Whether you’re looking for a whale watching tour in the Bay of Islands, Marlborough Sounds, Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, or the Kaikoura region, New Zealand offers a range of opportunities. These New Zealand whale watching tours are ideal for seeing a range of sea life, including dolphins, seals, and sperm whales.
Bay of Islands
Several species of whales are found in the Bay of Islands, including Bryde’s whales and blue whales. You can also see sperm whales, which have the largest brains of any animal. These whales can live for up to 70 years.
New Zealand is a member of the International Whaling Commission, and has a strong commitment to protecting whales. You can watch these whales by a number of methods. You can watch them by boat or by ultralight.
The best time to see whales is during the summer season. You should be able to spot them around the Hole in the Rock or in other areas of interest around the Bay. If you are lucky enough to spot a whale, make sure to keep 50 meters away from it. You can also watch them by helicopter.
You can also go on a guided kayaking trip or cruise around the bay. These are both great ways to see whales, and they provide a unique perspective on the Bay of Islands.
Another option is to go on a dolphin watching tour. These tours usually come with a whale watching tour, so you can see both marine mammals at the same time. Some tours even allow you to swim with dolphins. You can also look for passing orca’s while snorkeling.
A trip to the Bay of Islands from Auckland will take you through beautiful coastal countryside. You will have the opportunity to see dolphins and whales during your tour, which is one of the best ways to experience the marine life of New Zealand.
A day trip from Auckland will include air-conditioned vehicle transportation, an interactive commentary, and a stopover at an island. You will also have the chance to see orca and bottlenose dolphins. You will also be able to take photos and video of the marine life.
For a more adventurous experience, try parasailing. You can do this on a multi-day tour from Auckland. You can also take a helicopter tour to see the sperm whales. You will also be able to see the world’s smallest dolphin.
Marlborough Sounds
Located on the North East tip of New Zealand’s South Island, the Marlborough Sounds are a waterworld full of marine life and a hive of biodiversity. There are several ways to experience the Sounds, including dolphin swimming and whale watching tours.
The Marlborough Sounds are one of New Zealand’s most popular tourist destinations. The area is known for its abundant wildlife, including rare and endangered species, as well as a number of protected areas. In addition to whale watching tours, visitors can enjoy dolphin swimming, penguin swimming, and other water sports.
There are several companies that offer boat tours of the Marlborough Sounds. These tours range from half day trips to multi-day charters. Some cruises include wine tastings and gourmet meals. E-Ko Tours is one of the best companies for swimming with dolphins in Marlborough Sounds.
There are several wildlife sanctuaries in the Marlborough Sounds, including Motuara Island Sanctuary, which is home to Tui, Kereru, and rare yellow-crowned parakeets. A short cruise from Picton will take visitors to this sanctuary. The sanctuary has 360-degree views of the surrounding islands and is a great place to see native birds, including kiwis, bellbirds, and bellbirds.
In winter, humpback whales can be seen in the Cook Strait and Marlborough Sounds. In fact, 50% of the world’s cetacean species can be found in New Zealand’s waters. Former whalers also gather information on whales for the Department of Conservation.
The Marlborough Sounds are home to a number of small, quiet bays that make it a great place to swim with dolphins. If you are lucky, you may even see orca passing through. In addition to swimming with dolphins, visitors can also take a whale watching tour to view whales in their natural habitat.
The Marlborough Sounds are the gateway between the North Island and the South Island of New Zealand. The region is also home to several wineries, including world-class Sauvignon Blanc. For visitors looking for a taste of local wine, Marlborough wine trails are available from Picton and Blenheim.
Picton is the northernmost point of State Highway 1 in the South Island. Visitors can also visit the Picton Museum.
Hauraki Gulf Marine Park
Located just off the coast of Auckland, Hauraki Gulf is a marine park with a population of dolphins and whales. It’s a great place to learn about these beautiful creatures and interact with marine research scientists.
Whales are present in Hauraki Gulf all year round. In fact, there are over 25 southern hemisphere marine mammals that have been identified in the region. These include common dolphins, sperm whales, orcas, hector’s dolphins, and blue whales.
There are several whale watching tour operators in Auckland. One of the most popular is Whale Watch Kaikoura, which offers whale watching tourist flights. They began in 1987 with a 6 metre (20 ft) boat and have since grown to become one of the most dominant whale watching organisations in Kaikoura.
Whales, dolphins, and other marine mammals are present all year round in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf. The whales are particularly visible between May and July. These whales migrate along the New Zealand coastline because they need food and a place to breed.
Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari runs daily whale watching tours into the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. These trips depart from the Viaduct Harbour and travel through the Huraki Gulf Marine Park, with views of Auckland, Devonport, Rangitoto Island, and North Head.
Hauraki Gulf is home to several endangered marine mammals, including Bryde’s whales. It is also home to a resident population of huge sperm whales.
Whales and dolphins are spotted all year round, and you can expect to see a variety of marine birds and seals. You can also look for orcas, the largest dolphin family. These whales travel in packs of five or ten dolphins. They are playful and social.
Whale watching tours in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf Marine Park are a great way to experience the wonders of New Zealand’s marine life. There is also the option of taking a guided kayaking trip, or hiring your own private boat.
For the ultimate whale watching experience, book a dolphin cruise in Auckland. This will not only give you a chance to interact with marine research scientists, but will also guarantee that you will see dolphins in their natural habitat.
Kaikoura
Located on the eastern side of New Zealand’s South Island, Kaikoura is known for its abundant marine wildlife. It’s one of the country’s most popular coastal tourist destinations. The area is renowned for dolphins, fur seals, and a number of whale species.
Whale watching tours are offered by various companies. The tours are arranged by local guides, who know the whales’ habits and the waters. The tours can be taken on board a boat or from the air.
Sperm whales are the main attraction. They are resident in Kaikoura and put on a show for visitors. These whales are known for their friendly nature. You can also see Dusky dolphins and Fur Seals.
Sperm whales can be spotted all year round. They are very intelligent creatures and hunt in groups. They are the largest species in the dolphin family. They have a waxy liquid inside their heads that acts as a lubricant.
Other species that can be spotted include the blue whale, humpback whale, and pilot whale. If you’re interested in seeing whales, the best season is between June and August. It’s best to take a whale watching tour early in the day, when the ocean is calm.
Kaikoura has been a whaling station since the early European colonization. In 1964, whaling in New Zealand was banned. The area was then turned into a tourist destination. The increase in tourism created jobs in the tourism industry and other sectors.
Whale watching tours are one of the most popular attractions in Kaikoura. Whales migrate to the warmer waters of New Zealand’s south in the summer months. The whales stop in the food rich bay around Kaikoura to feed.
Whale Watch is a Maori-owned and operated company. They pride themselves on providing visitors with a quality whale watching experience. They also care about the natural environment and have worked with local schools to give students work experience. They offer an 80% refund if no whales are seen. They also donate to local schools.
The company’s vessels are crewed by experienced Sperm Whale experts. They have a 95% success rate in finding whales.