The 10 Best Sightseeing Tours in Kaikoura, South Island

Travel New Zealand in luxury with an experienced local guide. We pick you up from any airport or Cruise Ship Port and take you on a private trip for your group. Let us make an itinerary for you or plan your own and tell us where you would like to go. Book 1 day or multiple days, we will stay with you throughout your vacation and give you an authentic unforgettable Kiwi experience.

Inclusions: GST (Goods and Services Tax), Bottled water, Light refreshments, Snacks, Professional guide, Port pickup and drop-off, Private tour

Exclusions: Accommodation, Meals

In the stunning town of Kaikoura, where mountains meet ocean, experience the magnificent wildlife and scenery from the comfort of a helicopter and see the magnificent sperm whales from top to tail! Your 45 minute tour lets you experience the year round sperm whale population, with more time to enjoy the abundant marine life and a chance to see breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, the Kaikoura Peninsula, and the Seaward Kaikoura Mountain Ranges.

Inclusions: Scenic helicopter flight to view whales and other wildlife, Headsets to hear the pilot clearly during your flight, Live commentary from our pilots, Round-trip transfer to and from town. Contact our reservations team to organise

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities

Kaikoura Ultimate Adventure is an incredible experience - The best of Kaikoura; See the magnificent vistas of our coastal shores, picturesque landscapes, majestic mountain ranges, and diverse marine wildlife in a way only a helicopter can. The tour combines whale watching with a scenic tour. Slowly orbit marine animals including resident sperm whales, dusky dolphins, and NZ fur seals and other whale species migrating through year round population of sperm whales, with the backdrop of the coastal scenery. Afterwards soar above the Seaward Kaikoura Ranges, towering over 2500 metres straight out of the Pacific Ocean, to see how the 7.8 magnitude earthquake changed our landscapes, raising coastal shorelines and impacting the entire mountain range. The tour includes a landing at the newly created Hapuku lake with stunning turquoise waters for great photo opportunities.

Inclusions: Professional pilot, Headsets to hear the pilot clearly during the flight, One hour and twenty minute helicopter tour, Whale and dolphin watch, Alpine landing in a helicopter accessible only location (weather permitting), Transport to airfield if required

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

Over 24 unforgettable days you will experience it all: secluded beaches, jaw-dropping scenery, Māori culture, mountainous ranges, lush rainforests and more adventure activities than you could ever wish for. As with all our tours, we do include a few 'must-do' events, ranging from a Māori cultural night to learning to paddle a waka (Māori war canoe), and even a greenstone carving experience. You will see a massive range of optional activities available to add, from bungy jumping and dolphin swimming to jet boating and scenic flights. None of these are compulsory; just add the ones you want. Activities can also be purchased on the road – just let your tour guide know. We can't always guarantee availability when booking on the road, so we suggest pre-booking any activities you especially want to do.

Inclusions: Continental Breakfast Every Day - heaps of options for everyone (you too, vegans!), Orientation Tours - we give you the low-down on every location, Comfortable Transport - with plenty of room to spread out, High-End Hostel Accommodation - dorm share, upgrades available, Experienced Local Guide , Small Groups - Max 16 people. You are more than just a number, Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the birthplace of New Zealand, 2 dinners Fish'n'Chips in Paihia and a traditional cooked hangi in Murupara to full your puku! (belly), Experience a Māori cultural performance in Rotorua during the Cultural Experience Night, Visit Te Puia - cultural centre about traditional Māori culture and Rotorua’s geothermal wonders, Learn to paddle a waka (Māori war canoe) along the Abel Tasman coastline, Iconic ferry ride between the North and South Islands across the Cook Strait, Optional transport back from Wellington to Auckland on Day 24

Exclusions: Additional activities - such as bungy jumping, Lunch and dinner are own costs - unless specified

Kaikoura's Original Kayak Operator - Est 1998 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 and Seals. 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 New Zealand guides. 100% guaranteed to view Fur Seals on all tours. Family Friendly - operating year round. The Wildlife Kayaking tour is the real deal!

Inclusions: Private transportation, Dry bags for camera's, all kayaking equipment, paddle jackets, wet shoes, spray skirts, dry pants, gloves and hats over the winter months.

Exclusions:

Come experience views like no other, where the ocean meets the sea; see the beauty of Kaikoura and the incredible sperm whale from the comfort of a helicopter! This 30 minute helicopter tour allows you to see the whale from head to tail while experiencing incredible views. As Kāikoura’s only locally owned and operated company, join us to maximise your time with the whales, while minimising your impact on the animals.

Inclusions: Scenic helicopter tour to view whales and other wildlife, Headsets to hear the pilot clearly during your flight, Live commentary from our knowledgable pilots, Round-trip transfer to and from town, with drop off's to hotels available

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

Kaikoura's Original Kayak Operator - Est 1998 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 and Seals. 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 New Zealand guides. 100% guaranteed to view Fur Seals on all tours. Family Friendly - operating year round. The Wildlife Kayaking tour is the real deal!

Inclusions: Dry bags for camera's, all kayaking equipment, paddle jackets, wet shoes, spray skirts, dry pants, gloves and hats over the winter months., Private transportation

Exclusions:

Whale Watch is located in the small coastal town of Kaikōura on the East Coast of New Zealand’s South Island a scenic two and a half-hour drive north from Christchurch and two hour drive south from Picton. Kaikōura is a special place of lush pastures and towering, snow covered peaks that fall to the sea. This rare magic continues just offshore where a deep undersea canyon combines with unusual sea currents to attract an extraordinary abundance of marine life, the most famous being the Giant Sperm Whale. Whale Watch is New Zealand's only vessel-based whale watching company offering visitors an exciting up-close encounter with the world’s largest toothed predator the Giant Sperm Whale in their natural environment at all times of the year. Whale Watch scheduled tours operate daily. Our 95% success rate means we guarantee an 80% refund if your tour does not see a whale. Whale Watch tours are extremely popular so we recommend booking early.

Inclusions: Tours operates all year round, Modern fleet of purpose built catamarans, 95% success rate backed up by an 80% refund if your tour does not see a whale, Experienced knowledgeable staff providing a running commentary throughout your tour, Award winning onboard animations, Bus ride to and from our marina

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Experience the natural treasures of New Zealand on a whale-watching cruise from the picturesque town of Kaikoura. Look for the mighty Sperm Whales that live in these waters along with Dusky Dolphins, New Zealand Fur Seals and Seabirds. Admire breathtaking views of the snow-capped Kaikoura Ranges during your free time in Kaikoura's township and visit a seal colony on land. Wrap up the day with a scenic drive back to Christchurch and a wine tasting at a vineyard in North Canterbury (time permitting). Your experienced guide shares informative commentary throughout the day on this fun and fascinating tour.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Live commentary on board, Whale watching tour by boat, Lunch (if option is selected), Fur seal colony viewing, North Canterbury vineyard visit and wine tasting (time permitting)

Exclusions: Gratuities

Starting from Auckland, we make our way down the beautiful and volcanic North Island to the capital, Wellington, before catching a ferry to cross the Cook Strait to get up close and personal with the South Island. As with all our tours, we do include a few 'must-do' events, ranging from a Māori cultural night to learning to paddle a waka (Māori canoe), and a greenstone carving experience. You will see a wide range of optional activities available to add, from bungy jumping and dolphin swimming to jet boating and scenic flights. Just add the ones you want! Activities can be pre-booked or purchased on the road - just let your tour guide know. We can't always guarantee availability when booking on the road, so we suggest pre- booking any activities you especially want to do.

Inclusions: Every day continental breakfast, Orientation tours - We give you the low-down on every location, Comfortable transport - with plenty of room to spread out, Iconic ferry ride between the North and South Islands across the Cook Strait, High - End Hostel/Lodge Accommodation - Dorm share, upgrades available, Experienced Local Guide , Small groups - Maximum 16 people - because you're more than just a number, Dinner at Murupara - fill your puku (belly) with a traditional cooked hangi, Te Puia - traditional Māori culture and discover Rotorua’s geothermal wonders, Learn to paddle a waka (Māori war canoe) along the Abel Tasman coastline, Cultural Experience Night in Murupara, Optional transport back from Wellington to Auckland

Exclusions: Lunch and dinner - are at own expenses unless specified, Additional activities - such as bungy jumping