Category Whale Watching

New Zealand · WHALE WATCHING

The 11 Best Whale Watching Tours in New Zealand

11 reviewed

Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat

Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat - Where you start: Whaleway Station Road and the marina transfer

2.Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat

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

Speedy catamaran whale watching in Kaikoura with live commentary. Spot sperm whales, dolphins, and seals, plus an 80% refund.

“Was well organized , saw 4 whales , 2 of them for 5-6 of minutes each , crowded a bit when whale come.”

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Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise

Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise - Your 4.5-hour route: what each stop adds to the day

3.Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise

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

4.5-hour eco safari from Viaduct Harbour in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf to spot dolphins, whales, seabirds, and more with marine scientists.

“I highly recommend this crew. They were incredibly kind and knowledgeable. We had two whale sightings and saw multiple dolphin pods during our January 6th afternoon safari. This trip was truly memorable and well worth it.”

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Auckland: Whale and Dolphin Watching Half-Day Eco Cruise

Auckland: Whale and Dolphin Watching Half-Day Eco Cruise - The wildlife game plan: what you can realistically expect to see

Kaikoura: Whale Watching Flight with Commentary

Kaikoura: Whale Watching Flight with Commentary - Price and what you get for around $131

5.Kaikoura: Whale Watching Flight with Commentary

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

Kaikoura whale-watching flight with live commentary, guaranteed window seats, and aerial views of sperm whales, dolphins, and NZ coastline.

“Great. However we were not prepared for the G force from the rapid circling, which made the ladies feeling sick. I wish the sharp circling could be informed before the flight, so we are prepared for it.”

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Auckland: Tikapa Moana Whales, Dolphins and Islands Cruise

Auckland: Tikapa Moana Whales, Dolphins and Islands Cruise - The $92 value check: what you are really paying for

6.Auckland: Tikapa Moana Whales, Dolphins and Islands Cruise

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

Cruise Tikapa Moana from Auckland to spot whales and dolphins, plus an island stop at Rotoroa or Waiheke’s Man O’ War.

“Wow, wow, wow, what a fabulous day and so lucky😎 Even the guys running the boat said we saw a lot more than is usual and in perfect weather too. Loads of Gannets that gave away the positions of the feeding Common Dolphins and Bryde's Whales😎 These whales are quite common here but considered as critically endangered generally🙄 Brutus" is a nickname for the Bryde's whale, that is pronounced "Broodus"🐳”

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From Christchurch: Kaikōura Day Tour with Whale Watching

From Christchurch: Kaikōura Day Tour with Whale Watching - The drive through Canterbury, Cheviot break, and the seal-search rhythm

7.From Christchurch: Kaikōura Day Tour with Whale Watching

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

Small-group Christchurch to Kaikōura whale watching with hydrophones, fur seals, and classic fish and chips, plus optional Waipara wine.

“I had an amazing day tour in Kaikōura, New Zealand. From start to finish, everything was well organized and smooth. The scenery was absolutely stunning — dramatic mountains meeting the ocean — and Kaikōura itself is such a special place. Our guide was knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about the area, sharing fascinating insights about the wildlife, local culture, and history. Seeing the whales, seals, dolphins in its natural habitat was a real highlight and something I’ll never forget. The pace of the tour was perfect, with enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. It was a fantastic way to experience Kaikōura in just one day, and I would…”

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Kaikōura Whale Watching Scenic Flight (40 Minutes)

Kaikōura Whale Watching Scenic Flight (40 Minutes) - Whale sightings: what you can expect, and why you still might miss

8.Kaikōura Whale Watching Scenic Flight (40 Minutes)

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

40-minute Kaikoura whale watching scenic flight with window seats and live pilot commentary. See sperm whales, dolphins, and mountains.

“Appears to be well run with well maintained Cesnas. Pilot did a very good job with flying and narrating. Only saw 1 whale, but that is the luck of the draw (the flight before mine saw 3). Location is easy to reach with ample parking.”

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Kaikoura: Whale Watching Flight with Guided Commentary

Kaikoura: Whale Watching Flight with Guided Commentary - The Pre-Flight Briefing: Safety First, Marine Life Second

9.Kaikoura: Whale Watching Flight with Guided Commentary

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

Take a 30-minute whale watching flight over Kaikōura with guaranteed window seats, real-time tracking, and guided commentary on marine life.

“Outstanding company, highly organized and efficient. Superb flight with an ace pilot who was also knowledgeable about cetacean behavior. A fabulous experience and a solid 100% recommendation.”

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Whale Watching in Kaikoura – Ultimate Experience

Whale Watching in Kaikoura - Ultimate Experience - Small-Group Comfort and Pilots: What You’re Really Buying

Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch

Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch - Christchurch to Kaikoura: the 2.5-hour coach ride you should plan for

11.Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch

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

Full-day whale watch from Christchurch to Kaikoura with hotel pickup, live onboard commentary, fur seals, and possible wine tasting.

“This was a great whale watching trip and Carmen our host was the absolute best. The only reason I marked it down was because it was sold with a wine tasting on the way home but this is only an option if the whale watching is cancelled or cut short, there is no time to do both so this is very misleading.”

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