Kaikoura Tours & Tickets

Located on the eastern shores of New Zealand’s South Island, Kaikoura is famous for the spectacular array of marine wildlife living off its shores—but to see the best of it, you have to take to the waves. On this tour, cruise into Kaikoura’s deep waters by speedy catamaran with running commentary throughout from your guide, and spot dolphins, seals, and sperm whales in their natural habitat.

Explore the Kaikoura coast on a hands-free kayak tour with an experienced guide. Use your feet to pedal your boat, so your hands are free to snap photos of New Zealand fur seals and the scenic shoreline. Choose one of three kayak tours: follow a route to the best spots for viewing seals, penguins and albatross, watch a New Zealand sunset on the water, or opt for a shorter, little-kid friendly spin along the coast. Encounter the South Island’s distinctive wildlife up close in a natural environment that’s unforgettably beautiful.

Experience the natural treasures of New Zealand on a Kaikoura whale-watching cruise. Look for impressive sperm whales along with migrating humpbacks and southern right whales, and search the waters for orcas and other dolphins as an experienced guide shares informative commentary. Visit a New Zealand fur seal colony on land, glimpse the snowy peaks of the Kaikoura Ranges and top off your full-day tour with a wine-tasting in North Canterbury. Includes optional lunch, with round-trip hotel transport from Christchurch to the picturesque town of Kaikoura.

Enjoy two unforgettable experiences combined into one exciting activity: whale watching plus a scenic flight. Kaikoura is famous as a place to go on whale-watching tours, and this tour from the air is a thrilling twist on the more conventional activity. From the air you can really appreciate the size of Sperm whales. Also spot other marine life, like dolphins, while checking out the spectacular coastal and mountain scenery.

Be enchanted on a Kaikoura dolphin swim during a 12-hour day trip from Christchurch. Travel via the rolling hills of North Canterbury to the rugged Kaikoura coastline, a whale-watching paradise where you’ll board a sightseeing boat and dive into the Pacific Ocean with a provided wetsuit and snorkel. Swim alongside dusky dolphins in their natural habitat and learn from your guide how to encourage interaction with one of nature’s most graceful and curious sea mammals.

Come fly with Wings Over Whales for an incredible opportunity to witness the largest toothed whales in the world from above! Whale watching from the air allows you to see the entire animal, as well as giving you epic views of the scenery, and the ability to cover large areas to see even more whales and dolphins. All our aircraft are high-winged for unimpeded viewing, and are equipped to the highest safety standards. We are the only company in Kaikoura that uses real-time tracking systems in all our aircraft. We operate an exceptional product where every customer is treated like part of the family. Book today for an unforgettable whale watching experience!

Kaikoura's Original Kayak Operator - Est 1998 New Zealand's only Sea Kayak operator that holds a marine mammal permit to view Whales. Kaikoura's only Kayak operator that holds a marine mammal permit to view Dolphins and Seals. New Zealand's 1st Friend of the Sea sustainable operator for Dolphin and Whale viewing. Traditional double sea kayaks with cockpits and spray skirts for a dry ride and rudders for easy steering. Qualified New Zealand guides. 100% guaranteed to view Fur Seals on all tours. Family Friendly - operating year round. The Wildlife Kayaking tour is the real deal!

Marvel at Kaikoura’s local whale population from the sky on this short helicopter tour over the Kaikoura coast. Get impressive, head-to-tail views of the sperm whales that live in the Hikurangi Marine Reserve on this unique whale-watching opportunity, led by the only helicopter company that is certified by the Department of Conversation to carry out aerial whale-watching tours.

Hover above Kaikoura Canyon on an unforgettable helicopter flight in search of year-round sperm whales. If sighted, you’ll orbit the length of an entire whale while listening to your pilot’s commentary. Search the waters of the Kaikoura Peninsula for other marine life before an alpine landing in the Seaward Kaikoura Range. Please note, this is the only whale-watching helicopter tour fully permitted by New Zealand's Department of Conservation.

Whale-watching is a popular pastime for visitors to Kaikoura, which means that the town’s many whale-watching cruises can get crowded. On this private helicopter tour, see Kaikoura’s year-round whale populations without jostling for a spot to see them. Fly over the migratory routes for sperm whales, humpback whales and more, seeing the whales from tail to tip. After your whale-watching, take in the rest of the dramatic Kaikoura scenery with a flight over the Seaward Kaikoura Mountain Ranges and the Kaikoura Peninsula.

Kaikoura's Original Kayak Operator - Est 1998 New Zealand's only Sea Kayak operator that holds a marine mammal permit to view Whales. Kaikoura's only Kayak operator that holds a marine mammal permit to view Dolphins and Seals. New Zealand's 1st Friend of the Sea sustainable operator for Dolphin and Whale viewing. Traditional double sea kayaks with cockpits and spray skirts for a dry ride and rudders for easy steering. Qualified New Zealand guides. 100% guaranteed to view Fur Seals on all tours. Family Friendly - operating year round. The Wildlife Kayaking tour is the real deal!