Top New Zealand Dolphin Watching

Spot Akaroa Harbour’s rare Hector’s dolphins on a catamaran wildlife cruise that includes fresh-baked cookies and a drink. The 2-hull catamaran offers more stability and deck space than a single-hull boat, ensuring a comfortable spot as you scan for fur seals, white-flippered penguins, and other wildlife. Dolphin-spotting dogs are on board. Equipped with dog life-vests and a keen ear, they’ll help make your dolphin encounter an unforgettable experience.

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.

Cruise Akaroa Harbour aboard a spacious catamaran to see rare Hector’s dolphins, little blue penguins, albatross, and other native seabirds. Cruising allows you to see things that aren’t accessible any other way. Enjoy panoramic views of volcanic cliffs, sea caves, and New Zealand vegetation while learning about local conservation and cultural history. Refresh with complimentary hot drinks and remember your trip with a souvenir postcard.

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).

While many travelers come to Cathedral Cove to relax on the beach, this is a marine reserve so there’s so much to see beneath the surface of the ocean. Take a look on a glass bottomed boat ride, and jump in with a snorkel if you want to get up close to the fish. Learn all about the history of this important area while relaxing and enjoying the views of the rock formations and pinnacles.

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.

Get up close to wild dolphins in their natural habitat during a half-day dolphin cruise from Tauranga. You can watch from the boat or interact with these playful marine mammals as you swim and snorkel alongside them in the water. Hear informative live commentary and enjoy hot drinks on board. The tour operates during the summer months from November to May.

- Opportunity to view a variety of marine animals including dolphins, whales, seals, birdlife and more - Marine mammal viewing guarantee - come again for free if we don’t spot any marine mammals during your cruise^ - Included Island Stop at either Rotoroa Island or Man O' War Vineyards - Learn about the history and conservation efforts on the volcanic peaks, many islands and extended coastline of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park - Hear fascinating stories on the origins and histories of land, sea and Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki – original inhabitants of Tāmaki Makaurau

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.

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!

Soak in the natural beauty of New Zealand with a full-day tour to Kaikoura from Christchurch. Start with transfer to the Coastal Pacific Train for the journey north to Kaikoura, then transfer to a sturdy boat for your whale-watching cruise. Have lunch afterward, then visit a New Zealand fur seal colony and winery on the return drive to Christchurch.