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Kaikoura Whale Watching Tours

Experience New Zealand's South Island on a Kaikoura Whale Watching tour. Spot fur seals, pods of dolphins, and majestic sperm whales aboard a modern catamaran. Learn about their ecosystem and behaviors from expert crew. A year-round must-see marine adventure!
Kaikoura Whale Watching Tours
Whale breaching near boat on Kaikoura whale watching cruise, New Zealand.
Whale breaching near boat on Kaikoura whale watching cruise, New Zealand.
Whale breaching near boat on Kaikoura whale watching cruise, New Zealand.
Whale breaching near boat on Kaikoura whale watching cruise, New Zealand.
Whale breaching near boat on Kaikoura whale watching cruise, New Zealand.
Whale Watching Cruise in Kaikoura
Whale breaching near boat on Kaikoura whale watching cruise, New Zealand.
Whale breaching in Kaikoura during a whale watching cruise
4.53(30)
Sightseeing Cruises
Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
3 hours 15 minutes
1 more
  • Hop on board a modern catamaran and encounter the world's largest-toothed predator, the 'Giant Sperm Whale,' in Kaikoura.

  • Get comfortable in the spacious air-conditioned passenger cabins with outside decks that offer great viewing and photo opportunities.

  • Upgrade your ticket to VIP Captain’s Cabin to relish food boxes and cold drinks as you enjoy the view alongside the captain and watchkeeper

  • Spot marine mammals such as whales, dolphins, seals, and different species of sea birds on this marine safari.

  • Enjoy the onboard visual experience, “World of the Whales” – that takes passengers virtually to the bottom of the Kaikoura undersea canyon.

More details

  • Hop on board a modern catamaran and encounter the world's largest-toothed predator, the 'Giant Sperm Whale,' in Kaikoura.

  • Get comfortable in the spacious air-conditioned passenger cabins with outside decks that offer great viewing and photo opportunities.

  • Upgrade your ticket to VIP Captain’s Cabin to relish food boxes and cold drinks as you enjoy the view alongside the captain and watchkeeper

  • Spot marine mammals such as whales, dolphins, seals, and different species of sea birds on this marine safari.

  • Enjoy the onboard visual experience, “World of the Whales” – that takes passengers virtually to the bottom of the Kaikoura undersea canyon.

from
NZ$175
Whale Watching Cruise in Kaikoura
People watching whales from a boat during a Kaikoura whale watching tour
Whale breaching in Kaikoura during a whale watching cruise
People during a wine tasting at Waipara Valley
Fish and chips for lunch during the Kaikoura whale watching tour
Whale breaching near boat on Kaikoura whale watching cruise, New Zealand.
Fur seals resting on a rock during a Kaikoura whale watching tour
Transfers for Kaikoura whale watching tour
Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
9 hours
4 more
  • Join a small group full-day tour from Christchurch to Kaikoura for whale-watching, with round-trip transfers included.

  • You’ll see sperm whales dive and surface between their deep-water sessions on a cruise, with a crew that knows the best spots to see them.

  • The tour also includes a stop at Waipara Valley vineyards to taste local wines or craft beers, followed by a fresh fish and chips lunch in Kaikoura.

  • See multiple whale species depending on the season - Orcas from December to March, and Humpbacks during their June-July migration.

  • Did you know? Despite its historical role as a whaling station, Kaikōura has become one of the world's foremost marine conservation centers.

More details

  • Join a small group full-day tour from Christchurch to Kaikoura for whale-watching, with round-trip transfers included.

  • You’ll see sperm whales dive and surface between their deep-water sessions on a cruise, with a crew that knows the best spots to see them.

  • The tour also includes a stop at Waipara Valley vineyards to taste local wines or craft beers, followed by a fresh fish and chips lunch in Kaikoura.

  • See multiple whale species depending on the season - Orcas from December to March, and Humpbacks during their June-July migration.

  • Did you know? Despite its historical role as a whaling station, Kaikōura has become one of the world's foremost marine conservation centers.

from
NZ$380
 Tourist from cruise watching whale dive into ocean
A Humpback Whale Joyfully Breaches in New Zealand with Mountains in Background
A whale is rolling to the side and showing its big tail.
 Tourist on cruise for whale watching
seals sunbathing on the limestone rocks along the kaikoura peninsula
Aerial view Kaikoura Peninsula & coast, Kaikoura, New Zealand
Tourist on cruise returning from whale watching
 Kaikoura, New Zealand
Free Cancellation
Flexible duration
Mobile Ticket
3 more
  • Skip the drive and hop aboard a coach from Christchurch to Kaikoura for a guided tour, watching giant sperm whales, dolphins, and humpback whales.

  • On the spacious boat deck, watch whales come up for air and do backflips, as an English-speaking guide narrates Kaikoura’s marine life and Maori history.

  • Witness Kaikoura's fur seals and their pups basking and swimming in one of New Zealand's largest seal colonies.

  • If time permits, sample delicious fine wines at a local Canterbury winery, tour the vineyards, and maybe even meet the winemakers.

  • Fun fact: The Maori tribes of Kaikoura hold a deep connection to whales. Passed-down knowledge claims some can even talk to these giants!

More details

  • Skip the drive and hop aboard a coach from Christchurch to Kaikoura for a guided tour, watching giant sperm whales, dolphins, and humpback whales.

  • On the spacious boat deck, watch whales come up for air and do backflips, as an English-speaking guide narrates Kaikoura’s marine life and Maori history.

  • Witness Kaikoura's fur seals and their pups basking and swimming in one of New Zealand's largest seal colonies.

  • If time permits, sample delicious fine wines at a local Canterbury winery, tour the vineyards, and maybe even meet the winemakers.

  • Fun fact: The Maori tribes of Kaikoura hold a deep connection to whales. Passed-down knowledge claims some can even talk to these giants!

from
NZ$360
A woman kayaking with dusky dolphins.
Family on shore with kayaks.
Kayaking group in Kaikoura
Family kayaking along the Kaikoura coastline
Family kayaking along the Kaikoura coastline
Kayaking in front of mountain ranges in Kaikoura
Family kayaking along the Kaikoura coastline
Kayaking aong the Kaikoura coastline with a seal
Seals on rocks at Kaikoura
A dusky dolphin near a kayak in Kaikoura.
A seal swimming alongside a kayak in Kaikoura.
Lady kayakaing during sunset.
Sunset kayaking tour group.
Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
3 hours
2 more
  • Feel the sea while being up close to marine life in Kaikoura, and kayak alongside seals, dolphins, and penguins.

  • After getting a training from your guide on basics of kayaking, get the chance to watch seals dive around you while paddling.

  • Worried about the cold? No stress, they've covered you with essentials like GORE-TEX dry pants and wetsuit booties.

  • Choose the sunset tour for stunning sunset views cand lose encounters with marine life.

  • Fun Fact: Kaikoura is a great place to spot several species of majestic albatrosses soaring above the waves.

More details

  • Feel the sea while being up close to marine life in Kaikoura, and kayak alongside seals, dolphins, and penguins.

  • After getting a training from your guide on basics of kayaking, get the chance to watch seals dive around you while paddling.

  • Worried about the cold? No stress, they've covered you with essentials like GORE-TEX dry pants and wetsuit booties.

  • Choose the sunset tour for stunning sunset views cand lose encounters with marine life.

  • Fun Fact: Kaikoura is a great place to spot several species of majestic albatrosses soaring above the waves.

from
NZ$150
Seaplane flying over Kaikoura
Seaplane flying over ocean with view of whale in Kaikoura, New Zealand.
Seaplane flying over Kaikoura coastline during whale watching tour, New Zealand.
Plane flying over mountains in Kaikoura
 Aerial view of a whale in the ocean
Aerial view of a whale in the ocean
Aerial view of a whale in the ocean
Plane flying over the ocean, Kaikoura
Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
30 minutes
1 more
  • Soar above the waters of Kaikoura and witness the majestic humpback whales for a one-of-a-kind adventure you won't find anywhere else.

  • Sit by the window and get an uninterrupted view as you see sperm whales, humpback whales, and more from nose to fin breathing on the ocean's surface.

  • Leave safety concerns in the dust with a 15-min pre-flight safety briefing and necessary gear onboard the flight, ensuring a worry-free 30-min or 45-min trip.

  • Don't forget your cameras to capture memorable shots of giant whales, playful dolphins, and the snow-capped peaks of Kaikoura rising behind.

  • Did you know? Kaikoura's resident Giant Sperm Whales match 4 elephants in size and their teeth can weigh over a kg each and reach 20cm long!

More details

  • Soar above the waters of Kaikoura and witness the majestic humpback whales for a one-of-a-kind adventure you won't find anywhere else.

  • Sit by the window and get an uninterrupted view as you see sperm whales, humpback whales, and more from nose to fin breathing on the ocean's surface.

  • Leave safety concerns in the dust with a 15-min pre-flight safety briefing and necessary gear onboard the flight, ensuring a worry-free 30-min or 45-min trip.

  • Don't forget your cameras to capture memorable shots of giant whales, playful dolphins, and the snow-capped peaks of Kaikoura rising behind.

  • Did you know? Kaikoura's resident Giant Sperm Whales match 4 elephants in size and their teeth can weigh over a kg each and reach 20cm long!

from
NZ$250
Aerial view of a whale surfacing in the ocean during a 30-minute classic whale watch flight from Kaikoura.
Aerial view of Kaikoura coastline during whale watching flight.
Aerial view of a whale surfacing in the ocean during a 30-minute flight from Kaikoura, New Zealand.
Aerial view of a whale breaching near Kaikoura during a 30-minute scenic flight.
Aerial view of Kaikoura coastline during a whale watching flight.
Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
30 minutes
1 more
  • Take to the skies and spot the magnificent Sperm Whale as you see them in their natural habitat from tip to tail.

  • Fly as low as 150 meters above the sea in the 30-minute flight to view the marine wildlife New Zealand has to offer.

  • Get unobstructed views from the helicopter with a guaranteed window seat for all passengers.

  • Soak in the beautiful views of the coastal shores and the Kaikoura Seaward Mountains.

  • Choose a 40-minute flight to explore deep offshore waters or a 60-minute flight to circle Mt. Fyffe while whale watching.

More details

  • Take to the skies and spot the magnificent Sperm Whale as you see them in their natural habitat from tip to tail.

  • Fly as low as 150 meters above the sea in the 30-minute flight to view the marine wildlife New Zealand has to offer.

  • Get unobstructed views from the helicopter with a guaranteed window seat for all passengers.

  • Soak in the beautiful views of the coastal shores and the Kaikoura Seaward Mountains.

  • Choose a 40-minute flight to explore deep offshore waters or a 60-minute flight to circle Mt. Fyffe while whale watching.

from
NZ$345

Millions love heading out with us

Kasper Munk Kjeldsen
DK

Kasper

5/5
Denmark
A great experience for our family. First time in a helicopter and first time seeing humpbackwhales. Pilot Kel was calm and nice, a good ambassador for a heli flight whale Safari.
Classic Whale-Watching Helicopter Tour from Kaikoura
caroline baker
NZ

Caroline

5/5
New Zealand
Had an awesome time would love to go again especially if it meant seeing dolphins! But it was fun seeing the seals in the water and the views! Would recommend 🙂
Guided Wildlife Kayaking Experience in Kaikoura
Headout Guest

Headout Guest

5/5
Jude our driver and tour guide was excellent. The Boat Crew was wonderful, boat was clean and we were successful in finding the magnificent Sperm whale, Moby. We also encountered a lot of Duskies. A wonderful time spent on the ocean!!
From Christchurch: Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Trip with Round-Trip Transfers
Headout Guest

Headout Guest

5/5
I had a wonderful day, we could see a lots of dolphins, seals and an impressive sperm whale. And the landscape is also really beautiful. Pete was an excellent guide. He was funny and we learned a lot.
From Christchurch: Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Trip with Round-Trip Transfers
Headout Guest

Headout Guest

5/5
We did two day tours out of Christchurch with Cheeky Kea, and they were awesome. Paul took us to Kaikoura, and showed us exactly what we'd hoped to see. Magical day. Diane took us to Mt Cook, and she was full of information and fun to talk with. Both tours felt personalized, and well worth the money.
From Christchurch: Kaikoura Whale Watching Small Group Tour with Lunch

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