The 15 Whale Watching Trips in Kaikoura We Keep Recommending

1.Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★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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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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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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4.Kaikōura Whale Watching Scenic Flight (40 Minutes)

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

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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5.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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6.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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7.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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8.Kaikoura Helicopters Classic Whale Watch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 40 reviews · from $223

See Kaikōura whales from a helicopter, with sperm whales year-round, humpbacks in season, mountain views, and no seasickness.

“What a very professional safe operation this is. We were so well prepared pre flight. saw 2 sperm whales and a very large pod of dolphins, plus a lovely view of the coast. Helicopter carries 3 passengers plus pilot. Really can’t recommend this trip enough.”

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9.Kaikoura Whale Watching – 45 Minute Ocean Safari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 39 reviews · from $511

Review of Kaikoura’s 45-minute helicopter whale safari, with whale sightings, coastal views, pricing, practical tips, and honest pros and cons.

“We absolutely loved our helicopter flight! We were incredibly lucky to spot a sperm whale, and learning about the different types of whales made the experience even more special. Flying in a helicopter alone was already unforgettable, Read more”

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10.Kaikōura Whale Watching and Scenic Landing – 1hr Premier Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 24 reviews · from $822

Review of Kaikōura’s one-hour helicopter whale-watching tour, including a mountain landing, marine-life sightings, pickup, price, and booking advice.

“Daniel, his wife and entire crew provided a welcoming and seamless experience!! The communications were helpful , we felt entirely safe and totally feel as if we got our moneys worth!”

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11.Kaikoura Helicopters Extended Whale Watch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 15 reviews · from $313

Review of Kaikōura Helicopters Extended Whale Watch, with flight details, whale sightings, value, practical tips, and booking advice.

“What an amazing experience!! We were lucky enough to see 2 whales, a pod of dolphins, and a lot of seals. Being able to view these creatures from this perspective is so cool! Highly recommend!”

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12.Extended Flight Whale Watching & Mountain Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · 45 min · from $236

See sperm whales, dolphins, and Kaikōura’s mountains on a small-group scenic flight with expert commentary and window seats.

“We got to see sperm and blue whales, including a blue whale mum & calf. Weather wasn't 100%, but staff/pilot did their absolute best to give us value for money. Recommend.”

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13.1-Hour Whale Watching Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · 1 hour · from $792

Review of Kaikōura’s 1-hour whale watching helicopter tour, with sperm whales, dolphins, fur seals, Mt Fyffe landing, price, tips, and practical advice.

“It was a fantastic tour with the pilot - sorry forgot his name. He is very good at flying and very friendly. We saw the huge whale, which is approximately the same length with the 23m boat, and heaps of dusk dolphins, and the pilot knew the whale so well and counted-down the exact time when it dived into deep water with iconic tail. The pilot also flew us to see the Kaikoura Earth-Quake fault-line, landslide and even the barrier lake. Really enjoy it. Thanks.”

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14.Kaikōura: 45-Minute Whale Watching Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · 45 min · from $493

See whales, dolphins, seals, mountains, and the Kaikōura coast on a small-group helicopter flight with an exclusive mountain landing.

“Great family business. Made to feel welcome from outset and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Would highly recommend.”

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15.Kaikōura Whale Watching – 1hr 20min Ultimate Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · from $977

Soar above Kaikōura’s whale sanctuary, spot marine life, and land in the mountains on this intimate 80-minute helicopter tour.

“A totally fantastic flight with Alexis at Wings over Whales today. Got to see a whale and hundreds of dolphins - stunning scenery. Highly recommended tourist activity in Kaikoura. Loved it.”

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