Experience Kaikōura, New Zealand’s coastal sanctuary where wildlife, adventure and natural beauty converge.
Our curated Kaikōura Tours go beyond the ordinary, they’re an invitation to connect with the land, sea and sky. Witness majestic whales and dusky dolphins in their natural habitat, savour local seafood by the ocean and take in breathtaking alpine-meets-ocean views from the sky.
Discover Kaikōura with a scenic flight over snow-dusted peaks and ocean in unforgettable style. As night falls, embark on the Star Flight Zipline & Stargazing Experience, soaring through native forest under a canopy of stars.
From marine encounters to sky-high thrills, Kaikōura offers a soul-stirring blend of wonder and wilderness.
Why Book Kaikōura Tours With Us
Curated for quality
We only feature Rotorua 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
Year-Round Tours
Our top-rated Kaikōura Tours run in every season, rain or shine
Best Price Guarantee
Book with confidence knowing you’re getting the best rate available
Getting There
Our Kaikōura Tours from Christchurch include convenient pick-up and drop-off, making your coastal escape seamless and stress-free. The 180-kilometre (112-mile) journey takes you through the rolling Canterbury Plains, charming country towns and along one of New Zealand’s most scenic coastal highways.
Travel past Waipara’s renowned vineyards, where rows of vines stretch across sunlit hillsides, then follow the dramatic coastline where the mountains meet the sea. Keep an eye out for seals basking on the rocks and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.
It’s a laid-back, visually stunning drive that sets the tone for the wildlife encounters, alpine backdrops and coastal charm waiting in Kaikōura.
Best Kaikōura Tours
Expertly curated Kaikōura adventure tours
Star Flight Zipline & Star Gazing Experience
Join us for an unforgettable experience with renowned astrophotographer Rachel Gillespie an extraordinary evening of ziplining beneath a breathtaking canopy of stars.
In September 2024, Kaikōura became only the 22nd town in the world to receive the prestigious Dark Sky Sanctuary designation, awarded exclusively to locations with exceptionally pristine night skies. Free from light pollution, the Kaikōura sanctuary offers a dazzling view of the cosmos—where stars burn bright, celestial wonders abound, and the Milky Way stretches vividly across the heavens.
- Location: Kaikōura
- Duration: Approx. 4 hours
- Price: From $399 NZD per adult
Whales by air & Dolphins by Sea
Soar above the ocean on our whale watching flight and see everything Kaikōura has to offer from a birds eye view. Then get up close and personal with the dolphins on a dolphin spotting boat cruise. For those with an appetite for excitement, upgrade your tour and join the pod in the water with a dolphin swim. If you want to make the most out of your Kaikōura visit, you've come to the right place!
- Location: Kaikōura
- Duration: Approx. 5 hours
- Price: From $375 NZD per adult
Kaikōura Ziplining & Native forest trail
Set amongst native bush on a working farm station just 15 minutes south of Kaikōura township, EcoZip Adventures is an award-winning adventure and eco-tourism destination, offering state-of-the-art flying-fox ziplines and a beautiful, eco-immersive experience. Dedicated to lovers of nature and adventure of all ages, you’ll enjoy ‘the complete Kaikōura experience’ with us, riding a series of 5 giant flying-fox ziplines side-by-side through beautiful Rakanui Station. The experience comprises native-tree covered hills, verdant valleys, braided rivers, cascading waterfalls, rolling farmland and spectacular 360 degree 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)
Kaikōura, whose name translates to ‘eat crayfish’ in English, is a small coastal town often overlooked by tourists. Caught between the Kaikōura Ranges - which in the winter are snowcapped and a sight to behold - and the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean (Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa), this area is truly breathtaking. Known for the wildlife who love to inhabit this part of Aotearoa’s east coast, even being named one of the most beautiful small towns in the world by luxury travel bible, Conde Nast Traveler, in 2023.
- 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)
join us as we venture north to the Kaikōura Peninsula, (Te Taumanu-o-te-waka-a-Māui) which was the seat where Māui sat when he fished the North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui) up from the depths of the ocean. What can we say except you’re welcome to soak in the panoramic views and spot all the marine wildlife this town has to offer. You will be driven in comfort by our modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter (or similar) packed with the extras to make the trip that bit easier. Led by our fun, knowledgeable, and passionate tour guides, and including a Dolphin Encounter Tour (approximately 4 hours) this journey is one you will never forget.
- 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)
Upon arriving in Kaikōura, our guide will take you for a classic Kiwi fish and chip lunch, before we drop you at your pre-booked Whale Watching Flight experience. Here you will be able to view the beauty and wonder of Kaikōura’s marine wildlife from above. Seeing the true expanse of whales from the best view - above. From the air, you’ll enjoy the best possible view of the entire whale—something you simply can’t get from a boat. Watch in awe as the massive sperm whales, reaching up to 18 metres long, glide through the deep waters of the Kaikōura Canyon.
- 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
Launching in 2025, this thrilling new night-time adventure combines ziplining under the stars with a guided stargazing session led by renowned astrophotographer Rachel Gillespie.Small group tours from Christchurch
Premium small group tours to Kaikōura and back now available from Christchurch – including stops at local highlights and seamless transfers to Kaikōura’s top experiences.Zip-lining adventures in Kaikōura now bookable
Fly above native bush and coastal cliffs – an unforgettable, eco-friendly zipline experience 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 Booking & Best Prices
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Restore While You Explore
Discover the perfect balance of wellness and adventure
Book now to secure your spot on our top-rated Kaikōura Tours