Kaikoura Whale Watching Tours

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.