All Kaikoura Tours &amp; Excursions in 2026

Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat

4.5

(2,999)

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $109

Aerial views of Kaikoura Sperm Whales & Boat

Wildlife enthusiasts will love this full-day nature-focused tour to Kaikoura from Christchurch that avoids the need to self-drive along winding coastal roads. Look out for sperm whales, migrating humpbacks, southern right whales, orcas, and dolphins on a cruise with live commentary. Visit a fur seal colony on land, glimpse the snowy peaks of the Kaikoura Ranges during your free time, and top off the day with wine tasting (time permitting).

Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch

4.3

(190)

11 hoursFree Cancellation

from $225

Enjoy two unforgettable experiences combined into one exciting activity: whale watching plus a scenic flight. Kaikoura is famous as a place to go on whale-watching tours, and this tour from the air is a thrilling twist on the more conventional activity. From the air you can really appreciate the size of sperm whales and also get a bird's eye view other marine life, like dolphins, as well as the spectacular coastal and mountain scenery.

Kaikoura: Whale Watching Flight

(109)

30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $134

Seal Swimming Tour from Kaikoura

(279)

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $97

Explore the Kaikoura coast on a hands-free kayak tour with an experienced guide. Use your feet to pedal your boat, so your hands are free to snap photos of New Zealand fur seals and the scenic shoreline. Choose between a sunset tour and a special seal-spotting one, where you’ll paddle to places with high chances of spotting the curious creatures. Get some exercise while having fun and admiring the views.

Seal Kayaking Adventure in Kaikoura

(440)

from $88

Half Day Zipline Adventure in Kaikoura

(275)

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $121

Kaikōura Whale Watching Scenic Flight (40 Minutes)

(228)

40 minutesFree Cancellation

from $168

Spend quality time with a wooly llama on New Zealand's rugged Kaikōura Coast. Trek with your own llama, who can carry your belongings in saddle bags. Your guide will help you get to know your wooly companion. Learn Kaikōura history and facts, including the extraordinary effects of the 2016 earthquake, as you trek along Kaikōura's coastlines and beaches. Take in mountain and coastal scenery throughout.

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

(166)

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $152

Price varies by group size

Llama Trek (Taster) - Kowhai River Valley and Native Woodland Tour

(80)

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $82

Price varies by group size

Be enchanted by Kaikoura’s marine life on this full-day dolphin-swimming tour from Christchurch without having to drive yourself there and back along winding coastal roads. In Kaikoura, a whale-watching paradise, board a sightseeing boat and jump into the Pacific Ocean with the provided wetsuit and snorkel. Swim alongside dusky dolphins in their natural habitat and enjoy the company of these graceful, curious sea mammals with help from your guides.

Kaikoura Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch

4.5

(28)

12 hoursFree Cancellation

from $250

Likely to Sell Out

4.7

(202)

Whale Watching in Kaikoura - Ultimate Experience

30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $152

Likely to Sell Out

Sunset Kayak tour in Kaikoura

(54)

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat a loved one, this private heli-picnic is a great way to reach parts of the Kaikoura Range you’d struggle to access any other way. You’ll receive a gourmet picnic with local cheese and beer or sparkling wine, to enjoy as you admire the views from a mountaintop. Look out for whales and dolphins from above during the flight.

from $88

1-Hour Private Heli-Picnic Mountain top tour in Kaikoura

(2)

1 hourFree Cancellation

from $265

Kaikoura's Original Kayak Operator - Est 1998 Celebrating 27 years of operation! 100% guaranteed to view Fur Seals on all tours. Family Friendly - operating year round. 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, Seals and Whales. 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 Sea Kayak guides. The Sunset Evening Classic tour has left a lasting impression with people from all over the world!

Sunset Evening Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura

(90)

Lift off from Kaikōura's beachfront helipad on a scenic helicopter tour over the deep-sea canyon and coastline. Look out for sperm whales, humpbacks, Hector's dolphins, and New Zealand fur seals in their natural habitat while enjoying panoramic views of the Seaward Kaikōura mountain range and Kaikōura Peninsula. Headsets with microphones provide live commentary and the chance to ask questions during this unforgettable aerial whale-watching experience.

from $101

Kaikoura Helicopters Classic Whale Watch

(47)

30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $219

Meet the locals - Kekeno (New Zealand Fur Seals)

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.

Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura

(494)

Enjoy a 25 minute panoramic scenic flight, with stunning scenic views of the Seaward Kaikoura ranges and a birds eye view of the Kaikoura Peninsula. After take-off, we will climb to approximately 6000 feet to fly past the back of Mount Fyffe for some true mountain flying. Experience views of snowy mountain peaks, a waterfalls or a wild deer if you have sharp vision. Next, overfly Lake Hapuku, which is a direct result of the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake. Your pilot will then descend towards the Hapuku river mouth and fly along the black sand beach towards the Kaikoura peninsula. Flying around the peninsula, you get to see that it is dotted with resident seals next to the turquoise ocean.

from $101

Kaikoura: Coastal and Alpine Scenic Airplane Flight

(9)

25 minutesFree Cancellation

from $107

Price varies by group size

Private Wildlife Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura

(46)

An intimate privately guided wildlife experience around the Kaikoura peninsula on hands free pedal kayaks, allowing for the ultimate kayaking experience. Let us take you and your group around the rugged coastline encountering seals, penguins and seabirds with the jaw-dropping mountains as a backdrop. With expert local commentary along the way on indigenous local history, post colonial sealing and whaling and everything in between This immersive experience can be tailored to suit any traveller. Whether your special private tour is for a honeymooning couple, avid wildlife group or just a special family adventure, the team at Seal Kayak Kaikoura will make sure you create memories that last a lifetime

from $244

Private Seal Kayaking and Wildlife Tour in Kaikoura

(8)

Experience the ultimate Kaikōura helicopter tour and witness New Zealand’s incredible marine life from above. Fly over the renowned Kaikōura Canyon to spot Sperm, Humpback, Southern Right, Orca, or even Blue whales, depending on the season. This extended scenic flight gives you more time to enjoy whale sightings and coastal views. Spot Dusky dolphins and New Zealand fur seals as you cruise along the shoreline. Land at a remote site only accessible by South Pacific Helicopters, where you'll take in breathtaking views of the mountains and ocean. This unforgettable whale watching and wildlife experience is perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

from $213

The incredible blue whale on its migration route

Kaikoura Whale Watching - 45 Minute Ocean Safari

(45)

1 hour 15 minutesFree Cancellation

from $502

Kaikoura Helicopters whale watching New Zealand - Orca Whale

Take off from Kaikōura’s beachfront helipad for a scenic helicopter flight over the Hikurangi Marine Reserve. Look out for sperm whales, humpbacks, blue whales, orca, and dusky dolphins. After ocean views, soar into the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges for an alpine landing with panoramic views including Mt. Fyffe and, on clear days, even the North Island. Return along the Hapuku River, watching for wild deer, before landing back at the helipad.

Kaikoura Helicopters Top n Tail Whale Watch flight

(8)

1 hourFree Cancellation

from $408

40-minute Mt Fyffe Summit Heli Tour in Kaikoura

(1)

40 minutesFree Cancellation

from $241

4.5

(17)

Kaikoura Helicopters Extended Whale Watch

40 minutesFree Cancellation

from $308

Kaikoura Helicopters Grand Alpine Helicopter Tour

(1)

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $487

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What are people saying about Kaikoura

Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat

Suzette_J, Apr 2026

Enjoyable wildlife experience in a magical setting

Very professional- great experience. We were concerned about the weather as my husband gets seasick. On sign in the staff member told us there was a high likelihood of seasickness for anyone prone to this. They offered to reschedule or refund if this was a concern. I went, but we got a refund for my husband. Really appreciated how transparent and flexible the tour operator is. Excellent onboard commentary provided throughout the trip. Very educational. The dolphins were a real highlight.

Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch

Eileen_B, Apr 2026

Whale watching

This is a must do trip, whilst it may seem a bit expensive it's actually excellent value. We were going to do independly but so glad we booked this trip. Andrew who was our driver was fantastic, really informative and friendly. We were picked up from our accommodation then picked up 4 other stops, a total of 11 guests including ourselves. We stopped for coffee on the way, before arriving to pick up boat. We saw sperms whales, hump back whales, loads of dolphins, the boat tour is 2 and half hours. We opted for lunch included would highly recommend On the way home, we stopped at a Seal colony, which ended the tour. Before drive back to Christchurch.

Half Day Zipline Adventure in Kaikoura

Alec_F, Mar 2026

Adrenaline rushing Experience

This was so thrilling with excitement & adrenaline pumping experience. We were well looked after but our Guides Andi and Eden, they were excellent. My wife was very nervous at the first wire, but with their help they got her relaxed and she started to enjoy the experience. The other couples that we were, made it so special. We all bonded well together which made it even better .We are both in our 60,s and we never made to feel like we weren’t up to it. The whole team from reception to the driver, made our whole adventure a trip of a live time 🙏

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

Christina_W, Mar 2026

What a fantastic...

What a fantastic experience!!! Our guide, Kevin, was very knowledgeable about the history of the area, and knowledgeable and passionate about llama. With his guidance, we felt a connection to these animals and had a fantastic walk along the beach to the seal colony. Animal lovers or just anyone wanting to try something different or just to experience something so peaceful and lovely will enjoy this trip! We did both the woodland trek and then this trek on the beach, and so glad we did both.

Kaikoura Helicopters Classic Whale Watch

Sharon_S, Mar 2026

Birthday Treat of a Lifetime!

Wow Aaron was great making you feel very safe yet allowing you to enjoy this amazing experience. We got to see a sperm whale, some cheeky humpbacks and lots of dolphins and seals. This was a big birthday treat and something I’ll remember for ever. The beautiful coastline the gorgeous blue sea. What a trip! Thank you for the memories.

Kaikōura Whale Watching Scenic Flight (40 Minutes)

Rachel_D, Mar 2026

Excellent experience.

We saw 2 sperm whales and a humpback, as well as dolphins. We were fortunate the weather was really clear, so the view of the whales and also the scenic views of the mountains and peninsula were excellent. Everyone gets a window seat, and the pilot circles the whales in both directions so everyone gets the chance of an excellent view. I’ve done lots of boat-based whale watching previously, so it was great to do something different - and get a clear view of the ‘whole whale’, not just the tail! Seeing these giants blow from above was an incredible experience! Everyone on our flight was fine; but I can imagine that if you’re prone to motion sickness, the circling might get to you a bit, and be wise to take some pills before-hand. The only other observation is that whilst the pilot gives you a great explanation through your headset, you can’t reply, so not possible to ask any questions, and we had a few. Overall, an outstanding and memorable experience.

Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura

Kelly_B, Feb 2026

Staff were very friendly...

Staff were very friendly and helpful. Explained that conditions were not ideal and offered chance of refund. I took the sea sickness pills offered and went for it! So glad I did, amazing experience and although windy it was a relaxing evening. Saw dolphins in the distance and got really close to the seals, great experience.

Seal Kayaking Adventure in Kaikoura

Nhi_V, Dec 2025

Foot Peddle Kayaks 10/10

Enjoyable experience. Saw a couple seals and sunset was beautiful. You are provided jackets to keep you warm as it can get windy. The real standout compared to other companies is the foot pedal kayaks. We hadn't done this type before and enjoyed it. Easy to use and frees up your hands for pictures etc