Whale Watching in New Zealand 2025

Kaikoura is often referred to as New Zealand's capital of whale watching. This charming coastal town, situated on the coast of New Zealand, offers a range of whale-watching tours, which take place either on a vessel or helicopter. Each tour provides a unique and unforgettable experience, and the breathtaking scenery means there's never a dull moment during these expeditions.

Whales, Orcas & Other Fauna

While on a whale-watching tour in the coastal waters of New Zealand, you have a chance to encounter Giant Sperm Whales inhabiting the ocean year-round. You can also spot pods of dusky dolphins, a signature species of dolphins at Kaikoura. Other fascinating marine life you might be lucky to spot are the orca, also known as killer whales, and the smallest and rather rare Hector's dolphins, endemic to the waters of New Zealand. Fur seals and albatrosses also occasionally make an appearance.

Peak Season for Whale Watching

The best time to go whale watching in Kaikoura is during winter, especially in June and July, which is the most rewarding season for this magical experience. While sperm whales can be spotted any time of the year, humpback whales appear in the nearby waters only during this time. This species stops near New Zealand during its annual migration and offers spectacular displays of breaching and splashing. Southern Right Whales, Blue Whales, and Pilot Whales tend to come closer to the shores during winter.

Whale Watching Tours

Kaikoura is home to numerous whale-watching tour operators, all offering fascinating glimpses into marine life. The tours generally have a 90% success rate and a 80% refund, if you weren't able to spot a whale. Whale Watch Kaikoura, one of the most prominent tour operators in the area provides year-round tours, with the trips spanning approximately 2-3 hours.

Times & Costs

The expeditions take place at 7:45 am, 10:30 am, and 13:15 pm throughout the entire year, with additional time slots added from November through March at 4 pm. Tickets generally cost NZ$175 for adults and NZ$60 for children from 3 to 15 years old. To observe whales from the comfort of the VIP Captain's Cabin, consider purchasing tickets for NZ$255 for both adults and children. Children under three are not allowed to participate in a whale-watching tour.

Helicopter Whale Watch Tours

To observe the beauty of whales and other ocean creatures from a bird's eye view, consider booking a helicopter tour over the Kaikoura waters. From above, travelers have a chance to witness the whales in all their glory, observe their behavior patterns you wouldn't be able to see from the boat, and enjoy the scenic views of Kaikoura. South Pacific Helicopters NZ offers both scenic flights and whale-watching tours. Whale-watching flights last from 30 to 80 minutes, depending on the package you buy. The costs vary from NZ$475 to NZ$1,495. More expensive packages, starting from NZ$795, also offer a coastal or alpine landing, where you can spot dolphins and other wildlife. Children under two can fly for free.

Kaikoura

Besides marine mammal encounters, the magical town of Kaikoura offers numerous other experiences, worth trying out. While in the area, bring your loved ones on a small road trip to Lavendyl Lavender Farm with stunning fields of these vibrant flowers. You can also visit Kaikoura Museum with fascinating exhibits and displays, conveying the history of the town.