What to do and see in Kaikoura, South Island: The Best Tours

Watch whales and swim with dolphins. This is a overnight delight for all those who wish to get close to nature. Journey from Christchurch to Kaikoura, where you will take a whale watch tour. Overnight in this tiny coastal town, before joining your Swim with Dolphins cruise. Dive into the oceans and swim next to these amazing mammals. A marine experience unmatched by any other.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Live commentary on board, Overnight accommodation, Whale watch tour by boat, Fur seal colony viewing, Swim with Dolphins, Use of Snorkelling equipment, North Canterbury vineyard visit and wine tasting, GST (Goods and Services Tax

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified

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

Soar above it all on our longest and most exclusive helicopter tour for an unforgettable adventure viewing amazing wildlife and scenery. This 60 minute trip over stunning Kaikoura takes in ocean and mountains in a one of a kind adventure that has you orbiting sperm whales and viewing marine life, then heading to the mountains for an alpine landing for the chance to walk around for incredible views in a remote and rugged location. Slowly orbit and view the entire whale on this extended tour with Kāikoura's only locally owned and operated helicopter company.

Inclusions: Scenic helicopter flight to view whales and other wildlife, Alpine landing high in the Seaward Kaikoura Mountain Ranges, with snow landing during winter season, Headsets to hear the pilot clearly during your flight, Live commentary from our pilots, Round-trip transfer to and from town available, contact the 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

Small Groups - Maximum 18 travellers per tour. NZ Family Owned since 1971 - Many NZ tour companies are Australian owned. Off the Beaten Track Destinations - where big coaches can't go. Flexibility - Time to add as many (or few) activities around the country as you like. Walking - For those who would like to, there are lots of short walks all over the country, your guides will help you find them. Kiwi Guides - Our guides are all passionate Kiwis who know the country like the back of their hands.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Private transportation, 20 Included Activities as per itinerary

Exclusions: Flights from your home country to New Zealand, Single Accommodation Supplement for Sole Room Use.

Swim with wild New Zealand Fur Seals in the shallow waters of the beautiful Kaikoura Peninsula. This is an experience that you do not want to miss! All equipment is provided and no experience is necessary. Recently listed as one of the world's 'Top 10 Best Marine Encounters'. Don't miss out!

Inclusions: Half-day tour, Local guide, Local taxes, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions:

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