New Zealand Whale Watching Cruises

Travel made your way ™
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
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal New Zealand trip. Call 800.344.6118
Start Planning My Trip
Embark on a journey to the enchanting shores of New Zealand, where the marine world beckons with its majestic inhabitants on our 10 awe-inspiring whale watching tours for 2027. 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 $6,285, 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.
Filter (10 Results)
  • Start Date
    Months
    Years
  • Length
    to
  • Price
    to
  • Activity Levels
  • Experiences
  • Activities
  • Ships
  • Destinations
    • New Zealand
Wellington Cable Car
from $8,163
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
Activity Level
Easy Active
Experience the best of New Zealand on this 18-day epic self-drive tour. Explore geothermal wonders, cultural heritage, and adventure across both islands, from Auckland to the South. Enjoy Māori cultural performances, visit Waitomo Caves, and Discover Tongariro National Park. Then head to the South to experience the stunning vistas and rugged landscapes.
Tour Details
0
Mount Aspiring - Lake Wanaka
from $6,481
EXPLORE

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
Whitewater Rafting, Hiking
Activity Level
Easy Active
Explore the South Island of New Zealand on an unforgettable 14-day adventure. Discover stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and unique wildlife. From glaciers to beaches, this journey offers thrilling outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and breathtaking natural beauty at every turn
Tour Details
0
Beautiful view of Akaroa
from $12,650
EXPLORE

New Zealand in Depth

Dunedin to Auckland - 14 Day Itinerary aboard SH Minerva
  • Explore historic Dunedin streets
  • Spot yellow-eyed penguins
  • Explore Ulva Island sanctuary
  • Explore Abel Tasman National Park
Starts / Ends
Dunedin / Auckland
Activities
Kayaking, Archaeological Site Visits, Village Visits, Wine Tasting, Scuba Diving, Rainforest Exploration
Activity Level
Variable
Explore New Zealand from Dunedin to Auckland on a 14-day cruise aboard SH Minerva, visiting Fiordland, Stewart Island, Akaroa, Kaikoura, Picton, Wellington, Tauranga, and the Bay of Islands. Spot penguins, seals, dolphins, whales, and native birds while visiting conservation areas, cruising scenic waterways, and exploring local attractions.
Cruise Details
0
Beautiful view of Akaroa
from $6,285
EXPLORE

New Zealand Coastal Odyssey

Auckland to Queenstown - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
  • See Rotorua geothermal and culture
  • Sail through Fiorland's waterfalls
  • Dunedin wildlife viewing
  • Visit the historic town of Akaroa
Starts / Ends
Auckland / Queenstown
Activity Level
Variable
Cruise New Zealand on a 13-day voyage aboard Heritage Adventurer. Visit Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Abel Tasman, Akaroa, Dunedin, Stewart Island, and Fiordland. Explore nature reserves, observe rare wildlife, and and cultural experiences before disembarking in Bluff with transfers to Invercargill or Queenstown.
Cruise Details
0
Queenstown, New Zealand
from $7,900
EXPLORE

New Zealand Coastal Odyssey

Auckland to Port of Bluff - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
  • See Rotorua geothermal wonders
  • Cruise Marlborough Sounds waterways
  • Explore Akaroa French heritage
  • Spot Fiordland's wildlife
Starts / Ends
Auckland / Queenstown
Activities
Helicopter Tours
Activity Level
Variable
Sail New Zealand on a 12-day cruise aboard Heritage Adventurer. Explore Rotorua geothermal sites, Wellington culture, Marlborough Sounds, Akaroa, Dunedin wildlife, Stewart Island nature, and Fiordland fjords with guided excursions, scenic cruising, and onboard lectures.
Cruise Details
0
Tunnel beach in South Island of New Zealand, Dunedin
from $13,750
EXPLORE

Australia & New Zealand Featuring Tasmania

Auckland to Sydney - 15 Day Itinerary aboard Silver Moon
  • Explore Auckland’s harbor
  • Discover Tauranga and Rotorua
  • Cruise Milford Sound
  • Encounter Stewart Island wildlife
Starts / Ends
Auckland / Sydney
Activities
Urban Exploration, Fishing, Biking, Local Market Visits
Activity Level
Variable
Board Silver Moon for a 15-day cruise from Auckland to Sydney. Explore New Zealand's geothermal wonders in Tauranga, Art Deco Napier, and the majestic fjords of Doubtful and Milford Sound. You then cross to Australia to visit Hobart's markets and Eden's rugged coast before concluding your trip at the iconic Sydney Harbor.
Cruise Details
0
A Weddell seal watches the ship cruise by
from $39,180
EXPLORE

Antarctica's Ross Sea: Majestic Ice & Wildlife

Roundtrip Christchurch - 24 Day Itinerary aboard Scenic Eclipse II
  • Explore Timaru coastal scenery
  • Navigate Ross Sea ice shelves
  • View Beaufort Adelie penguins
  • Visit historic Terra Nova Hut
Starts / Ends
Christchurch / Christchurch
Activities
Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Activity Level
Variable
Join a 24-day Antarctic cruise on the Scenic Eclipse II, exploring the Ross Sea and iconic landmarks like Ross Island and Mount Erebus. Witness unique wildlife, including emperor and Adelie penguins, before returning to Timaru.
Cruise Details
0
from $45,895
EBD
EXPLORE

Epic Antarctica: Crossing the 7th Continent

Dunedin - Ushuaia - 34 Day Itinerary aboard Greg Mortimer
  • Explore Dunedin’s vibrant culture
  • Follow in footsteps of explorers
  • Discover Ross Sea’s wildlife
  • Spot Macquarie Island’s wildlife
Starts / Ends
Dunedin / Port of Ushuaia
Activities
Photography Seminars
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 34-day expedition from Dunedin to Ushuaia aboard the Greg Mortimer, exploring the wonders of Antarctica. Follow in the footsteps of historic explorers while experiencing the stunning landscapes and untouched wilderness of the 7th continent.
Cruise Details
0
Aerial view of pack ice in Ross Sea, Antarctica
from $31,125
EXPLORE

Ultimate Antarctica Adventure from Ushuaia to Dunedin

Ushuaia - Dunedin - 34 Day Itinerary aboard SH Minerva
  • Explore South Shetland Islands
  • Marvel at Antarctic Peninsula
  • Spot wildlife at Peter Island
  • View the icy Bay of Whales
Starts / Ends
Buenos Aires / Dunedin
Activities
Wildlife Viewing, Whale Watching
Activity Level
Variable
Travel from Buenos Aires to Dunedin in 34 days aboard SH Minerva, exploring Antarctica, the Ross Sea, South Shetland Islands, Balleny Islands, and New Zealand's Sub-Antarctic Islands. Discover remote polar landscapes, historic expedition sites, volcanic islands, and wildlife-rich waters before reaching New Zealand.
Cruise Details
0
The Ross Sea Ice Shelf is Antarctica's largest ice shelf.
from $30,725
Save 50%
EXPLORE

Ultimate Antarctica Adventure from Ushuaia to Dunedin

Ushuaia - Dunedin - 34 Day Itinerary aboard SH Minerva
  • Explore Antarctic Peninsula glacier
  • Discover Ross Sea history
  • Encounter Balleny Islands wildlife
  • Cruise Sub-Antarctic Islands
Starts / Ends
Buenos Aires / Dunedin
Activity Level
Variable
Travel from Buenos Aires to Dunedin in 34 days aboard SH Minerva, exploring Antarctica, the Ross Sea, South Shetland Islands, Balleny Islands, and New Zealand's Sub-Antarctic Islands. Discover remote polar landscapes, historic expedition sites, volcanic islands, and wildlife-rich waters before reaching New Zealand.
Cruise Details
0
1-10 of 10 Results
  • 1

We do the homework for you.

Talk with an expert trip planner 800.344.6118

Plan My Trip
Tilly Pearson employee headshot
Tilly P.
Sheep and landscape
New Zealand

Chat New Zealand with a specialist

Our team is waiting and ready to talk with you about your next adventure. So go ahead and book an appointment with one of our specialized trip planners.

Let's Chat
800.344.6118

Where is your next adventure?

Contact Chat Call

Why Travel With Us?

Rewards That Go Further

Secure your 5% Past Traveler Rewards across a wide range of ships and destinations - not a single brand and not just cruises.

More Value, Less Risk

Our extensive travel experience helps you avoid common pitfalls, maximize your time, and get the most out of every part of your trip.

One Seamless Journey

We bring cruise and land together into a single, well-orchestrated experience—so your trip feels cohesive, not pieced together.

As Featured In

How it Works

Connect

No cost, no commitment. Talk with our experts about your dream trip.

Plan

Share your travel style—we match you with the right itinerary or create one just for you.

Book

Lock in knowing every detail is handled and you’re fully supported.

Travel

Enjoy a seamless journey—and unlock 5% off your next adventure.