Best of · NEW ZEALAND WHALE WATCHING TOURS

Our 15 Best New Zealand Whale Watching Trips

26 tours  ·  from $92 a head

Kaikoura has a deep trench a few kilometres offshore where sperm whales feed all year, which is close to unique. These 15 cover the boat trips, the flights over them and the swell cancellations to plan for.

Kaikoura: Whale Watching Cruise - Check-in, transfer, and the first minutes aboard
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Kaikoura: Whale Watching Cruise

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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Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat - From Whaleway Station to the marina
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Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat

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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Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise - Auckland Harbour Bridge and Waitemata Harbour
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Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise

3.Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,790 reviews · from $135

Cruise Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf for 4.5 hours aboard a 65-foot catamaran. Marine research scientists explain whales, dolphins, seabirds, and conservation work as you pass Rangitoto, Motutapu, and other islands. Depart from Viaduct Harbour, bring warm layers and sunscreen, and remember that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

“Wonderful start to finish with excellent staff, more dolphins than I ever expected and endless beautiful views all around the gulf. Can’t recommend this highly enough!”

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Auckland: Whale and Dolphin Watching Half-Day Eco Cruise - The first views: North Head, Devonport, and Rangitoto
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Auckland: Whale and Dolphin Watching Half-Day Eco Cruise

4.Whale and Dolphin Watching Half-Day Eco Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,072 reviews · 4h 30m · from $130

Set out from Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour aboard the 65-foot Dolphin Explorer for a 4.5-hour search for whales, bottlenose dolphins, orcas, seabirds, and other marine life. Your English-speaking crew includes skippers and marine scientists who explain sightings and carry out research. You get a free return cruise if no marine mammals appear.

“It was very good overall. We were lucky to see lots of dolphins and whales. Guides were very good, they knew exactly very well where can we find the marine animals.”

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Kaikoura: Whale Watching Flight with Commentary - A small aircraft with a window for everyone
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Kaikoura: Whale Watching Flight with Commentary

5.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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Auckland: Tikapa Moana Whales, Dolphins and Islands Cruise - Rotoroa Island: Walking, Wildlife, and Open Views
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Auckland: Tikapa Moana Whales, Dolphins and Islands Cruise

6.Tikapa Moana Whales, Dolphins and Islands Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 292 reviews · 6 - 8 hours · from $92Best value

Cruise from Auckland’s Viaduct through Tikapa Moana, searching for dolphins, Bryde’s whales, seabirds, and other marine life. You’ll also stop at Rotoroa Island for a short walk or Man O’ War Vineyard on Waiheke for wine, food, and a swim. Live English commentary, toilets, snacks, and a licensed café are onboard.

“Had an incredible experience with Tikapa Moana! We saw plenty of dolphins along the way and were lucky enough to spot a whale in the distance — truly unforgettable. The stop at Rotoroa Island was magical, with breathtaking views that made the whole trip even more special. Highly recommend this ride to anyone looking for a memorable adventure on the water!”

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From Christchurch: Kaikōura Day Tour with Whale Watching - Canterbury roads, Cheviot, and the Hundalee Hills
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From Christchurch: Kaikōura Day Tour with Whale Watching

7.From Christchurch: Kaikōura Day Tour with Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 224 reviews · 10 hours · from $227

Travel from Christchurch in a carbon-neutral Mercedes Sprinter with up to 16 people, stopping for seals and coastal views before a two-hour Kaikōura whale-watching cruise. Expect local guides such as Nick, Diana, Dave, or Joseph, a fish and chips lunch, and a possible Waipara wine tasting if the schedule allows.

“Hanna, the guide, was very communicative, gave us a lot of interesting information along the way and was super pacient with us. And it was great to see so many seals, and dolphins, and a couple of whales!. And the views were also amazing. Worth the long trip!”

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Kaikōura Whale Watching Scenic Flight (40 Minutes) - Check-in at Kaikōura Airport
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Kaikōura Whale Watching Scenic Flight (40 Minutes)

8.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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Kaikoura: Whale Watching Flight with Guided Commentary - Starting at the log-cabin terminal
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Kaikoura: Whale Watching Flight with Guided Commentary

9.Whale Watching Flight with Guided Commentary

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 216 reviews · 30 min · from $164

From Kaikōura Airport, fly above the coast with a pilot such as Sam, Jo, Alexis, or Joanne sharing live wildlife commentary. Every seat is by a window, and the small six-person plane gives you a clear view of sperm whales, dolphins, and seasonal visitors such as humpbacks, orcas, and blue whales.

“the female pilot was kind, but the clerks working at the office showed an authoritative attitude to Asians. So it made me uncomfortable.”

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Whale Watching in Kaikoura - Ultimate Experience - Arriving at 617 State Highway 1
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Whale Watching in Kaikoura – Ultimate Experience

10.Whale Watching in Kaikoura – Ultimate Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 199 reviews · from $152

Fly above Kaikoura with Wings Over Whales in a small aircraft carrying no more than seven people. Your pilot explains local wildlife and geology, then searches for sperm whales, dusky dolphins, and migratory whales along the coast. Town transfers and a safety briefing are included.

“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 take in the grandeur of it all!”

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Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch - The 7:00 am pickup from Christchurch
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Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch

11.Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 170 reviews · from $229

Leave central Christchurch at 7:00 am for a small-group coach ride to Kaikoura. Your Leisure Tours guide, often someone such as Jude, Andrew, Carmen, Pete, or Stephanie, handles the long drive and local stops. The day includes a whale-watching cruise, seal colony, free time, and a winery visit only if time allows.

“This was the most unbelievable tour. We were able to see a Sperm and Humpback whale. The captain didn’t give up until we saw them. Our tour guide Scotty was great. Took us to a beautiful fur seal colony. And to wrap it up, a winery for some end of the day wine tasting. He was also very knowledgeable about NZ.”

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Kaikoura: Whale Watching Flight - Spotting sperm whales from above
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Kaikoura: Whale Watching Flight

12.Whale Watching Flight

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 100 reviews

Fly over Kaikoura with Air Kaikoura for a 30-minute aerial search for whales and dolphins. Your pilot uses a headset to explain the marine life and scenery, and the small aircraft carries no more than seven people. Start and finish at Kaikoura Airport, with flexible timing for better wildlife chances.

“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!!”

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Kaikoura Helicopters Classic Whale Watch - Taking off from the Kaikōura beachfront
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Kaikoura Helicopters Classic Whale Watch

13.Kaikoura Helicopters Classic Whale Watch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 40 reviews · from $223

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 and questions while you look for year-round sperm whales, May to November humpbacks, Hector’s dolphins, and fur seals. Flights carry a maximum of six people, with aircraft loading based on weight.

“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.”

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Kaikoura Whale Watching - 45 Minute Ocean Safari - The remote hilltop landing is the special extra
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Kaikoura Whale Watching – 45 Minute Ocean Safari

14.Kaikoura Whale Watching – 45 Minute Ocean Safari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 39 reviews · from $511

Fly 45 minutes with South Pacific Helicopters over Kaikōura Canyon and the Pacific Ocean. Daniel and the pilot team explain the coast and marine life as you search for sperm, humpback, blue, orca, and other whales. The tour also includes a remote coastal landing, with space for up to six people.

“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”

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Kaikōura Whale Watching and Scenic Landing - 1hr Premier Tour - The one-hour route from coast to peaks
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Kaikōura Whale Watching and Scenic Landing – 1hr Premier Tour

15.Kaikōura Whale Watching and Scenic Landing – 1hr Premier Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 24 reviews · from $822

South Pacific Helicopters takes you above Kaikōura’s coast and marine canyon for about an hour, with a mountain landing included. Expect a maximum of six people, pickup from local accommodation or the train and bus stations, and the chance to spot sperm, humpback, southern right, and blue whales, plus dolphins and fur seals. Daniel and his crew handle the flight.

“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!”

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New in New Zealand Whale Watching Tours

★ 5.0Kaikōura Whale Watching – 1hr 20min Ultimate AdventureFrom $9778 reviews
★ 5.0Kaikoura Helicopters Top n Tail Whale Watch flightFrom $4157 reviews
★ 4.5Kaikoura Whale Watch Tour from Christchurch – Small GroupFrom $2358 reviews
★ 5.0Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch including Coastal Pacific TrainFrom $3166 reviews
★ 5.0Kaikōura: 45-Minute Whale Watching Helicopter TourFrom $4938 reviews

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