The 15 Best Whale Watching Trips in New Zealand

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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Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise

3.Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,790 reviews · from $135

Review the Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise, with wildlife tips, itinerary details, value, comfort, and booking advice.

“Enjoyed dolphins , glimpses of penguins but no whales despite valiant attempt by crew. Great education!”

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Auckland: Whale and Dolphin Watching Half-Day Eco Cruise

4.Whale and Dolphin Watching Half-Day Eco Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,072 reviews · 4h 30m · from $130

Review Auckland’s 4.5-hour whale and dolphin eco-cruise, with practical tips on wildlife, boat comfort, price, weather, and conservation.

“We had an amazing time! The crew was fantastic—friendly, knowledgeable, and really made the experience enjoyable. While we didn’t spot any whales, the dolphins more than made up for it! We watched them for about 30 minutes, and they were absolutely incredible—such a joy to see them up close. It was also awesome to see the gannets diving from the sky—such a spectacular sight to witness in action!”

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Kaikoura: Whale Watching Flight with Commentary

5.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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Auckland: Tikapa Moana Whales, Dolphins and Islands Cruise

6.Tikapa Moana Whales, Dolphins and Islands Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 292 reviews · 6 - 8 hours · from $92Best value

Cruise Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf for whales, dolphins, island scenery, conservation stories, and a choice of Rotoroa or Man O’ War stop.

“Wow, wow, wow, what a fabulous day and so lucky😎 Even the guys running the boat said we saw a lot more than is usual and in perfect weather too. Loads of Gannets that gave away the positions of the feeding Common Dolphins and Bryde's Whales😎 These whales are quite common here but considered as critically endangered generally🙄 Brutus" is a nickname for the Bryde's whale, that is pronounced "Broodus"🐳”

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Christchurch Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching

From Christchurch: Kaikōura Day Tour with Whale Watching

7.Kaikōura Day Tour with Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 224 reviews · 10 hours · from $227

Review of the Christchurch to Kaikōura whale watching tour, with seals, whales, fish and chips, small-group transport, tips, and value advice.

“Guide Nick was very helpful and informative about the day. He was always ready to help”

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

Kaikōura Whale Watching Scenic Flight (40 Minutes)

8.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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Kaikoura: Whale Watching Flight with Guided Commentary

9.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 Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch

10.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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Kaikoura: Whale Watching Flight

11.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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Kaikoura Helicopters Classic Whale Watch

12.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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Kaikoura Tours, Safari, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Trips in Kaikoura

Kaikoura Whale Watching – 45 Minute Ocean Safari

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

14.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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