KAIKOURA · WHALE WATCHING
The trips worth booking.
The 11 kaikoura whale watching tours travellers rate most highly, gathered in one place. What you are likely to see, when the season runs, who skippers the boat, and what a place on deck costs.
Kaikōura sperm whale watching by catamaran with live commentary, a strong sighting success rate, and an 80% refund guarantee.
Most Popular“Very professional, informative, fun trip. Staff are amazing, boat is beautiful, seamless experience.”
A 40-minute small-group whale-watching scenic flight over Kaikōura’s coast, with window seats and live pilot commentary.
“Fantastic experience. We loved the flight in general, but saw 2 sperm whales and 2 orca. The pilot was great, making sure that all on board had a great view by circling the animals in both directions in turn. Would highly recommend”
See Kaikoura whales from a high-wing plane with small-group comfort, pilot-led wildlife talk, and easy town-center transfers for about 30 minutes.
“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…”
Ride from Christchurch to Kaikōura for a long, wildlife-heavy day: guided whale watching, fur seals on land, scenic stops, and optional wine.
“If I can rate this 6 stars, of 5, I will. Pickup by Stephanie and Carl was on time and they were warm and personable. Friendly and engaging, they took good care of everyone (we were a small group of six pax) throughout the day. The cruisRead more”
30-minute Kaikoura whale watching flight with headset commentary, plus a bird’s-eye view of sperm whales, dolphins, and the coast.
“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!!”
30-minute Kaikoura helicopter whale watch from the beachfront helipad. Spot sperm whales and humpbacks with headset commentary.
“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 45 minutes in the air, plus a remote landing for big wildlife views from above.
“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”
Kaikōura helicopter whale watching with a mountain-peak landing, small-group scenic flight over the canyon, and marine wildlife spotting.
“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!”
Kaikōura Helicopters Extended Whale Watch is a 40-minute scenic flight for sperm whales, dolphins, and possible baleen views.
“Die Basis von Kaikoura Helicopters war einfach zu finden. Nach kurzer unkompliziertem Check in sind wir dann auf das Abflugfeld wo wir vom Piloten in Empfang genommen wurden. Nach Einführung ging es dann auch schon ab auf den FluRead more”
Kaikōura helicopter whale watching with a 1h20 flight, chances at sperm whales, dolphins and seals, plus a mountain landing with 360° views.
“Awesome experience. Very professional and knowledgeable. Strongly recommend this tour if you are on the area. Mountain landing and whale sightings a real highlight.”
A one-hour Kaikōura helicopter flight that mixes whale watching over Hikurangi with a mountain-top landing in the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges.
“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 with a season worth booking, port by port.
