THE WHALE WATCHING GUIDE
The trips worth booking.
The 15 whale watching in new zealand 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“Fabulous trip, we saw a sperm whale, an orca, a few seals, a large pod of dusty dolphins and a variety of sea birds. Good commentary too.”
4.5-hour catamaran eco-cruise from Auckland for orcas, bottlenose dolphins, whales, and seabirds, with science-led commentary.
“This was a great excursion. We got to see many dolphins and 6 whales in the distance. The crew was very knowledgable and shared tons of information. Ride was a bit windy but totally worth it!”
A 40-minute small-group whale-watching scenic flight over Kaikōura’s coast, with window seats and live pilot commentary.
“Awesome experience, great pilot. Whale sightings well coordinated with ships also seeking whales. Made sure both sides of plane got great views”
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.
“Terry was a fabulous driver and guide. The actual whale watching tour was wonderful too. Great crew saw sperm whales and dusky dolphins. Great day!”
Whakaari–White Island flight from Whakatane with a Māori welcome, mauri stories, and up-close volcano views. One hour from $388.
“A fantastic trip. George was a fantastic pilot and made sure we all had the best experience”
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”
Private Kaikoura day trip from Christchurch for sperm whales, seals and dolphins, with pickup and a short Kahutara River Walk.
“Totally worth taking this tour—it was a great idea. Kaikōura is truly a hidden gem of New Zealand, rich in marine life. We were lucky enough to spot three whales, seals, and a huge number of dolphins. This tour is a must for anyone who loves wildlife, nature, or wants to try fresh seafood”
2-day Kaikōura wildlife tour from Christchurch with guided whale cruise, fur seal viewing, and a dusky dolphin swim plus overnight stay.
“Pete is an Absolutely fantastic guide from Leisure Tours. Super informative. Had so much great information during the drive to and from whale boat (2 hours each way). He really took excellent care of us and and made sure we had a blast. TRead more”
Small-group whale watching from Christchurch to Kaikōura, with hydrophones, a naturalist crew, fur seals, and optional Waipara wine tastings.
“Amazing guide (Clive). Lots of opportunities to see marine life of all kinds!! Saw seals, whales, dolphins, albatross, and 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.”
Every coast with a season worth booking, port by port.
