Kaikoura Whales, Dolphins, Seals and Penguins
Kaikoura is a popular holiday town, backed by the dramatic Kaikoura Seaward Range. The town is famous for its crayfish, whales, dolphins and seals. Many nature cruises offer exciting whale watching or dolphin watching experiences. If you don't mind getting wet, you may be able to swim with the dolphins or whales. You can also visit a penguin colony or stroll the coast to see Kaikoura seals. more
Kaikoura Whale Watching
Whale watching in Kaikoura is famous world wide and not to be missed. Humpback, beaked, blue, minke, sei, fin, pilot and killer whales are often sighted in Kaikoura at different times of the year, but almost always there are the huge resident sperm whales. These sperm whales enjoy the rich diet of the Kaikoura waters while building up their strength to move to the mating grounds of the warm north. Whales regularly dive to depths of one kilometer and sperm whales have been known to dive to 3 kilometres. They can hold their breath for up to two hours. Often other marine life is seen such as dolphins and seals. Whale Watch Kaikoura have been operating whale watch tours for many years while you are also able to fly to gain a birdseye view.
Kaikoura Swimming with Dolphins
Another popular activity in Kaikoura is a swim with dolphins. This is available year round and another ‘must do’ activity. Kitted out in a wetsuit, you will be taken by boat to get close to the dolphins. A swim with the dolphins can get you as close as an arms length away and the dolphins may be in a playful. While you aren’t guaranteed to see or swim with the dolphins, most dolphin tours offer some sort of refund in the unlikely event that this should occur.
Find By
-
DOLPHIN LODGE
DOLPHIN LODGE
Small, homely hostel situated just two minutes walk from Kaikoura town centre, Spectacular sea and mountain views. No traffic noise. Relax and enjoy the view from the sunny deck or garden in peace. Lounge in the hot spa or hammock or cosy up by the log fire. We can arrange tours for swimming with dolphins, whale watching. Bikes for hire....
-
DOLPHIN ENCOUNTER - Kaikoura
DOLPHIN ENCOUNTER - Kaikoura
Mobile-friendly - The dusky dolphins of Kaikoura are known as the "acrobats of the sea" due to their displays of brilliant leaps and somersaults, quite typical dusky behaviour. This tour operates all year-round and two options are available - swimming with the dolphins or remaining on board the boat to enjoy the spectacle. All swimming-equipment supplied and advance bookings are essential.
- P
- +64 3 319 6777
- F
- 0800 733 365 (Free call - only within NZ)
- A
- 96 Esplanade, Kaikoura, New Zealand
-
HASSLE-FREE KAIKOURA TOUR
HASSLE-FREE KAIKOURA TOUR
Mobile-friendly - Hassle Free Tours provides a full day tour that includes a scenic drive from Christchurch over the Canterbury plains before arriving in Kaikoura. On this tour, you'll have time to explore Kaikoura, go on tour with Whale Watch Kaikoura, and visit to a seal colony. This tour will be informative and entertaining with commentary from our local kiwi guides. Please see our Website for current specials.
- P
- +64 3 385 5775
- F
- 0800 553 554 (Free call - only within NZ)
- A
- 296 Prestons Road, Marshland, Christchurch, New Zealand Make an Enquiry
-
KAIKOURA KAYAKS - Kaikoura
KAIKOURA KAYAKS - Kaikoura
Mobile-friendly - Kaikoura's Original Kayak Operator Est 1998 - Celebrating 20 years in service. 100% Success rate for Seal Viewing! Join our award winning tour. Paddle with playful Fur Seals, chance encounters with Dusky Dolphins and Blue Penguins. 1/2 day guided 'Seal Kayaking' tours suitable for all ages and abilities. Family’s welcome, no experience needed. TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2018.
- M
- +64 21 462 889
- F
- 0800 452 456 (Free call - only within NZ)
- A
- 19 Killarney Street, Kaikoura, New Zealand
-
WINGS OVER WHALES - Kaikoura
WINGS OVER WHALES - Kaikoura
Mobile-friendly - Experience Kaikoura's mighty Sperm whale, playful Dusky Dolphins, and majestic scenery from above! Whale watching by aeroplane offers the unique perspective of viewing the entire whale from head to tail as he breathes on the ocean's surface. You will have your own window seat and the opportunity to clearly view and photograph Kaikoura's marine wildlife during your 30-minute flight.
- P
- +64 3 319 6580
- F
- 0800 226 629 (Free call - only within NZ)
- A
- Main Airport Terminal, Kaikoura Airport, 617 State Highway 1, Kaikoura, New Zealand
Select by Map
This Canterbury - Kaikoura whales, dolphins, seals and penguins map displays tourism business locations in your chosen region, area, city or township. Click on a Canterbury - Kaikoura map location icon to display more information.