Discover why Aotearoa New Zealand makes a splash as the world’s most popular whale watching destination.
Whales hold many records in the animal kingdom. The blue whale is the biggest animal that has ever lived; the sperm whale has the largest brain; and the Cuvier’s beaked whale holds the record for the deepest dive, reaching a depth of nearly 10,000 feet (3,000 metres). That’s almost the length of the Great Wall of China.
New Zealand looks after the fourth largest marine territory in the world and plays a leading role in the management and protection of the region's whales. It is also a recognised world leader in marine mammal protection.
Almost half the world’s whale species are found in New Zealand waters, thanks to its food-rich seas. It is also along the migratory path of the largest whales, as they make their way to and from Antarctica. Some species, such as sperm whales, are easy to spot and attract tourists from around the globe. Others, such as beaked whales, are rarely seen and only make their presence known when they beach themselves because they’re injured or ill.
Whales can be seen in New Zealand waters all year round, but in some parts of New Zealand, winter (June to August) is the best time to see them. See below for the country's top top whale-watching locations, when to go, and what you'll see.
Kaikōura is one of the world’s top whale-watching locations. These magnificent creatures are drawn to the Kaikōura Canyon, a two-kilometre-deep underwater canyon off the coast of Kaikōura that’s teeming with marine life, providing a rich food supply.
The region’s unique ocean currents also play a crucial role. Here, warm currents from the north meet colder currents from the south, causing nutrients deep within the ocean to rise towards the surface. This nutrient-rich environment supports a diverse array of marine life, from plankton and krill to dolphins and whales.
You can see giant sperm whales year-round, often close to the shore. Humpback whales and southern right whales are more likely to be spotted from May to September. During this period, whales move closer to the shore where their food is most abundant. They are also more social and exhibit behaviours such as breaching and tail slapping.
In contrast, during the summer months (December to February), whales are more likely to be found in deeper waters, as their food sources, like krill, are scarcer in shallow waters. This is also when you might observe whales singing, mating, and calving behaviours. Humpback whales are particularly interesting at this time of year because they have complex songs and courtship displays.
Whale Watch Kaikōura offers excellent tours with a 95% success rate for whale spotting and an 80% refund if your tour does not see a whale. They also guide you on when to take the perfect shot of the tail before it disappears.
E-Ko Tours offers whale watching tours in the stunning Marlborough Sounds during the winter months, when migrating humpback whales that pass through the Cook Strait. The tour also includes a visit to the historic Perano Whale Station, a restored whaling station.
Unlike most whale-watching tours where the guides do all the spotting, E-Ko Tours hand you a pair of binoculars and tell you to keep your eyes on the water. This hands-on approach makes the experience much more rewarding. Plus, you’ll be contributing to whale conservation efforts, as your sightings are reported to the Department of Conservation to help monitor whale populations.
This Bay of Islands is known for its crystal-clear waters and abundance of marine life. It is also popular with large populations of humpback and pilot whales, which can be spotted during the winter months.
Hop on an Explore Group tour, departing from the nearby charming towns of Paihia or Russell. These three-hour tours are not just about whales – get ready to meet dolphins, seals, and perhaps a few surprises along the way.
Experience the excitement of whale watching in the Bay of Plenty with Bay Explorer. This beautiful coastal spot is the perfect place to see rare southern right whales, which migrate through the area. The best time to spot them is in spring and autumn when they travel between the sub-Antarctic waters of the Southern Ocean and the warmer waters off the southern coast of Australia.
Where the whales go from October to May is a mystery. It is believed they head for rich feeding grounds in the Southern Ocean to build up their reserves for the winter, when feeding is less of a priority.
Orcas, the largest dolphins, are also a highlight. There are three resident populations in New Zealand: one off the North Island, one off the South Island, and a third group that moves between both regions. You’re most likely to see them in the Bay of Plenty in June, and again from October to December. They are often found in Tauranga Harbour, where they hunt for stingrays.
