The 15 Kaikoura Tours We Keep Recommending

Kaikoura: Whale Watching Cruise - From Whale Watch Kaikoura to the catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,089 reviews · 3h 30m · from $104Our pick

Review of Kaikoura Whale Watching Cruise, with sperm whales, dolphins, seals, albatross, practical tips, price, timing, and seasickness advice.

“It was great, well thought out, excellent commentary from the guide, excellent spotting of sea creatures. They could maybe emphasize more strongly at the check-in that the conditions are very bad for people suffering from motion sickness. I had lots of fun on this "free" amusement park ride, but it was puke town all around and most people spent their whole time on the boat vomiting in volumes. That being said, they were informing at check-in that there is increased risk of seasickness, I just think most fellas in the moment don't grasp how bad it can be. They then decide to hop on anyways, and neither see the whales,…”

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Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat

2.Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat

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

Review of Kaikoura whale watching by boat, with sperm whales, dolphins, albatross, practical tips, sea conditions, pricing, and refund details.

“Took 40 mins or so to get out to the whale area. Interesting commentary and good graphics. Glad we took the sea sickness pills as sea was described as moderate - I would have said quite choppy. Saw a sperm whale for at least 5 minutes before it dived. All worth it. Sea birds were fantastic too esp the acrobatics of the albatross. Crew all kind and helpful too”

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Kaikoura: Whale Watching Flight with Commentary

3.Whale Watching Flight with Commentary

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

Fly above Kaikoura for sperm whales, dolphins and mountain views, with a guaranteed window seat, live commentary and a 30-minute flight.

“Awesome flight! Booked last minute but we were so happy with the experience. Highly recommend.”

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Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour – Kaikoura

4.Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour – Kaikoura

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 467 reviews · from $99Top rated

Review of Kaikoura’s 3-hour wildlife sea kayaking tour, with seals, dolphins, guides, gear, weather tips, price, and practical advice.

“This is an excellent paddling adventure with knowledgeable friendly guides. We paddled with Holt and Finn who had the answers to our questions about NZ history and Māori culture as well as many details about the various bird species that Read more”

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Seal Kayaking Adventure in Kaikoura

5.Seal Kayaking Adventure in Kaikoura

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 422 reviews · from $83Best value

Pedal a kayak along Kaikoura’s coast, spot fur seals and dolphins, and enjoy a friendly three-hour wildlife tour for $83.78.

“Great kayaking trip! Saw a bunch of seals and overall had a really nice time on the water in Kaikōura.”

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Kaikoura: Half-Day Wildlife Kayaking Tour

6.Half-Day Wildlife Kayaking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 390 reviews · 3 hours · from $95

Paddle Kaikoura’s coast with fur seals, dramatic cliffs, and possible dolphins or penguins on this friendly 3-hour wildlife kayak tour.

“Transportation was clean and comfortable, safety/instructions were thorough, and the kayaks were in very good condition. Guides were friendly, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic. Although there wasn’t as much sealife as I’d hope to see on the day I went, it was still a great outing!”

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Seal Swimming Tour from Kaikoura

7.Seal Swimming Tour from Kaikoura

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 276 reviews · from $98

Swim beside wild New Zealand fur seals in Kaikoura with gear, guides, hot showers, and small groups. Check weather and fitness needs.

“My husband and I went on at least ten tours throughout New Zealand, and this one, by far, was my favorite. The equipment provided was wonderful, the staff super helpful in guiding us to high seal traffic areas, and this trip gave us thRead more”

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Half-Day, Kaikoura Tours, Tour Reviews, Zip Lines

Half Day Zipline Adventure in Kaikoura

8.Half Day Zipline Adventure in Kaikoura

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 258 reviews · from $123

Review of Kaikoura’s 3.5-hour EcoZip adventure, with five twin ziplines, mountain views, a Unimog ride, prices, tips, and safety details.

“Amazing Mountain Zip lines. Super long and high. Great safety equipment, guides. Unimog drive is pretty scary.”

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Helicopter Tours, Kaikoura Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Trips in Kaikoura

Kaikōura Whale Watching Scenic Flight (40 Minutes)

9.Kaikōura Whale Watching Scenic Flight (40 Minutes)

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

See Kaikōura whales, dolphins, mountains, and coast from a small plane with window seats, pilot commentary, and a strong wildlife focus.

“Fantastic experience. We loved the flight in general, but saw 2 sperm whales and 2 orca. The pilot was great, making sure that all on board had a great view by circling the animals in both directions in turn. Would highly recommend”

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Kaikoura: Whale Watching Flight with Guided Commentary

10.Whale Watching Flight with Guided Commentary

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

See Kaikōura’s whales from above on a 30-minute flight with window seats, expert commentary, mountain views, and free hot drinks.

“Absolutely amazing! Transfer and storing my bags at their office in Kaikoura was no problem. The pilot put a lot of effort in the flight so that we can actually see whales. They are in contact with all the other pilots and boats to check where the whales are. We saw 3 sperm whales and a bunch of dusky dolphins”

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Kaikoura Tours, Tour Reviews, Zip Lines

Kaikōura: Zipline and Native Forest Adventure Trip

11.Kaikōura: Zipline and Native Forest Adventure Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 175 reviews · 3h 30m · from $118

Soar above Kaikōura’s native forest on five ziplines, cross a working farm by 4X4, and learn about local conservation.

“Awesome trip, fabulous guides, the whole experience was great. Great for young and young at heart. Highly recommend to all.”

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Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch

12.Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch

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

Review of the Kaikoura whale watch day tour from Christchurch, with whale sightings, seals, scenery, transport, costs, timing, and practical tips.

“Pete was a great guide who gave lots of relevant information and was accommodating to the needs of the kids. Comfortable ride to see the whales. Good that we didn’t drive on our own as some had sea sickness after the cruise.”

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Llama Trek (Half-day) – Kaikoura Bay, Beaches & Seal Colony

13.Llama Trek (Half-day) – Kaikoura Bay, Beaches & Seal Colony

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 157 reviews · from $154

Trek Kaikōura’s beaches with your own llama, spot fur seals, hear local stories, and enjoy cake and a drink on this half-day outing.

“Great way to learn about llamas , Kevin was very informative about animals and region. Would highly recommend you do it”

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Kaikoura: Sunset Evening Kayaking Tour

14.Sunset Evening Kayaking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 128 reviews · 3 hours · from $95

Kayak into Kaikoura’s golden evening light, paddle beside fur seals, and look for dolphins, penguins, and albatross for $95.

“Fantastic experience with our fantastic guide Ru. So much fun!”

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Kaikoura: Whale Watching Flight

15.Whale Watching Flight

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 100 reviews

See whales, dolphins, Kaikoura’s coast, and mountains from the air on a 30-minute family-friendly flight with Air Kaikoura.

“Super friendly staff, amazing flight. Ben the pilot was really knowledgeable about the area and great info about the Whales that frequent the area...AND... *WOW* got to watch a Humpback whale jumping out of the water. Such a special flight. Recommend doing this, you won't regret it ever!!”

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