Top Kaikoura Nature and Wildlife Tours

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.

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.

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 locally owned and operated Helicopter company in Kāikoura.

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.

Helicopters depart from our centrally located beach front helipads, lifting off on your scenic helicopter tour to view the Kaikoura Coast. View Sperm Whales from head to tail, offering you a unique and uninterrupted vantage point of these magnificent marine mammals.

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!

The mountains, beaches, and dramatic coastline of Kaikoura are even more impressive from above. On this tour, soar overhead on a thrilling helicopter flight and enjoy a spectacular aerial view of Kaikoura, Clarence River Valley, and the Papatea Fault. Look out for whales, dolphins, and fur seals as you swoop along the Pacific Coast, then touchdown at Hapuku lake to admire the stunning scenery up close.

Departing from our centrally located beachfront pads, skirting the beautiful Kaikoura Peninsula, before climbing over 8000 feet into the Seaward Kaikoura Ranges where you get to experience the vast, rugged mountain ranges and seaward views. All from the comfort of your luxury helicopter. Take the opportunity to stand on the highest mountain outside of the Southern Alps and soak in the magnificent views of the East Coast of the South Island and Pacific Ocean.

Helicopters depart from our centrally located beach front helipads, lifting off on your scenic helicopter tour to view the Kaikoura Coast. View Sperm Whales from head to tail, offering you a unique and uninterrupted vantage point of these magnificent marine mammals. Enjoy the true Kaikoura 'where the mountains meet the sea' experience by further exploring the Seaward Kaikoura ranges and a Alpine landing with magnificent views.

Experience the true beauty of Kaikoura and mountain top experience without the 4 hour hike. On a clear day the view stretches from the North Island to Banks Peninsula. During Winter there is often an abundance of snow to play in, take pictures and build a snowman!

Within minutes of taking off from our beach from helipads, you will be in the spectacular environment that plays host to one of the worlds largest marine mammals, the magnificent Sperm Whale. This flight allows you extra time in the whale area to view these majestic creatures of the deep. This also gives you the possibility of viewing dolphins for just a little extra. - A better option for when the whales are feeding further off shore or are holding their breath for longer than expected. - More chance to view any transient baleen whales - these whales typically spend short surface intervals (one to 4 breaths) followed by long periods under water (often 2-5 minutes), the longer flight time gives us longer wait for them. - Depending on the location of the Sperm whales, gives us more time to search for dolphin and /or fly along the Kaikoura southern coastline on our way back to land.