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New Zealand Whale Watching Cruises

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New Zealand
Lupines on the shore of Lake Tekapo
Milford Sound
Lake and mountains in Milford Sound, South Island, New Zealand
Auckland
Visit Auckland
Dunedin
A quiet morning near Dunedin
Invercargill
Cruising Milford Sound, New Zealand
The Snares
Clear Water and Tropical Island
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Embark on a journey to the enchanting shores of New Zealand, where the marine world beckons with its majestic inhabitants on our 6 awe-inspiring whale watching tours for 2025. New Zealand's waters are a sanctuary for these gentle giants, offering a rare opportunity to witness their grace in the wild. As you traverse the South Island's picturesque coastline or delve into the remote beauty of the Chatham and Subantarctic Islands, each day unfolds with the possibility of encounters that resonate with the soul. From the snow-capped peaks of Kaikōura to the rich biodiversity of the Southern Ocean, these tours promise an intimate connection with nature's wonders. With activities ranging from urban exploration to kayaking amidst icebergs, the diversity of experiences is as vast as the ocean itself. Starting at $5,775, set sail on a voyage that not only showcases whale watching but also immerses you in the splendor of wildlife viewing and adventure options. To weave these unforgettable marine narratives into your own tapestry of travel memories, contact one of Adventure Life's New Zealand specialists for help planning your next seamless trip.
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    • New Zealand
Wellington Cable Car
$7,404
EXPLORE

Best of New Zealand: North to South

New Zealand Self-drive Tour - 18 Day Itinerary
  • Hike through Auckland's west coast
  • Enjoy the glowworm cave at Waitomo
  • Visit Te Puia Geothermal
  • See skillful Māori crafts
  • Learn Māori customs and traditions
  • Tour Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Take part in a stargazing tour
  • Enjoy a Dart River jet boat tour
Starts / Ends:
Auckland / Queenstown
Activities:
Archaeological Site Visits, Helicopter Tours, Hiking, Village Visits, Whale Watching, Whitewater Rafting, Wildlife Viewing, Wine Tasting
Activity Level:
Easy Active
Explore New Zealand’s diverse landscapes on an 18-day North-to-South self-drive tour. Explore pristine beaches, rich Maori history, and Rotorua’s geothermal wonders. Visit the glowworm-lit Waitomo Caves and discover the natural beauty of Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage …
Tour Details
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Mount Aspiring - Lake Wanaka
$5,774
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Complete South Island Explorer

New Zealand Self-drive Tour - 14 Day Itinerary
  • Discover Christchurch's history
  • Enjoy Hanmer Springs hot pools
  • See marine mammals in Kaikoura
  • Visit Abel Tasman National Park
  • Hike the Franz Josef Glacier
  • Enjoy Dart River jet boat tour
  • Explore Queenstown and Milford Soun
  • See glacier in Mt Cook National Par
Starts / Ends:
Christchurch / Christchurch
Activities:
Helicopter Tours, Hiking, Village Visits, Whale Watching, Whitewater Rafting, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Easy Active
Set out on an unforgettable 14-day adventure through New Zealand's South Island, where every stop reveals a new wonder. Start in Christchurch, the vibrant gateway to the South Island, before relaxing in the thermal pools of Hanmer Springs. Experience the wildlife in Kaikoura, followed by the …
Tour Details
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Lake and mountains in Milford Sound, South Island, New Zealand
$6,895
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South Island & Fiords of New Zealand

13 Day Itinerary aboard Coral Adventurer
  • Spot Solander Island's Wildlife
  • Explore Fiordland National Park
  • Sight whales at Kaikoura
  • See Mitre Peak and Stirling Falls
Starts / Ends:
Port of Bluff / Wellington
Activities:
Hiking, Kayaking, Small Ship Sailing, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Embark on a 13-day expedition cruise aboard Coral Adventurer to explore the stunning Fiordland of New Zealand and its surrounding islands. Set sail from Bluff and cruise past Solander Island, an Important Bird Area rich in wildlife, including penguins and albatrosses. Explore Fiordland's iconic …
Cruise Details
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Snares Penguin on The Snares Island
$15,295
Savings
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Subantarctic Discovery

Roundtrip Dunedin - 15 Day Itinerary aboard Douglas Mawson
  • Cross the Drake Passage
  • Explore Antarctic wildlife
  • Explore Antarctic Peninsula
  • Attend lectures
Starts / Ends:
Dunedin / Dunedin
Activities:
Adventure Options, Photography Seminars, Small Ship Cruises, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Embark on a 15-day Subantarctic Discovery Expedition Cruise roundtrip Dunedin, New Zealand aboard Douglas Mawson to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Australian and New Zealand Subantarctic Islands. Discover the rugged beauty and rich wildlife of Stewart and Ulva Islands. Observe endemic …
Cruise Details
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New Caledonia
$11,695
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Grand Pacific Odyssey - Extension

25 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
  • Sail through Hauraki Gulf
  • Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites
  • Visit the remote Bonin Islands
  • Experience Bougainville Island
Starts / Ends:
Auckland / Osaka
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Join the Grand Pacific Odyssey, a 25-day cruise from New Zealand to Japan aboard Heritage Adventurer. This adventure balances remote island visits, coral reef snorkeling, cultural exchanges, and wildlife encounters. Explore UNESCO World Heritage Site Norfolk Island, French-influenced New …
Cruise Details
0
Colorful trees in Osaka
$11,695
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Western Pacific Odyssey - Extension

25 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
  • Sail through Hauraki Gulf
  • Explore Norfolk Island's birds
  • Rare seabird and marine sightings
  • Visit rainforests and beaches
Starts / Ends:
Auckland / Osaka
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Embark on a 25 day expedition from Auckland to Kavieng with Heritage Adventurer, a birdwatcher's dream come true. Explore the Mokohinau Islands, Norfolk Island, and New Caledonia, encountering rare seabirds like the New Zealand Storm Petrel and Kagu. Immerse yourself in the rich history of …
Cruise Details
0
1-6 of 6 Results
TrustScore 4.8 | 407 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
total score
Based on 407 reviews on
review score
4 months ago
Professional and courteous
Iziah Carthens
review score
5 months ago
We received an immediate response from Kassandra who reserved our cruise as soon as she got a confirmation from us. Maria and Jess also were in touch right away.
Lynda Wallach
review score
9 months ago
The travel specialists we've worked with for 2 vacations have made the trip planning process easy! They ask good questions to ensure they understand our goals and likes and have done an excellent job matching adventures with our preferences - even suggesting things we would not have thought about on our own!
Amy
review score
9 months ago
Attention to details. Flexible and always responsive. Great relationships and local partners.
Mark Esposito

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