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.

Explore the coast of Kaikoura from a unique perspective – by kayak. Paddle through protected waters to see an array of wildlife, potentially including dolphins, seals and even whales (in season). With small group sizes and a certified guide leading the way, this half-day tour is perfect for nature lovers who want the chance to get up close with some of New Zealand's most iconic animals.

Experience one of Kaikoura’s must-do activities–whale watching–without risking seasickness when you take a scenic flight. The whales are tracked so you won’t waste time flying in the wrong direction. Enjoy unobstructed views of sperm whales, dolphins, and possibly other migratory whales from a safe, high-winged aircraft. Also admire the beautiful Kaikoura coastline and the mountains beyond.

Get up close to some of Kaikoura’s beautiful wildlife on this private 3.5-hour kayaking tour. You’re guaranteed to see fur seals and there’s a good chance of seeing other wildlife, too. Paddle alongside fur seals as they hunt and play, look out for dusky dolphins and blue penguins, and admire the views of the beautiful Kaikoura coastline and mountains beyond.

Enjoy a 1hr Taster Llama Trek - along the Kowhai River banks and riverbed. Surrounded throughout by protected native woodland, and abundant wildlife.

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.

Spend quality time with one of the world's most exotic animals. You trek with your own llama, who walks on a lead, at your side, while carrying your belongings in saddle bags. Llama are highly intelligent, clever animals = requiring that you get to know them (and work with them) to successfully complete your trek. The subtle 'bond' you form with your llama companion is highly rewarding. You experienced guide will help you get to know your woolly companion. Your guide will also share a range of local Kaikoura history and information, including the extraordinary effects of the 2016 earthquake (the largest ever recorded in New Zealand) You do not ride your llama.

Lift off on a scenic helicopter tour to view New Zealand’s Kaikoura coast, offering a unique, uninterrupted vantage point of magnificent marine mammals, including sperm, blue, and humpback whales. Kaikoura is home to both resident and transient sperm whales, which are routinely found close to the coast. You’ll be equipped with a headset with a microphone so you can hear commentary and ask questions.

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.

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.

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!

This exciting new product is the only one of its kind in New Zealand and is in collaboration with renowned Marine Mammal Biologist Dr Krista van der Linde who represents Kaikoura Marine Mammal Foundation. We depart in our Eurocopter and head out to explore the Hikurangi Marine reserve where the whales reside close to the Kaikōura coastline, during this time Krista will be happy to share her broad knowledge of all things marine with our guests and answer any questions they may have during the tour. After, we will head to Karaka lobster for a crayfish lunch owned by local family who are a 3rd generation fishing family who catch the crayfish that Kaikōura is named after and famous for. After lunch, we will depart and your pilot will give your guests a personal tour of the damage caused by the devastating 2016 Kaikōura Earthquake where they will be shown large landslides, rivers that have been diverted by fault lines, and other interesting sights before the conclusion of the experience.

Kaikoura's Original Kayak Operator - Est 1998 100% guaranteed to view Fur Seals on all tours. Family Friendly - operating year round. New Zealands 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, Seals and Whales. New Zealands 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. Qulified New Zealand guides. The Sunset Evening Kayaking tour is the real deal!