KAIKOURA · WHALE WATCHING
The trips worth heading out on.
The 11 kaikoura whale watching tours travellers head out on most, side by side. What you are likely to see, how far offshore the boat goes, how long you are out, the operator running it and what a place on board costs.
Kaikōura sperm whale cruise on a speedy catamaran with live commentary, possible whale sightings, and an 80% no-whale refund.
Most Popular“There are two sperm whales living off the coast at Kaikoura. We saw one of them and a small Wright whale.”
Fly Kaikōura’s coast in a small plane for whale sightings with live pilot commentary, window seats for everyone, and 40 minutes of wow.
“Amazing! Staff were super careful and attentive before the flight. We saw 2 sperm whales, 4 Orcas and then 7 pilot whales in 45 mins !! Guess it was the best time to go! Wonderful experience. Super weather and the Whales were just something else !!!!! 10/10 for everything! Thanks Guys!!”
Kaikoura whale watching by plane: small-group scenic flight with a briefing and a real shot at sperm whales and dolphins.
“Wonderful experience, led by the kind and very informative pilot Sean (or is it Shaun? Sorry!) We drove over the beautiful snowy mountain ranges, saw two whales (a baby humpback about 10m, and a spermwhale 19m very close to the shore), plenty of opportunities to snap pictures but to also just enjoy the view and…”
Whale watch from Christchurch to Kaikoura with hotel pickup, live onboard commentary, seal colony stop, and optional wine tasting.
“This is not a tour - it is simply transport to the whale watching boat by bus from Christchurch to Kaikoura (about 2.5 hours away). There is also no wine tour included, despite it being stated on the Viator page. No explanation was provided Read more”
Kaikoura whale watching flight: a 30-minute scenic trip to spot sperm whales and dolphins from above, with headset guide commentary.
“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!!”
Fly for about 30 minutes over Kaikōura’s whale canyon with live headset commentary, no seasickness, and small-group personalized attention.
“What a very professional safe operation this is. We were so well prepared pre flight. saw 2 sperm whales and a very large pod of dolphins, plus a lovely view of the coast. Helicopter carries 3 passengers plus pilot. Really can’t recommend this trip enough.”
Kaikōura helicopter whale watching with a 45-minute ocean safari, remote hilltop landing, and small-group wildlife views.
“We absolutely loved our helicopter flight! We were incredibly lucky to spot a sperm whale, and learning about the different types of whales made the experience even more special. Flying in a helicopter alone was already unforgettable, Read more”
A small-group helicopter ride over Kaikōura Canyon with a mountain-peak landing for whale spotting and big photo views, usually in good weather.
“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!”
A 40-minute helicopter whale watch from Kaikōura’s beachfront pads, with pilot commentary and extra time to spot sperm whales and more.
“Amazing experience! It was my first helicopter experience and it was absolutely magical! Staff and pilot were very professional and friendly! We were lucky enough to see whales after 5min being in the air. Pilots gave us the option to fly Read more”
Kaikōura helicopter whale watching with a 1hr 20min flight, mountain landing, and close-up chances at whales, dolphins, and seals.
“The ride was fantastic. We saw a sperm whale,, lots of pilot whales, and enjoyed the mountain landing for a picnic. Go for it!”
Kaikōura helicopter flight from beach to whales and snow-capped peaks, with pilot commentary and alpine landing, about 1 hour.
“Our experience was 11/10. Our pilot was so knowledgeable of the local marine life and we saw so many whales/dolphins. I think we had a rare day as we saw sperm whale, orcas, blue whales, dusky dolphins and hectors dolphins in one go! OuRead more”
Every coast worth sailing, harbour by harbour.
