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Looking for the best whale watching tours in Kaikoura? You’re in luck – I have them right here!
Whale watching in Kaikoura is easily one of the best things I’ve done in New Zealand. I mean year-round whales, what could be better? Since I live on the South Island I’ve been able to go a few times, but if you only have time for ONE tour, you want to make sure it’s the absolute best!
So I’ve put my experience and expertise to use and put together this list of the top whale watching tours in Kaikoura. They aren’t your average tours, you can see whales on a boat, by kayak, plane, or helicopter! Let’s dive in.
Quick Pick: My Favorite Tour
Don’t have time to read the full article?
My personal FAVORITE tour is this whale watching tour by boat in Kaikoura! You can see so many whales and it’s top-rated for a reason – the crew is fantastic! Check all 2,000+ positive reviews and book this tour here.
Tip: Book this tour here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before it departs.
Best Whale Watching Tours in Kaikoura
1. Whale Watching Tour by Boat from Kaikoura
Picture this: you get to explore the deep waters off Kaikoura by boat, as you learn about the Māori history and connections to the whales that you will see up close. Not to mention the new vantage point you’ll get from out on the water, – you’ll get to appreciate the mountains and rugged coastline of the town you’re staying in.
If you’re staying in Kaikoura, this particular tour is a perfect choice! It leaves from Kaikoura and operates all year round. In fact, this highly-rated tour is one of the best things to do in Kaikoura!
You can expect about 2.5 of exploration aboard a modern catamaran, led by a local guide who will provide live commentary about the wildlife you are seeing.
For $179 NZD, the bus ride to and from the marina is included, and the company guarantees an 80% refund if you don’t see any whales on your trip – that is how confident they are that you will see these creatures!
The only things that aren’t included are snacks and drinks, but you can enjoy one of the many cafes and restaurants on land before or after your tour. The seafood is amazing, as you might expect!
Book this tour with over 2,000 glowing reviews here and get FREE cancellation options!
2. Whale Watching Tour by Boat from Christchurch (to Kaikoura)
Ever wanted to combine whale watching and wine? Well, now you can!
As I mentioned at the beginning of this piece, Kaikoura is conveniently located near some of New Zealand’s major cities.
If you’ve chosen to stay in Christchurch for your trip but are still itching to get up north to Kaikoura for a tour, this whale-watching day tour is probably the best thing for you! Kaikoura is a 2.5-hour drive, so it’s definitely doable in a day trip from Christchurch.
Your first stop will be the highlight of the tour- whale watching! I love that this tour is on a catamaran boat, which is much more stable for those who might get seasick. The onboard commentary will teach you all about Kaikoura’s history and all about the whales you’re seeing. You will also get an up-close look at a fur seal colony, which is iconically New Zealand!
After your whale watching, you’ll stop for lunch, then off to my favorite activity- wine tasting! The region is not only known for its whales but also for its wine. In fact, North Canterbury is one of New Zealand’s best wine regions and is on the way to Kaikoura from Christchurch. This tour is the perfect pairing (no pun intended) of two important parts of northern New Zealand.
You will spend 11 hours on this tour between the drive time, the whale-watching experience, and a wine tasting in North Canterbury. This tour is $365 NZD excluding lunch or $400 NZD including lunch. It’s one of the best tours from Christchurch – talk about an all-inclusive experience!
Check availability and book your tour from Christchurch here.
Why I Book Tours on Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! I almost always book all of my tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here!
3. Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour
Okay, so – let’s say you are extra adventurous and want to get as close to the whales as you can. For example, you might even want to be in the water with them (sounds crazy, I know!).
You can take this wildlife sea kayaking tour to do just that! At just $150 NZD, you’ll have a packed 3.5 hours of paddling with a certified guide, seeing tons of wildlife, and enjoying private transportation to and from the site in Kaikoura.
You’ll also see Kaikoura’s unspoiled coastline in a marine reserve because this tour is led by the only sea kayak operator that holds a marine mammal permit.
If you don’t have any prior kayak experience, don’t worry! You don’t need any for this tour, and your guides are there to help you out as needed.
I love kayaking, so I might be biased, but this tour was a great addition to the larger, more expensive, tours that saw marine life in other ways. It also is a small group tour, so that you aren’t in the middle of a huge cluster of people and can truly enjoy the scenery.
Reserve this spot now to get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go.
4. Whale Watching Flight in Kaikoura
Seeing the whales up close is incredible, but have you ever wondered what it would be like to see them swimming and breaching from above? Find out with this whale-watching flight, which gives you a very unique way to see the whales of Kaikoura!
Maybe you love the idea of seeing whales, but don’t love the idea of being on the water for a prolonged period. Perhaps you get seasick and would love to avoid the water. That’s okay! No matter your reasoning for wanting to whale watch in another way, you won’t be disappointed.
Spend about 30 minutes airborne in a safe, high-winged passenger plane with a max capacity of 7 guests. Not only will you get the chance to see whales, but you’ll also get an unparalleled view of Kaikoura’s mountains and landscape beyond the water.
Your personalized guide will tell you all about the wildlife and geography of the region, and you’ll even be able to get picked up from the town center so that you don’t have to figure out how to get to the airport on your own. This flight allows you to see whales, dolphins, and possibly other marine life on any given day.
Any time I have taken a scenic flight, I’ve always thought it was worth the cost- the views are simply incredible. And for such a unique scenic fight, this tour can’t be missed!
For $250 NZD, your transportation, flight, a snack and drink bar, terminal facilities, and even a children’s play area at the airport are included!
Check out the 150+ 5-star reviews and book this tour in advance here.
5. Kaikoura Helicopters Classic Whale Watch
Do you love the idea of whale watching from the air, but also find yourself intrigued by the idea of a helicopter ride? Perfect! This helicopter whale-watching tour combines both of those things.
For $345 NZD, your tour includes a scenic helicopter ride with 30 minutes in the air, a view from above of Kaikoura’s deep-sea canyon that helps to draw the whales to the area, and a headset that allows you to ask questions and hear commentary.
I recommend bringing close-toed shoes and a jacket because it will get pretty chilly up there in the helicopter.
The beachfront helipad that you take off from is close to public transportation, which helps to make this tour accessible. You’ll enjoy incredible views of the rugged coast and the water below, as you scan for whales, dolphins, seals, and probably some boat tours down below!
Reserve this tour now and pay later when you book in advance here.
Where to Stay in Kaikoura
Kaikoura isn’t a large town, however, due to its popularity, there are a ton of great places to stay. The trick is that you need to book in advance to get the best places.
Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses – $$$
For a really unique stay, consider the Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses and sleep above the forest. Located in Hapuku, just outside of Kaikoura, this tree house accommodation is suspended 30 feet in the air, giving sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, Kaikoura, and the forest. Plus, each room has a 2-person spa bath, a fireplace, and a balcony. You may never want to leave! Check prices and book your room on Booking.com.
Shearwater Apartments – $$$
For high-end travelers, there are a lot of great options in Kaikoura. The Shearwater Apartments really stand out if you want to be close to town but it also has ocean views. This condo-style hotel makes you feel right at home with its luxurious setup, a kitchenette, and a patio. Best of all, it’s beachfront! Be sure to book this in advance on Booking.com.
Kaikoura – $$
For a comfortable yet mid-range budget option, the Kaikoura Waterfront Apartments are a top choice. These gorgeous apartments are oceanfront and come with a modern design and furnishings. The best part is they are located in the heart of Kaikoura and you’re only steps from the beach. They have 1 bedroom and 2 apartments that can sleep up to 4 guests. This is available to book on Booking.com.
Dolphin Lodge – $
If you’re on a budget there are some great choices. For me, I love staying at the Dolphin Lodge when I’m looking to save a few dollars. The cheapest private rooms here come with a shared bathroom but I myself always get the slightly more expensive room so I can get ready in private. They also have dorm beds for solo travelers. What I love most about the hotel, is the awesome location and ocean views. On top of that, they have a communal kitchen which always saves me a lot of money.
You can check prices and book in advance on Booking.com.
Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in New Zealand
Let’s face it, you’re going to need wheels to get around New Zealand. Although a small country, buses between destinations are infrequent and expensive. Plus, some of the best experiences you can have in NZ are on road trips!
You have three options when it comes to getting wheels in New Zealand; a car, a campervan, or a motorhome. Here’s what you need to know about each and where to get them:
- Car – A normal car is the cheapest rental vehicle you can get in New Zealand. It’ll get you around to all of the best destinations with ease. The only downside to a car is that you will need to stay in hotels or Airbnbs during your travels (no camping.) The easiest place to rent a car in New Zealand is on Discover Cars where you can compare cars, companies, prices, features, and more very easily.
- Campervan – A Campervan is a large van that has a bed and a small kitchen in the back. It’s what most budget travelers use for traveling around New Zealand since it allows you to camp comfortably and for free (most) nights. Campervans are best for couples or solo travelers who are happy to live in a small space. You should also love the outdoors and camping…and be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime! My favorite campervan rental company is JUCY because they have a huge selection of campervans to choose from, plus multiple pick-up/drop-off locations. You can browse JUCY’s campervan selection online here. Alternatively, you can easily compare all campervans available in NZ on Motorhome Republic here.
- Motorhome – A motorhome is larger and more comfortable than a campervan. Many motorhomes will comfortably sleep 6 or more people – perfect for a family visiting New Zealand. Motorhomes are the most expensive option, but with one you won’t ever need to stay in a hotel and you’ll save money that way. My top choice for a motorhome company is Star RV because they have beautiful motorhomes at affordable prices. You can check prices and availability for Star RV motorhomes online here. Alternatively, you can use Motorhome Republic to search all motorhomes in NZ. For more detailed info, read my complete guide to renting a motorhome in New Zealand!
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE: I’ve managed to snag a discount code for 5% off for my readers if you book your campervan or motorhome through JUCY or Star RV! Simply click here to select your JUCY campervan, or click here to select your Star RV motorhome, and then use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off – it’s that easy!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, I currently use and recommend SafetyWing. I’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had my back when I needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference I’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. I’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum and you get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped me out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given me peace of mind. Read my full review on if you should get travel insurance in NZ for more info!
Thanks for reading!
Whale-watching in Kaikoura was easily one of my favorite memories! I’ve never seen so many whales and other wildlife on a tour. It truly boasts New Zealand’s unique beauty, which is exactly why I fell in love with it. With such a range of tours, from boat to kayak, to airplane or helicopter, I’m sure you will find the perfect fit and have just as much fun as I did.
I hope you enjoyed reading this blog and feel prepared for whale watching in Kaikoura. If you are traveling further in New Zealand (which you totally should) let me help! I have lots of other blogs on this website about travel on the South Island and the North Island of New Zealand, including a few related reads below:
Where to Stay in Christchurch – 5 BEST Areas and Hotels (for all budgets!)