Experience Kaikōura, New Zealand’s coastal sanctuary where wildlife, adventure and natural beauty converge. Famous for its year-round whale watching, playful dusky dolphins, and the rare chance to see albatross up close, Kaikōura is one of the world’s great marine wildlife destinations.
Our curated Kaikōura tours from Christchurch and beyond include everything from small group day trips along the stunning coastal highway to unforgettable experiences in Kaikōura itself – from scenic whale flights and dolphin cruises to ziplining through native forest and stargazing in one of the world’s newest Dark Sky Sanctuaries.
With trusted local operators, exceptional reviews and carefully crafted itineraries, every Kaikōura tour is designed to connect you with the land, sea and sky. Whether it’s soaring above snow-dusted peaks, watching a sperm whale breach, or sharing the night sky with the Milky Way stretched above, Kaikōura offers a soul-stirring blend of wonder and wilderness.
Why Book Kaikōura Tours With Us
Only The Best
We handpick only the best tours with consistently excellent reviews
Trusted Local Operators
We partner exclusively with established and reputable tour providers
Guided Small Group Tours
Travel in comfort with experienced guides who share local insights and hidden gems
Easy & Secure Booking
Book with confidence - safe payments and friendly support
Getting There
Kaikōura is easily reached from Christchurch, with our small group day tours including pick-up and drop-off for a seamless coastal escape. The 180-kilometre (112-mile) drive takes around 2.5 hours, leading you through the Canterbury Plains, past Waipara’s renowned vineyards, and along one of New Zealand’s most dramatic coastal highways. Seals bask on the rocks, the Pacific Ocean (Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa) stretches endlessly to your right, and the Kaikōura Ranges rise straight from the sea.
If you’re already in town, several of our top-rated tours depart directly from Kaikōura, including whale watching flights, dolphin encounters, and zipline adventures set among native forest. This means you can choose to join a day trip from Christchurch or simply meet your guides in Kaikōura and dive straight into the experience.
Best Kaikōura Tours
Expertly curated Kaikōura adventure tours
Star Flight Zipline & Star Gazing Experience
Soar through native forest on a thrilling zipline before pausing under one of the world’s newest Dark Sky Sanctuaries. With expert guides and astrophotography, this unforgettable night combines adventure and stargazing in pure Kaikōura style.
- Location: Kaikōura
- Duration: Approx. 4 hours
- Price: From $399 NZD per adult
Whales by air & Dolphins by Sea
See the best of Kaikōura from every angle. Take to the skies on a whale-watching flight, then head out to sea on a dolphin cruise - with the option to join the pod for a swim. A perfect mix of exhilaration and connection with nature.
- Location: Kaikōura
- Duration: Approx. 5 hours
- Price: From $375 NZD per adult
Kaikōura Ziplining & Native forest trail
Fly side-by-side on five state-of-the-art ziplines across valleys, rivers and waterfalls at Rakanui Station. Set in native bush just outside Kaikōura, this eco-adventure blends adrenaline with sweeping alpine-to-ocean views.
- Location: Kaikōura
- Duration: Approx. 4 hours
- Price: From $189 NZD per adult
Kaikōura Tours from Christchurch
Expertly curated Kaikōura adventure tours
Kaikōura Day Tour From Christchurch With Whale Watch (Small Group, Carbon Neutral)
Travel in comfort along the scenic coastal highway before joining an iconic whale-watching cruise in Kaikōura. Spot giant sperm whales, dolphins and seabirds on this small group, carbon-neutral journey.
- To: Kaikōura
- From: Christchurch (return trip)
- Duration: Approx. 10 hours
- Price: From $380 NZD per adult
Kaikōura Day Tour From Christchurch With Dolphin Encounter (Small Group, Carbon Neutral)
Journey from Christchurch to Kaikōura and experience the joy of a dolphin encounter. Cruise alongside playful pods or upgrade to swim with them on this small group, carbon-neutral tour led by expert local guides.
- To: Kaikōura
- From: Christchurch (return trip)
- Duration: Approx. 10 hours
- Price: From $345 NZD per adult
Kaikōura Day Tour From Christchurch With Wings Over Whales Whale Watch Flight (Small Group, Carbon Neutral)
Combine a scenic road trip from Christchurch with the thrill of a whale-watching flight. From above, you’ll see the full scale of Kaikōura’s giant sperm whales against a backdrop of ocean and snow-capped ranges.
- To: Kaikōura
- From: Christchurch (return trip)
- Duration: Approx. 10 hours
- Price: From $475 NZD per adult
Latest Kaikōura Updates 2025:
Kaikōura designated a Dark Sky Sanctuary: In September 2024, Kaikōura became just the 22nd location worldwide to earn Dark Sky Sanctuary status, recognising its exceptionally clear, light-pollution-free skies – perfect for stargazing and astrophotography.
NEW Star Flight Zipline & Stargazing Experience: Launched in 2025, this thrilling new night-time adventure in Kaikōura combines ziplining under the stars with a guided stargazing session led by renowned astrophotographer Rachel Gillespie.
Small group tours from Christchurch to Kaikōura: Premium small group tours to Kaikōura and back are now available from Christchurch – including stops at local highlights and seamless transfers to Kaikōura’s top experiences, including Whale Watching and Dolphin Encounters.
Zip-lining adventures in Kaikōura now bookable: Fly above native bush and coastal cliffs – an unforgettable, eco-friendly zipline experience in Kaikōura that blends adrenaline and nature.
How We Select Our Kaikōura Tours
Why Retreats Abroad
Curated Experiences You Can Trust
We only feature top-rated experiences run by trusted hosts
Small Groups Led By Expert Guides
Explore deeper with local experts and like-minded travellers
Easy & Secure Booking
Secure your spot quickly and confidently
Restore While You Explore
Discover the perfect balance of wellness and adventure
Book now to secure your spot on our top-rated Kaikōura Tours