New Zealand · WHALE WATCHING
Kaikoura has a canyon a kilometre deep sitting close inshore, which is why sperm whales stay year round. These 15 compare boats against flights, with prices and each operator’s sighting policy when the sea is too rough.
Set out from Whale Watch Kaikōura for just over two hours at sea, searching for giant sperm whales with an English-speaking crew. You may also see dusky dolphins, fur seals, albatross, orcas, and other marine life. The catamaran has outdoor viewing decks, air-conditioned seating, wildlife animations, and space for wheelchair users.
“Incredible. We saw 2 different whales and we saw one of them twice as well as a great dolphin show!”
Cruise from Kaikoura into whale-rich offshore waters aboard a purpose-built catamaran. Your crew, including captains such as Malena or Fred and an onboard marine biologist, tracks sperm whales and other wildlife while explaining the area’s unusual ocean currents. Allow 3.5 hours, prepare for rough seas, and bring motion sickness medicine.
“We opted for the 07:30 departure which was not too busy so there was plenty of space for everyone to get a good view of everything. We were also lucky with the weather as early mist cleared as we left the marina. About 20 minutes out we came across a pod of pilot whales around 50 metres off and stayed with them for a while. Shortly afterwards we saw a sperm whale spouting and the captain moved us fairly close to the magnificent creature who was kind enough to show a beautiful tail flick as he dived once more. Within half an hour we had a second encounter which was…”
Join Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari at Viaduct Harbour for a 4.5-hour cruise aboard a 65-foot catamaran. Marine research scientists explain the gulf’s wildlife and conservation work while the crew searches for whales, dolphins, seals, blue penguins, and seabirds. Sightings are never promised, but a free return trip is offered if no marine mammals appear.
“I loved this excursion so much! We fortunately did get to spend about 30 minutes where the dolphins swam and played around the boat which was amazing! I felt that they really respected the ecosystem and wildlife, which i appreciated. Overall I really loved it and would do it again with this company for sure. There are just a few things I think they could have done to make the experience better. We went during the busy summer holiday season so it was a full 100 passengers on the boat. To me it felt a bit crowded especially when it rained and everyone tried to huddle inside or under cover.…”
Join Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari aboard the 65-foot Dolphin Explorer for a 4.5-hour trip through the Hauraki Gulf. Marine scientists and crew such as Emily, Sanaa, John and Toni explain wildlife, research and conservation. Expect city views, seabirds and possible dolphin or whale sightings, with a free return cruise if no marine mammals appear.
“Very informative. Saw a whale and multiple dolphins. Wonderful experience.”
Fly above Kaikoura with Air Kaikoura for a 30-minute whale search, live English commentary, and a guaranteed window seat. Pilots such as Ben, Alex, Tom, and Dan have helped passengers spot sperm whales, orcas, dolphins, and humpbacks. The flight also gives you broad views of the coast, reefs, and snow-covered mountains.
“The staff were welcoming, friendly and professional. They made the journey interesting with their commentary and, even though we weren’t lucky enough to spot sperm whales, we saw hump backs and dusty dolphins. The overhead views of the Kaikoura Ranges and the coastal regions were awe-inspiring and made the trip more than worthwhile. Plus, the take off and landing were superb. Thank you for a good trip.”
Set out from Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour for a 6 to 8 hour cruise through Tikapa Moana, the Hauraki Gulf. Your day includes dedicated marine mammal searching, live English commentary, and a stop at either Rotoroa Island or Man O’ War Vineyard on Waiheke. The onboard café sells snacks and drinks, and a return voucher is available if no marine mammals are seen.
“I loved visiting the Rototoa Island. And we loved to watched dolphins. It was amazing experience!”
Join Cheeky Kea Tours for a 10-hour Christchurch to Kaikōura trip in a Mercedes Sprinter with up to 16 people. Guides such as Nick, Diana, Joseph, and Dave share local stories before a two-hour whale cruise using hydrophones. Expect seals, seabirds, fish and chips, and a possible Waipara wine tasting if time allows.
“Our guide Will was great, and it was a wonderful sunny day in Kaikoura. We went for a spectacular coastal walk in the morning where we could see lots of seals, then had fish and chips for lunch (included in the tour) and during the whale watching tour we saw two sperm whales and lots of dusky dolphins.”
Fly from Kaikōura Airport over the Hikurangi Marine Reserve, watching for sperm, humpback, blue, and other whales, plus dolphins and orcas. Every passenger gets a window seat, and pilots such as Ben and Alex use radio updates and whale movements to shape the flight. Expect mountain views, a small group of no more than seven, and wildlife that can never be guaranteed.
“All of the staff we interacted with were so kind and friendly. You could tell they genuinely wanted us to have a good experience and see a whale. They had us wait for a bit before going on our flight based on the whales diving patterns to give us the best chance at seeing one and the wait was worth it!”
Fly from Kaikōura Airport with a pilot such as Sam, Jo, Alexis, or Joanne, listening to live commentary as you search for sperm whales, dolphins, and seasonal species. Every passenger gets a window seat. The 30-minute flight also gives you sweeping views of the peninsula, Pacific coast, and snow-covered mountains.
“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 a bunch of dusky dolphins”
Travel from Christchurch to Kaikoura by air-conditioned coach, cruise offshore for sperm whales, and watch for dolphins, albatross, and migrating whales. Your guide, often someone such as Jude, Andrew, Carmen, Pete, or Stephanie, shares local stories along the way. The day also includes a fur seal stop and a possible vineyard visit if time allows.
“Jude the person who picked up gave us was really very very good punctual ,informative friendly and very considerate,we like to give her 10/10 thanks very much”
Fly above Kaikoura with Air Kaikoura for a 30-minute whale and dolphin search. Your pilot guides you by headset while you look down on sperm whales, marine life, the coast, and mountains. Flights carry no more than seven people, and the crew may adjust your start time to improve your chance of seeing whales.
“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!!”
Take a 30-minute helicopter flight from Kaikōura’s beachfront helipad over the deep-sea canyon, where sperm whales live year-round. Your pilot uses a headset to point out whales, dolphins, seals, the coast, and the Seaward Kaikōura Range. The small aircraft carries up to six people, making this a quick, personal option for day-trippers.
“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”
Fly 45 minutes over Kaikōura Canyon with South Pacific Helicopters, searching for sperm, humpback, orca, blue, and other whales from above. Your pilot, often Dan or Daniel, provides commentary as you spot dolphins and seals, then lands at a remote coastal viewpoint. The six-person maximum keeps this premium experience personal.
“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”
Join South Pacific Helicopters for a one-hour flight over Kaikōura’s coast and marine-rich canyon, with a mountain landing for photos. The small group has a maximum of six people, pickup is available from local accommodation and the train or bus station, and the flight may spot sperm, humpback, southern right, or blue whales, plus 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!”
Spend nearly eight hours aboard a wildlife-viewing boat from Auckland’s Viaduct, searching the Hauraki Gulf for dolphins, whales, seals and seabirds. Your day includes a stop at Rotoroa Island or Man O’ War Vineyards, except on the 11:30am departure. Live commentary, viewing decks and a marine mammal guarantee add value.
“Great trip! Easy to navigate to the harbour and the team gave us clear instructions on what to do. The dolphins made the team work for it but we spent a lot of time with them when we did find them. The island was brilliant and we managed to do the North route and take pictures before getting picked up! Well worth doing and a nice day out 😊”
Pick a coast, a summit or a cellar door.
