The 4 Most Popular Kaikoura Whale Watching Tours

1.Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,089 reviews · 3h 30m · from $104Our pick

Cruise from Kaikoura for just over two hours in search of sperm whales, dolphins, seals, and wandering albatross. Your English-speaking crew uses marine science, Māori knowledge, a hydrophone, and an onboard tracker to explain what you see. The modern catamaran has outdoor viewing decks, air-conditioned seating, and space to spread out.

“Thoroughly enjoyed - great to see the Sperm Whale, but even better to encounter a pod of circa 300 dolphins who we watched for 15-20 minutes. Would happily do the trip again.”

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2.Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,906 reviews · from $111

Cruise Kaikoura’s unusually deep coastal waters on a purpose-built catamaran with live commentary from an experienced crew and marine specialists. You may see sperm whales, dusky dolphins, seals, albatross, and other seabirds. The trip lasts about 3.5 hours, including transfers, with up to 2.5 hours at sea. Seasickness medication is worth considering.

“Very professional, informative, fun trip. Staff are amazing, boat is beautiful, seamless experience.”

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3.Whale Watching Flight with Commentary

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 823 reviews · 40 min · from $131

Fly from Kaikoura Airport with Air Kaikoura for a 30-minute whale-watching flight, with a guaranteed window seat and English commentary from your pilot. You may see sperm whales, dolphins, orcas, humpbacks, or blue whales, then enjoy sweeping views of the Kaikoura coast and snow-covered ranges.

“We absolutely enjoyed the flight. Ben is very professional and gave us great information. Thanks so much. We saw a couple of sperm whales and many dolphins!”

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4.Kaikōura Whale Watching Scenic Flight (40 Minutes)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 221 reviews · from $170Top rated

Fly over Kaikōura’s marine reserve in a small aircraft with a maximum of seven passengers. Every seat is by a window, and your pilot, including Ben or Alex on some flights, provides live commentary while searching for sperm whales, humpbacks, dolphins, orcas, and other marine life.

“We had a perfect day for our flight, unfortunately didnt see any Whales just a few dolphins. Was a little concerned to see the young pilot on his personal phone between his legs rather than looking for whales during our flight. Have done this fliRead more”

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