KAIKOURA · WHALE WATCHING
The trips worth booking.
The 5 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“There are two sperm whales living off the coast at Kaikoura. We saw one of them and a small Wright whale.”
A 40-minute small-group whale-watching scenic flight over Kaikōura’s coast, with window seats and live pilot commentary.
“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…”
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.
“The views were amazing, Kaikoura's landscape with the turquoise sea close to the mountains is really beautiful. Unfortunately, we didn't see any whales. Jo was a great pilot and we enjoyed the flight.”
Ride from Christchurch to Kaikōura for a long, wildlife-heavy day: guided whale watching, fur seals on land, scenic stops, and optional wine.
“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”
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!!”
Every coast with a season worth booking, port by port.
