8 Dolphin & Whale Watching in Kaikoura That You Shouldn't Miss

One of the best places in the world to encounter dolphins in the wild! We operate on the dolphins' terms. Swim with the dolphins in their natural environment or watch their acrobatic displays form the comfort of the boat.

Experience Kaikoura's mighty Sperm Whale, playful Dusky Dolphin and majestic scenery from above! Wings Over Whales Kaikoura conduct whale watching flights, scenic mountain tours and private charter. Endorsed by Qualmark New Zealand, our professional and experienced team will ensure you have a safe and comfortable flight. Passengers have their own window seat and our high-winged aircraft will allow you to enjoy unobstructed views of Kaikoura's marine wildlife and spectacular scenery. Wings Over Whales operate two aircraft; a 4-seater Cessna 172 as well as an 8-seater Gippsland Airvan. Wings Over Whales are situated at Kaikoura Airport, an 8km drive south from the town centre. Located in an inviting log cabin terminal, customers can enjoy great facilities with on-site gift shop, cafe and rest room facilities. In typical 30 minute flight you will see the majestic Sperm Whale preparing for his next dive and up to 500 Dusky Dolphins playfully swimming. Occasional sightings include Orca, Humpback,Pilot and the rare Blue Whale.

Swimming with New Zealand fur seals in the shallow bays of the beautiful Kaikoura Peninsula really is an experience that you don't want to miss. Tours take 2.5 hours and depart several times daily during summer. No experience is necessary and all equipment is supplied. Many travelers site their seal swimming experience as a highlight of there New Zealand holiday. For more information contact us...

Celebrating over 20 Years of Service! KAIKOURA'S ORIGINAL KAYAK OPERATOR - Est -1998. 100% Seal viewing - meet the locals of the marine kind in a real Sea Kayak with us today. Curious NZ Fur Seals, Blue Penguins and Dusky Dolphins are only a few paddle strokes away and our local Kiwi Guides would love to introduce you to them around the Kaikoura Peninsula. Stay warm and dry in our enclosed stable sea kayaks with all equipment provided including GORE-TEX dry pants in winter, wet shoes for your feet and dry bags for camera's. Our wildlife "Seal Kayaking" tours offer a safe, enjoyable, interactive experience, with little effort and a whole lot of good fun. No experience needed, suitable for all ages and abilities. Families welcome. If you want to tick off a real Kayaking experience from your bucket list with the help of our qualified Guides amongst a multitude of marine life in New Zealand, come paddling with us! (: The only Kaikoura kayak operator permitted to view dolhpins.

Amazing Whale Flights / Spectacular Scenic Flights / Charter Flights / Pilot a Plane & Flight Training Experiences Air Kaikoura is Kaikoura's longest running aerial operator. We have been operating scenic flights and flight training for 30 years. Our spectacular whale flights give you the chance to see the mighty sperm whale, plus dusky dolphins, whilst taking in some of the most stunning scenery New Zealand has to offer. We have an excellent success rate and we’re really honest about your chances each day. Have you ever wanted to fly? We also offer pilot training beginning with a 25 minute trial flight, where you get hands on experience in our 2 seater aircraft, ZK-TUG, alongside a qualified flight instructor. You can even complete a full Private or Commercial Pilot Licence with us. With three commercial aircraft, private charter day trips to Nelson, Golden Bay, Mt Cook, Wellington are all possible too. We're a non profit community organisation - thank you for your support!

South Pacific Helicopters is New Zealand's premier whale watching excursion and the only locally owned and operated helicopter company in Kaikoura. Offering unparalleled whale watching experiences. Soar above it all, explore nature with us, and have an unforgettable one-of-a-kind unique adventure in New Zealand. South Pacific Whale Watch offer a quality experience orbiting the resident sperm whales and the playful dusky dolphins and curious New Zealand fur seals. Not only can we show you the whales, but within minutes we can also have you landing high in the Seaward Kaikoura Ranges that tower straight out of the Pacific Ocean, for amazing views of the local area. South Pacific Helicopters, also provides services such as charter and scenic flights, mountain biking, rafting, hunting, photography, engagement, skiing and snowboarding in season, wedding, special occasions, plus commercial work specialising in precision lifting. And - 100% No Sea Sickness!

"THE ULTIMATE MARINE EXPERIENCE" Whale Watch® is New Zealand's only marine-based whale watching company offering visitors an exciting up-close encounter with the Giant Sperm Whale all year round. A 95% success rate means a guaranteed 80% refund if your tour does not see a whale. The Giant Sperm Whales share these waters with up to 14 other different species of whales and dolphins that migrate past at different times of the year. At times you may also see NZ Fur Seals, rare & endangered Hector’s Dolphins & a wide variety of marine birds including the wandering albatross. Designed for whale watching, the company operates a fleet of modern catamarans equipped with engines that minimise underwater noise &toilets that never pollute the sea. The main passenger cabin is enclosed and large outside decks offer great viewing and photo opportunities. Spacious air-conditioned interiors are fitted with comfortable seating while large plasma screens display award-winning marine wildlife animations.

Kaikoura is world renowned for its whale watching – it also boasts some of the most spectacular scenery New Zealand has to offer. Helping you experience this is Kaikoura Helicopters, the most experienced aerial whale watching company in the world. We can have you lifting off from our centrally located heli – pads and within minutes be in the spectacular environment that plays host to the magnificent Sperm Whale. From the comfort of our helicopter, experience this ultimate vantage point, viewing the entire whale from head to tail. Our exclusive alpine flights allow you to get up close and personal with some of the highest mountains in New Zealand. Land at altitude amongst the stunning Kaikoura Seaward Ranges and encounter 360 - degree views of this unique and rugged coastline. We also offer scenic flights, Seasonal snow landings, heli picnics, heli rafting, heli biking, charters, nationwide transfers, weddings, hunting, film and photography, gift vouchers, and more! Flying everyday!