Where to see wild Whales and Dolphins in New Zealand
Last updated on May 17th, 2026 at 06:01 am
New Zealand is one of the best places in the world to see whales and dolphins in the wild. From the deep coastal waters of Kaikōura to the subtropical bays of Bay of Islands, you can spot sperm whales, humpback whales, orcas, bottlenose dolphins, dusky dolphins, and even rare blue whales throughout the year. Whale and dolphin watching tours operate in both the North and South Islands, and many of them are available year-round for some wonderful and responsible eco-tourism experiences.
It doesn’t matter if you want to cruise the sea with playful dolphins, watch giant whales breach offshore, or photograph the marine wildlife against some dramatic coastal scenery – New Zealand offers all of this. In this guide, I will cover the best places to see whales and dolphins in New Zealand, the top seasons for sightings, and travel tips to help you plan your whale and dolphin adventure.
Good luck and enjoy!!
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Plan for your trip
Flights – use skyscanner or booking.com to find and book your flight – I often find the same flight for a lot cheaper than booking direct with the airline!
Insurance – Use EKTA or SafetyWing. TBH I usually use EKTA – they accept any nationality, any age and its ok if you are already traveling – which is perfect for me!
Accommodation – use booking.com or for a hostel – Hostelworld. I use both.
Internet – buy a yesim eSim or Airalo before you go. I use both depending on where I am going.
Buses, trains, ferries – 12Go is always my first option for buses, ferries and trains
Car rental – use DiscoverCars – they are my ‘go-to’ car rental site
Hiking – I use AllTrails for online and offline hiking trails – it means you know exactly where you are on the trail and makes getting lost a lot harder!!
Tours and Activities – book with Viator, GetYourGuide, or Eatwith. My top recommendations for the wildlife must see’s are:
1. Kaikoura whale watching by boat
2. Kaikoura whale watching flight or helicopter
3. Half-Day Swimming with Dolphins Tour from Tauranga
4. Akaroa Dolphin Nature Cruise with GYG or with Viator to see Hector’s dolphins
5. Kaikoura whale watching day trip from Christchurch with Pacific Coastal train
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What whales are there in New Zealand and when can you see them?
Sperm whales – year round.
Humpback whales – from May to September during their winter migration – with best viewing in June and July.
Bryde’s whales – year round.
Southern Right whales – May to October although they are not very common on the mainland and more often seen in the sub-Antarctic islands.
Beaked whales – you are very unlikely to see them unless there is a stranding on a beach (which is a sad sad sight) and can happen at any time of year.
You can also see Killer whales, known as Orcas, and Pilot whales in New Zealand – but guess what? These are actually dolphins not whales – so they are included in the dolphin section below!
Where can you see whales in New Zealand
These are the key spots for whale watching in New Zealand:
Kaikoura
Kaikoura is the whale watching capital of New Zealand, followed by Auckland! In Kaikoura the sperm whale is the big draw year round and the only place in the world currently that you can see them on a tour.
In the right season the humpback and southern right whales just add to the excitement! You might also see blue whales, orcas and pilot whales as well as other dolphins. You can see why its the capital of whale watching!
To actually see the whales in Kaikoura there are plenty of options to choose from – either by boat, by helicopter, or by plane! All are fantastic and you might even decide you want to see them on the boats as well as from the air! (I can recommend this for the different perspectives!) I recommend this whale watching flight (but do read the very few negative reviews please to make sure you are comfortable with it and in case things have changed since I did it)! And this whale watching by boat trip – again read the recent and the negative reviews so you know the worst case scenarios!
Its important to keep in mind everyone will get a different experience depending on what the whales are up to that day. But the success rate is 95% and some operators have a refund policy if you don’t see them.
Note that there are day trips from Christchurch to Kaikoura which have visit to a winery and other things included. Worth a look if you have a day spare in Chch! This day trip from Christchurch includes whale watching and the Pacific Coastal train one way. This one is a bit cheaper and goes via van both ways!
Auckland – Hauraki Gulf
The Bryde’s whale is the main drawcard here, although people love to see orcas (dolphins) too. Allthe trips herre are wildlife or dolphin and whale watching trips so there is no guarantee, or near guarantee, of seeing whales like in Kaikoura. But it will still be a great trip out n the water in the Hauraki Gulf and islands.
A popular option is to go on this GetYourGuide Whale and Dolphin Watching Half-Day Eco Cruise. The same tour is on Viator here
Or you can take this GetYourGuide Tikapa Moana Whales, Dolphins and Islands Cruise which has an island stop as well. The same tour is also on Viator here. You may or may not see whales but will be unlucky if you don’t see dolphins!
Bay of islands, Whakatane, Marlborough Sounds
These places can also give you the opportunity to see whales, but it is more of a luck thing there. But if you are in the area – you never know! Read more below in the dolphin section.
You can also be lucky in places like Wellington and Napier where orcas are being seen more and more frequently in the harbor or bayside!
What dolphins are there in New Zealand and when can you see them?
There are eight different species of dolphin living regularly in New Zealand waters – some very rare like the Māui dolphins. More than eight other species and a porpoise have been sighted on occasion in New Zealand waters. The nine dolphin species are:
Māui dolphins – year round but more likely between December and March.
Hector’s dolphins – year round but best November to April.
Killer whale / Orca – year round but more often from May to July in the Bay of Islands and Hauraki Gulf, and, from December to March in Kaikoura and the Marlborough Sounds.
Bottlenose dolphin – year round but more often between December and March.
Dusky dolphin – year round but more often between December and March.
Common dolphin – year round but more often between December and March.
Pilot whales – year round but more often between December and March.
Risso’s dolphin – year round but they prefer deep water and are not so common on the coast.
Where can you see dolphins in New Zealand
Honestly, you can see dolphins all around the country, but some places you are much more likely than others to see them. The greatest moments are when you unexpectedly see them. Like the day I was on my own kayaking around Pippin Island near Nelson and suddenly was surrounded by literally a couple of hundred dolphins – it was unbelievably wonderful.
Places you have a good chance of seeing dolphins in New Zealand, just through luck when you are at the beach or surfing or kayaking, are in the Nelson / Abel Tasman area, the Catlins coast, and the Coromandel. They are do sometimes hang out with swimmers on beaches in the Coromandel and the Tauranga area, and often with surfers off the Catlins coast or Riverton. Curio Bay is a great place to look out for them from the beach.
Below I have details of tours that take you to see or swim with dolphins and have a very very high chance of seeing or swimming with them.
Kaikoura
To see Dusky dolphins and maybe Hector’s dolphins this is a top spot – along with the whale watching! Any of the whale watching tours will also look out for dolphins so you can enjoy them as well. For a bit of exercise and lot of fun, you can also try this wildlife kayaking tour! Or from Christchurch you can do this Kaikoura dolphin encounter tour.
Akaroa
To see Hector’s dolphins, Akaroa is the go-to place as this is where the largest number live. Take a highly rated Dolphin Nature Cruise with GYG or with Viator.
Note: I do not recommend taking the swim with dolphin option as it is twice the price and you often don’t get to swim with them anyway as they are very shy and the weather / water condition plays a big part. And its probably better for the dolphins peace!
Auckland and Hauraki Gulf
To see Orcas, bottlenose dolphins, or common dolphins, this is the top spot in New Zealand. You might also see Bryde’s Whales! Orcas love this area because there is plenty of food here – they love eating stingrays!!
A popular option, if you don’t have your own boat, is to go on this GetYourGuide Whale and Dolphin Watching Half-Day Eco Cruise. The same tour is on Viator here
Or you can take this GetYourGuide Tikapa Moana Whales, Dolphins and Islands Cruise which has an island stop as well. The same tour is also on Viator here. You may or may not see whales but will be unlucky if you don’t see dolphins!
Tauranga
In Tauranga you can take this half day dolphin watching tour. But you might also see penguins, seals, whales, sharks, and maybe even turtles. You also get nice views of Mt. Maunganui and Moturiki Island.
You can also go on this Half-Day Swimming with Dolphins Tour which will get you in the thick of lots of dolphins. Note – you wont be able to swim with the dolphins if they have babies with them.
Marlborough Sounds
You can see whales here on occasion, but dolphins are pretty common. You often see bottlenose dolphins, the common dolphin, and the dusky dolphin, and not so often, the endangered Hector’s dolphin.
This Motuara Island Sanctuary: Wildlife & Dolphin Watching Tour is a good place to go for some lovely cruising in the sounds and opportunities to see the wildlife. Another option, which is really interesting, even though it is not focussed on seeing the dolphins or other wildlife, is the Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat Cruise from Picton. You might see dolphins on this cruise and you get to deliver the mail and more to the people that live in the beautiful Sounds!
Southland, Coromandel, and the Bay of Islands
As I said earlier, Southland is a great place for viewing the dolphins yourself from the beach. Nothing is guaranteed but chances are high especially the Catlins Coast and Riverton.
In the Bay of Islands you are quite likely to see dolphins on any of the cruises around the islands like this one which is marine mammal accredited and actively keeps an eye out for dolphins and whales. And if you prefer a small group on a yacht that also looks for wildlife and takes you snorkelling try this sailing tour which is the only yacht licensed for dolphin viewing in the bay.
The Coromandel is another place you might get to accidentally swim with dolphins if they come and play with you at the beach. But for a higher chance of seeing them and for a fascinating trip in the Aldermen Islands Marine Reserve try this tour with Richie leaving from Tairua!
Frequently asked questions about whale and dolphin watching in New Zealand
Q: Are whale watching tours ethical in New Zealand?
A: New Zealand is generally regarded as having strong marine wildlife protections and strict regulations for whale tourism with things like minimum distances, speed restrictions, limits on nearby vessels, and protected interactions with dolphins and calves.
Q: Can you swim with dolphins in New Zealand?
A: Yes — in certain locations and under regulated conditions, e.g. Akaroa or Kaikōura.
Q: Is whale watching in Kaikōura worth it?
A: I think so and it seems most that do it think so too. Sightings are very common – 90% or higher, you get up close to the whales, you are offered 80% refunds if you don’t see the whales, and the scenery is pretty dramatic. But do note that you are likely to see 1 or 2 whales and extra are a bonus! Some people prefer the dolphin watching tours because you see so many more animals!
Q: Do people get seasick on whale watching tours?
A: yes, especially around Kaikōura where waters can be rough.
Q: Is a whale-watching flight better than a boat tour?
A: Its a very individual thing – some travelers prefer flights because they avoid seasickness, give amazing overhead views, and flights are less weather-dependent.
But others prefer boats for much closer encounters and you often get the bonus of dolphins too.
Q: Do whale watching tours get cancelled because of weather?
A: Yes – especially in Kaikōura where the sea can be rough. Allow extra time in your itinerary.
Q: What are the chances of actually seeing whales on a tour?
A: In Kaikoura you have an over 90% chance.
Travel Tips for whale and dolphin watching in New Zealand
- If you get motion sickness or sea sickness, take medication early before your trip, avoid heavy meals beforehand, and sit near the center of the boat. It is often calmer in the morning than the afternoon too, so try and book a morning tour.
- Build in some flexibility for whale watching, especially around Kaikoura where the weather can often mean the trip is cancelled for safety reasons. (Not so often if you are on a whale watching flight.) That way if your trip is cancelled you might be able to go the next day.
- You can see whales all year round in NZ. Certain species – notably sperm whales near Kaikōura and Bryde’s whales near Auckland, are seen throughout the year.
- Winter is peak season for whale watching. In summary this is when you see whales:
Sperm whales – year-round
Humpback whales – June–September
Orcas – June and October–December
Dolphins – year-round
Where to stay in New Zealand
Accommodation – book a place to stay at any of these places in the country with booking.com or a hostel with Hostelworld. I have given a few highly rated options below for key spots!
In Kaikoura
For an apartment – the Glenburn Coastal Retreat, or, Waves Apartments
Mid range – The Fairways Accommodation Kaikoura or The Pier Hotel
Budget range and Backpackers – stay at either the Kaikoura Sea Side Lodge or the Dusky Lodge & Backpackers
In Auckland
Higher end – the Park Hyatt Auckland, or, InterContinental Auckland By IHG
Mid range – Hotel DeBrett or Hotel Grand Chancellor or Horizon By SkyCity
Budget and Backpackers – for a lovely homestay try Kiwi Heritage Homestay. For backpackers the LyLo Auckland and JO&JOE Auckland are both top-rated!
In Akaroa
These three are very highly rated BnBs and any would be great: French Bay House, or, Beaufort House Akaroa, or L’Abri.
For a lower budget, but good reviews, try Fantail at Bluestone Retreat or the Akaroa Top 10 Holiday Park which does everything from rooms to camping.
Thanks so much if you use one of these links – it costs you nothing but helps me keep writing!!
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