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“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”
Fly Kaikōura’s coast in a small plane for whale sightings with live pilot commentary, window seats for everyone, and 40 minutes of wow.
“Wonderful staff and pilot! We saw a sperm whale and the pilot did great going from each for everyone to see. I get motion sick so the length of the ride was perfect.”
Kaikoura whale watching by plane: small-group scenic flight with a briefing and a real shot at sperm whales and dolphins.
“Very professional outfit. You'll be well taken care of. Show up early at their office in town. Transportation can provided to airfield.”
Whale watch from Christchurch to Kaikoura with hotel pickup, live onboard commentary, seal colony stop, and optional wine tasting.
“The tour is well prepared, whale watching is a great experience. The catamaran is equipment to follow the whales sound, so it is quite guaranteed to seethe whales, a lot of information is given about whales.”
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.
“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”
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.
“What an amazing experience!! We were lucky enough to see 2 whales, a pod of dolphins, and a lot of seals. Being able to view these creatures from this perspective is so cool! Highly recommend!”
Kaikōura helicopter whale watching with a 1hr 20min flight, mountain landing, and close-up chances at whales, dolphins, and seals.
“Awesome experience. Very professional and knowledgeable. Strongly recommend this tour if you are on the area. Mountain landing and whale sightings a real highlight.”
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.
