Kaikoura

Our most recommended things to do in Kaikoura

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  1. Kaikoura: 30-Minute Whale Watching Flight

  Receive an informative briefing of the Sperm Whales and other wildlife of Kaikoura, ready for your 30-minute flight experience. Learn about its unique geology, and what you can expect to see during the flight. Spend a special half hour viewing these majestic creatures from a unique vantage point.  Head directly out over the Kaikoura Whale Sanctuary to start looking for Kaikoura's wildlife. This whale watching flight showcases the year-round whales and dolphins, as well as the stunning coastline and peninsula. Focusing on the mighty Sperm Whale, this is a once-in-a-lifetime flight to view these animals, as well as other whale and dolphin species that migrate through Kaikoura's waters.  All aircraft are high-winged, which allows each person their own window seat and optimal, unobstructed viewing and photography opportunities. Your tour finishes back at the terminal where there is a gift ...

  Absolutely wonderful. Didn't see whales though not thru lack of trying! Amazing pod of dolphins! Such lovely people, loved every minute!

  Reviewed by Sandra, 11/03/2020
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  2. Kaikoura: 2.5-hour Albatross Encounter and Wildlife Cruise

  Enjoy this once in a lifetime bird watching experience just 15 minutes of the coast of Kaikoura. Within just a small area, meet one of the greatest varieties of seabirds and pelagic bird life you'll find anywhere in the world. Up to 12 species of albatross alone can be viewed at various times of the year. Equip yourself with your bird identification list, your expert local guide and driver will take you on a journey from the Port out into the open ocean. Enjoy the opportunity to watch the birds come in close to the boat for a unique feeding experience. Throughout the tour, your guide will take you to various different spots to ensure you see as many species as possible. As you make your way back to Kaikoura, come in close to the shore and marvel at the picturesque New Zealand coastline. If you’re lucky, you will have an opportunity to see beautiful fur seals basking in the sunshine.

  This experience was everything we hoped it would be and more. We saw lots of birds, many really close up. Our guide, Gary, was very knowledgeable and amazed us with immediate identification of all the birds we saw. The bonus was seeing lots of young seals on a rock and a very large pod of dolphins..We thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and would highly recommend it.

  Reviewed by Margaret, New Zealand, 21/03/2021
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  3. Kaikoura Whale Watching Premium Day Tour from Christchurch

  Spend your day getting close to nature on a fully-guided tour to Kaikoura from Christchurch. After pick-up from your Christchurch hotel, travel by road through the rural pastoral scenes of North Canterbury and the wine growing region of Waipara. Arrive in Kaikoura where mountains meet the sea and take in the tranquility of the area.   Transfer to a whale watching vessel for an exciting up-close encounter in an area world renowned for its variety of marine mammals. Keep a lookout for the world's largest toothed predator, the Giant Sperm Whale. Marvel at acrobatic Dusky Dolphins and a great variety of marine birdlife. After your whale watching experience, you have time to enjoy lunch; you can upgrade when booking to include a tasty and filling cafe lunch or alternatively bring your own. After lunch, visit a Fur Seal colony on the rocky shores surrounding Kaikoura and see these adorable c...

  Bus to the boat was cool, boarding quick and easy, commentary was great and thankful we got to see a whale.

  Reviewed by Anonymous, 14/06/2021
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  4. Kaikoura Day Tour & Whale Watching Cruise from Christchurch

  Some of the most majestic creatures in the sea are waiting in the waters of Kaikoura and you can see them up close! Enjoy a cruise into the beauty of the Pacific, get to know the countryside, and admire the pure natural beauty of New Zealand. After pick-up from your hotel, your guide leads you out on a scenic drive across the Canterbury plains, sharing some knowledge about the environment as you make your way to Kaikoura. When you arrive in town, take a tour around the peninsula that forms its southern tip and look for fur seals relaxing in their natural environment. Once you've had some free time to explore, step aboard a modern catamaran and voyage out to meet some whales. Watch the seas for an up-close encounter with the giant sperm whales that frequent the coastal waters, and get a chance to see fur seals, pods of dusky dolphins and rare wandering albatross along the way. After you...

  It was such a good day - would highly recommend! Our tour guide Alan was very friendly and informative, and we got to see two whales! It was an amazing experience and I’d really recommend. The only problem was that Get Your Guide said we should meet at 8am (and to be there at least 15 mins early) but the actual meeting time was 8.30am. Bear that in mind!

  Reviewed by Alison, 09/03/2020
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  5. Kaikoura: 30-Minute Whale Watching Helicopter Tour

  Soar above Kaikoura on a whale watching flight and enjoy the marine wonders of this stunning area. Focusing on the sperm whales that are prevalent year-round, during the 30-minute flight your pilot will position the helicopter for the perfect view of these mighty creatures. See a whale in its entirety from tip to tail, and take in incredible photos as you fly past some of New Zealand's most beautiful coastline. Marvel at a diverse variety of marine life from humpback, southern right, and blue whales to playful dolphins and New Zealand fur seals. Your headset will keep you in constant contact with your pilot who will showcase some of the spectacular scenery and wildlife. Admire rugged coastline, enjoy the views, and look out for other wildlife.

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  6. Kaikoura: Sunset Kayaking Tour

  Join your guide as you kayak during sunset to experience the stunning glow of the seaward-facing Kaikoura Mountains. Have the chance to watch seals dive and maneuver around and under your kayak as the sunsets. Paddle with them as they swim around the peninsula hunting for octopus. Along the way keep an eye out for blue penguins or albatross and have a possible encounter with dusky dolphins. Your kayak is enclosed, safe, stable, and easily steered using a rudder. It's fast on the water, but still keeps you warm and dry. Your qualified and experienced local guide will teach you how to handle the kayak and paddle you through areas used years ago by local Maori and early whalers. Enjoy watching the light change as the day draws to an end.

  I really enjoyed my kayaking tour! We got to see lots of seals and our guide was great. Would definitely recommend.

  Reviewed by Anonymous, 20/03/2020
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  7. Kaikoura: 1-Hour Whale Watching Helicopter Tour

  Spot sperm whales, dusky dolphins, and fur seals from above before making a summit landing among the towering peaks of the Seaward Kaikoura Mountain Ranges on this 1-hour helicopter tour. The adventure begins with a short safety briefing from the pilot, as well as additional information about the year-round population of sperm whales and the unique underwater Kaikoura Canyon. Next, jump in the helicopter and head out over the Whale Sanctuary and Hikurangi Marine Reserve for a chance to view the pod of sperm whales. Taking on a bird's-eye-view maximizes time viewing the wildlife while not disrupting their natural behavior. Continue along the magnificent coastline of the Kaikoura Peninsula keeping an eye out for playful dusky dolphins and New Zealand fur seals. The last stop of the day will be the towering peaks of the Seaward Kaikoura Mountain Ranges for an incredible alpine landing. ...

  We thought that Peter did an excellent job introducing us to whale spotting, watching and took time to explain whale habits, their environment and put us in good positions to take photos. We enjoyed the explanations around earthquakes and road restoration works and it was quite spectacular to land & stop for a very cold but spectacular photo on the top of Mt Fyfe. I wonder if pilots or ground crew have any particular tips to offer relating to photographing with telephoto lenses. Maybe high shutter speeds, Tv, auto ISO. The photos we took where good and reasonably in close but not as sharp as I hoped for. Pretty tricky with moving chopper, sea and whale I guess. Overall 10 out of 10. Thank you. Very memorable!

  Reviewed by Derrick, 12/07/2021
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  8. Kaikoura: Guided Family Kayaking Adventure

  Hop into a kayak and paddle around the beautiful coastal waters of New Zealand for up to 2 hours. Take in the unique landscapes as you go or enjoy the thrill of getting right up close to New Zealand's unique marine life. Spot the curious fur seals swimming and diverse range of birds, fish, and more. Listen to a short briefing explaining how to gear up, paddle, and steer your kayak. Then with full confidence, embark on this adventure. The highly stable sea kayaks allow children to safely enjoy the kayaking experience with an adult paddling right behind them. Professional, qualified guides will remain close to you throughout the kayaking time. Take photos of the amazing mountainous region around you, absorb the sheer sublime rocks, and meet some playful New Zealand Fur Seals.

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  9. Kaikoura: Half-Day Wildlife Kayaking Tour

  Begin your adventure in the town of Kaikoura where you will meet your professional guides. Receive a short safety briefing and paddling lesson before being allocated all the necessary equipment for the tour. Head out on the waters of the beautiful ocean surrounding the city. Kayak along the Kaikoura coastline, where you will take in the magnificent views of sheer cliff faces, craggy rocks, and mountain ranges while searching for chance encounters with Dusky Dolphins and Blue Penguins. Experience the excitement of watching cute fur seals ducking, weaving, and diving around your kayak. During your tour, you will have the opportunity to paddle gently along with these beautiful animals as they swim around the Kaikoura Peninsula hunting for their favourite feed of octopus. This tour is suitable for all ages and abilities while operating year-round, and doesn't require any previous kayaking...

  The guides were very knowledgeable and displayed unbelievable customer service! The views on the water were to die for

  Reviewed by Eddie, Australia, 01/03/2020
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  10. Kaikoura: 1 Hour 20 Minute Adventure Helicopter Tour

  Begin your adventure are Kaikoura Airport where you will receive a short safety briefing from your pilot, as well as additional information about the year-round population of sperm whales and the unique underwater Kaikoura Canyon. As you head out over the Pacific Ocean you are surrounded on all sides by the gorgeous scenery of Kaikoura, with the coastal mountains as a backdrop. Slowly orbit the whales so you can see the whole animal from head to tail, minimising your impact on the animal while maximising your time and viewing. Soar back along the coastline keeping an eye out for any other animals that may be around, including the resident population of dusky dolphins and New Zealand fur seals, as well as any other whale species that may be migrating through including blue, humpback, fin, and killer whales. After completing your wildlife viewing, head for the Seaward Kaikoura Mountain R...