys worth!”

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Auckland: Tikapa Moana Dolphin, Whale and Island Cruise

Auckland: Tikapa Moana Dolphin, Whale and Island Cruise - Getting There and Timing: How the Day Actually Flows

15.Auckland: Tikapa Moana Dolphin, Whale and Island Cruise

4.0

A full Auckland day on the Hauraki Gulf for whale and dolphin spotting plus a Waiheke Island stop, with live commentary and viewing guarantee.

“I had an absolutely amazing experience at the dolphin show! From start to finish, everything was organized perfectly and the staff were friendly and helpful. The dolphins were incredible to watch, very playful, intelligent, and well-trained. I loved Read more”

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