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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 $5,798, 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
from $7,673
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
Wine Tasting, Archaeological Site Visits
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
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Mount Aspiring - Lake Wanaka
from $5,797
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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
Hiking, Village Visits, Whitewater Rafting
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
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Beautiful view of Akaroa
from $6,285
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New Zealand Coastal Odyssey: The Ultimate Expedition Cruise of the New Zealand Coast

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
Activities
Wildlife Viewing, Whale Watching, Helicopter Tours, Urban Exploration
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
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Snares Penguin on The Snares Island
from $15,295
EBD
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Subantarctic Discovery

Roundtrip Dunedin - 15 Day Itinerary aboard Douglas Mawson
  • Explore Dunedin’s lively harbor
  • Discover Stewart Island’s forests
  • Encounter Fiordland’s cliffs
  • Experience Macquarie’s landscapes
Starts / Ends
Dunedin / Dunedin
Activities
Photography Seminars
Activity Level
Variable
Join a 15-day Subantarctic Discovery Expedition Cruise roundtrip from Dunedin, New Zealand aboard the Douglas Mawson. Explore UNESCO World Heritage-listed Subantarctic Islands, Stewart and Ulva Islands, Fiordland, Campbell Island and Auckland Islands. Discover rugged beauty and wildlife, including brown kiwi and flightless weka.
Cruise Details
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A Weddell seal watches the ship cruise by
from $57,790
2for1
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Antarctica's Ross Sea: Majestic Ice & Wildlife

Roundtrip Christchurch - 24 Day Itinerary aboard Scenic Eclipse II
  • Experience Antarctica's Ross Sea
  • Explore Beaufort Island
  • Scenic cruising Ross Ice Shelf
  • Discover Adare Peninsula
Starts / Ends
Christchurch / Christchurch
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 24-day expedition cruise to Antarctica’s Ross Sea aboard the Scenic Eclipse II, where you can explore vast glaciers and dramatic wildlife. Join renowned explorers and gain unique insights into this pristine region's history and environment.
Cruise Details
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Adelie penguins
from $68,190
2for1
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Antarctica's Ross Sea: Majestic Ice & Wildlife

Hobart - Christchurch - 24 Day Itinerary aboard Scenic Eclipse II
  • Visit Beaufort Island’s cliffs
  • Explore Hobart’s vibrant harbor
  • Sail along the Ross Sea
  • Admire Mount Erebus
Starts / Ends
Hobart / Christchurch
Activity Level
Variable
Set sail on a 24-day Scenic Eclipse II cruise from Hobart to Christchurch, exploring Antarctica’s Ross Sea and its historic routes. Experience breathtaking glaciers and unique wildlife.
Cruise Details
0
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