Whale Watching · NEW ZEALAND
Whales do not run to a timetable, but the boats do. These 15 New Zealand whale watching tours are priced and timed so you can pick one in a couple of minutes and go and pack a coat.
Set out from Whale Watch Kaikōura for just over two hours on the water, using a quiet catamaran to seek giant sperm whales, dolphins, seals, and albatross. Expect Māori and scientific insight, outdoor viewing decks, indoor screens, and a crew that may include guides such as Caolan or Mikayla.
“Incredible. We saw 2 different whales and we saw one of them twice as well as a great dolphin show!”
Cruise Kaikoura’s offshore waters aboard a purpose-built catamaran, with marine-life commentary, onboard animations, and a short bus transfer to the marina. Expect sperm whales, dolphins, seals, albatross, and other seabirds. The trip lasts about 3.5 hours, with up to 2.5 hours on the water.
“Don't expect whale sightings you see on tv. It was limited to backs, spouts and sometimes a head or a tail.”
Cruise Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf Marine Park aboard a 65-foot catamaran with marine research scientists. Look for dolphins, Bryde’s whales, seals, blue penguins, and seabirds while learning about conservation. Depart from Viaduct Harbour, dress warmly, and keep your camera ready.
“I loved this excursion so much! We fortunately did get to spend about 30 minutes where the dolphins swam and played around the boat which was amazing! I felt that they really respected the ecosystem and wildlife, which i appreciated. Overall I really loved it and would do it again with this company for sure. There are just a few things I think they could have done to make the experience better. We went during the busy summer holiday season so it was a full 100 passengers on the boat. To me it felt a bit crowded especially when it rained and everyone tried to huddle inside or under cover.…”
Sail Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf Marine Park aboard the 65-foot Dolphin Explorer. You’ll look for orcas, bottlenose dolphins, Bryde’s whales, penguins, gannets, and other sea life while marine scientists explain their research. The crew may include guides such as Emily, Sanaa, John, or Toni.
“great experience, saw lots of dolphins and cool birds, very comfortable boat and friendly crew! definetly recommend this one:)”
From Kaikoura Airport, Air Kaikoura takes you over the Pacific in a small plane with a window seat for every passenger. Your pilot guides the search for sperm whales, dolphins, orcas, and other marine life, then circles for clear views of the coast, reefs, and mountains.
“From the moment I arrived at the airfield to the moment I left it, everything was so professional. Got to sit up front with our pilot Ben. He was both friendly & knowledgeable… Stunning scenery & the icing was seeing ‘The Chief’.. one of the biggest & oldest Sperm Whales in the area. It’s a roll of the dice if you get to see them but just for once, it was my turn to hit the jackpot. W Worth every dollar. Would totally recommend to anyone. Just the flight alone I felt was worth the cost.”
From Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour, cruise Tikapa Moana with live English commentary, dedicated whale and dolphin searching, and a stop at Rotoroa Island or Man O’ War Vineyard. You’ll have onboard toilets, a licensed café, scenic island views, and a return voucher if no marine mammals are found.
“Went on the Tikapa Moana Whales, Dolphins and Island Cruise with the stopover at Man O' War Vineyard at 13:10. Had a great time and would highly recommend! Just a few things to be aware of: There is about 2 hours initially of just sitting on the boat watching the waves as you have to get out of Auckland harbour and drop off people on other tours- quite pleasant if its a nice day but can get a bit choppy/cold on a windy day so come prepared for any weather and would not recommend if you get travel sick. We were lucky the day after a storm and just had…”
Travel from Christchurch to Kaikōura in a small Mercedes Sprinter with a local guide, then take a two-hour whale-watching cruise using hydrophones to find sperm whales, dolphins, and seabirds. You’ll also see fur seals, eat fish and chips, and might stop at a Waipara vineyard if time allows.
“Diana was a fabulous guide and kept us entertained along the way with local knowledge! The bus was comfy and had lots of good stops along the way to see so many seals and even some dolphins. Fish & chips lunch was amazing and then the whale watching tour also! We got so lucky to be surrounded by a huge pod of pilot whales. Such a special day, one of the best tours we’ve done on our trip :)”
Join Air Kaikōura for a 40-minute flight over the Hikurangi Marine Reserve and coastal waters near Kaikōura. Every passenger gets a window seat and live pilot commentary. Pilots such as Ben and Alex work with whale locations and flight timing to give both sides a fair view.
“Was fun to see a whale and dolphins from a bird's-eye view. Smooth start and landing. We felt safe the whole time”
From Kaikōura Airport, fly above the coast in a small six-seat aircraft with live commentary from pilots such as Sam, Jo, Alexis, or Joanne. Look for resident sperm whales, dusky dolphins, and seasonal species while enjoying clear views of the peninsula and mountains from your guaranteed window seat.
“Absolutely amazing experience, our pilot Sam was great and very knowledgeable !! We've seen a Sperm Whales and we had the best time. Definitely recommend”
Fly above Kaikoura with Wings Over Whales in a small aircraft for up to seven people. Look for sperm whales, dusky dolphins, and migratory whales while taking in the peninsula, coast, and mountains. Jo, Sean, or Shaun may pilot your flight, with a safety briefing and town transfers included.
“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.”
Travel from Christchurch to Kaikoura with a small group, cruise offshore for sperm whales and dolphins, visit fur seals, and enjoy free time in town. Guides such as Jude, Andrew, Stephanie, Terry, Carmen, and Scotty are noted for informative commentary. Wine tasting may be possible if time allows.
“Although a long day it was an enjoyable trip . Guide was friendly and informative . Boat was in good condition and all staff very attentive . Will definitely recommend the tour”
Fly from Whakatāne Airport around active Whakaari, also called White Island, with a pilot-guide such as Nikita, George, or Marcus. Expect close crater views, Māori welcomes, local music, and stories of the island’s mauri. Flights depend on weather and aircraft seating is limited.
“Incredible views. They were very accomodating for kids and adults.”
Fly from Kaikoura Airport with Air Kaikoura for a 30-minute aerial search for sperm whales, dolphins, and other marine life. Your pilot uses a headset to explain what you are seeing. Ben has been praised for his local knowledge, and the small group size means everyone gets a good view.
“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!!”
Fly for about 30 minutes from Kaikōura’s beachfront helipad over the deep-sea canyon and coast. Your pilot uses a headset for live commentary while you look for sperm whales, seasonal humpbacks, dolphins, and seals. Flights carry small groups, with pilots such as Kel providing a calm, personal ride.
“Excellent service, we arrived early & wasn’t an issue taking us earlier than our scheduled time. Seen a whale and dolphins during our flight! Highly recommend this company. Thank you”
Fly with South Pacific Helicopters over Kaikōura Canyon, watching for sperm whales, dolphins, seals, and seasonal visitors such as orcas or blue whales. Your pilot, including Daniel on some flights, provides commentary before landing on a remote coastal hilltop. The flight lasts 45 minutes and carries up to six people.
“Perfect pilot. Nice weather. Good photo's from South Pacific Helicopters. Blue whale below the heli as a huge beest into the water”
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