Where to go · KAIKOURA WHALE WATCHING TOURS
The season here is short and the good boats fill first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Review of Kaikoura’s whale watching cruise, with sperm whales, dolphins, seals, albatross, practical tips, pricing, and seasickness advice.
“Very enjoyable - tow sperm whales and a host of dolphins found pretty easily!”
Review of Kaikoura whale watching by catamaran, with sperm whales, dolphins, seals, sea birds, practical tips, pricing, and seasickness advice.
“Amazing afternoon on the water lot of dolphins and 1 whale lovely staff and great boat would recommend”
See Kaikoura’s whales from above on a 30-minute Air Kaikoura flight with guaranteed window seats, commentary, and mountain views.
“A great experience, we saw pods of dolphins and a 16 metre sperm whale,”
Review of Air Kaikoura’s 40-minute whale-watching flight, with whale sightings, mountain views, practical tips, price advice, and booking details.
“Captain Ben flew us over Hikurangi Marine Reserve, searching for whales and finding many while providing fantastic information about the locale and the marine life. He professionally and effortlessly delivered a five star memorable experience. Highly recommended.”
See Kaikōura whales from above on a 30-minute flight with window seats, expert commentary, mountain views, and free hot drinks.
“the female pilot was kind, but the clerks working at the office showed an authoritative attitude to Asians. So it made me uncomfortable.”
See Kaikoura whales, dolphins, mountains, and coast from a small high-wing aircraft with Wings Over Whales.
“Very professional outfit. You'll be well taken care of. Show up early at their office in town. Transportation can provided to airfield.”
Review of the Kaikoura whale watch day tour from Christchurch, with scenic travel, seals, dolphins, practical costs, weather rules, and honest tips.
“Our tour guide, Scotty, was extremely knowledgeable and pleasant to deal with. The whale watching was fantastic and we really enjoyed the winery experience!”
See Kaikoura’s whales, dolphins, coast, and mountains from the air on a 30-minute scenic flight with Air Kaikoura.
“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!!”
Review of Kaikoura Helicopters Classic Whale Watch, with flight details, whale sightings, price value, tips, weather rules, and booking advice.
“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 recommend this experience.”
Review of Kaikōura’s 45-minute whale-watching helicopter tour, with whale sightings, mountain views, pricing, logistics, and booking advice.
“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”
Review of Kaikōura’s one-hour helicopter whale-watching tour, mountain landing, wildlife sightings, price, pickup, and booking advice.
“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!”
Fly above Kaikōura for 40 minutes in search of sperm whales, dolphins, seals, and baleen whales along New Zealand’s rugged coast.
“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”
See sperm whales, dolphins, and fur seals from above, then land on Mt Fyffe for sweeping Kaikōura and Pacific views.
“It was a fantastic tour with the pilot - sorry forgot his name. He is very good at flying and very friendly. We saw the huge whale, which is approximately the same length with the 23m boat, and heaps of dusk dolphins, and the pilot knew the whale so well and counted-down the exact time when it dived into deep water with iconic tail. The pilot also flew us to see the Kaikoura Earth-Quake fault-line, landslide and even the barrier lake. Really enjoy it. Thanks.”
Review of Kaikōura’s 45-minute whale-watching helicopter tour, with mountain landing, dolphin sightings, pricing, practical tips, and booking advice.
“Great family business. Made to feel welcome from outset and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Would highly recommend.”
Fly above Kaikōura’s whales and dolphins, then land in the Seaward Ranges for 360-degree views on this small-group helicopter tour.
“The ride was fantastic. We saw a sperm whale,, lots of pilot whales, and enjoyed the mountain landing for a picnic. Go for it!”
Pick a coast, a season or a boat.
