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“Not the nicest of days but got to see Sperm and Humpback Whales, a pod of Dusky Dolphins along with many seabirds including Albatross. Between sightings there were some good videos and a excellent commentary.”
A 40-minute small-group whale-watching scenic flight over Kaikōura’s coast, with window seats and live pilot commentary.
“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.”
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.
“Well worth it! We got a beautiful clear fine day and a good 20 minute perfect view of a whale on the surface. We also saw a huge pod of dolphins. Made our Kaikoura experience.”
Ride from Christchurch to Kaikōura for a long, wildlife-heavy day: guided whale watching, fur seals on land, scenic stops, and optional wine.
“Fantastic day tip to Kiakoura for. Whale watching. Pete was amazing host and made the journey complete. Would recommend Thanks again Andy and friends”
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.
“Brilliant amazing experience. We saw 1 sperm whale and 2 Orcas within 20 minute.Wjat an amazing sight. The staff are totally commited and experienced and very helpful. Kel our pilot was just great and so was Aaron at the office. The helicopter was so clean and comfortable, beloved every minute of it. I would definitely…”
Kaikōura helicopter whale watching with 45 minutes in the air, plus a remote landing for big wildlife views from above.
“Perfect pilot. Nice weather. Good photo's from South Pacific Helicopters. Blue whale below the heli as a huge beest into the water”
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.
“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 1h20 flight, chances at sperm whales, dolphins and seals, plus a mountain landing with 360° views.
“A totally fantastic flight with Alexis at Wings over Whales today. Got to see a whale and hundreds of dolphins - stunning scenery. Highly recommended tourist activity in Kaikoura. Loved it.”
A one-hour Kaikōura helicopter flight that mixes whale watching over Hikurangi with a mountain-top landing in the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges.
“It’s absolutely worth going to Kaikoura to do this whale watching flight. Our guide was great and made the trip very enjoyable. He was very knowledgeable about the whales and the surrounding areas. We did see a couple pods of dolphiRead more”
Every coast with a season worth booking, port by port.
