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NZ Kaikoura duskydolphin
NZ Kaikoura Red billed gulls
NZ Kaikoura seal

Kaikoura is the place to see wildlife in New Zealand, set against the might of the Seaward Kaikoura mountain range, this is a stunningly beautiful stop.

The ocean currents and deep trench offshore mean the seas around Kaikoura are home to a huge variety of marine life year-round. Sperm whales, humpback whales, blue whales, orca, dusky dolphins, Hector’s dolphins, seals, albatross, penguins and sea birds, who come for the nutrient-rich waters that are perfect for feeding, can be seen on sightseeing cruises or flights (note a minimum age of three for cruises, but not flights).

Active New Zealand

Outdoor and active adventures on New Zealand's North & South Islands

New Zealand must be in contention for title of adventure travel capital of the world. The list of white-knuckle thrills you can seek out here knows no bounds. New Zealand has some of the world's best sky diving, bungee jumping, mountain biking and whitewater rafting, plus plenty of softer activities; hiking, kayaking and road biking...read more

14 days

New Zealand wildlife and waterways

New Zealand in two weeks
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13 days

South Island wildlife route

Whale-watching, birding and wildlife on New Zealand’s south island
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19 days

New Zealand Lord of the Rings route

Head into Mordor, explore Isengard and chill out in Hobbiton
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20 days

North to south white knuckle

Epic adventures from North to South Island
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14 days

South Island Road Trip

Explore the National Parks of New Zealand's South Island
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Kaikoura Tours

Coromandel Peninsula, Kaikoura, Auckland (and 3 more)

New Zealand Wanderer

The best of the north with a taste of the south

12 daysFrom NZ$3,609
Lake Tekapo, Rotorua, Coromandel Peninsula (and 7 more)

Amplified New Zealand

Total Kiwi experience

16 daysFrom NZ$2,849
Lake Tekapo, Rotorua, Coromandel Peninsula (and 7 more)

Epic New Zealand

The full NZ experience

23 daysFrom NZ$4,227
Lake Tekapo, Rotorua, Coromandel Peninsula (and 7 more)

New Zealand Uncovered

Explore everything New Zealand has to offer

20 daysFrom NZ$6,174

Why Horizon Guides?

Impartial guidebooks

Impartial travel guides

Our guides are written by the leading experts in their destinations. We never take payment for positive coverage so you can count on us for impartial travel advice.

Expert itineraries

Expert itineraries

Suggested itineraries and routes to help you scratch beneath the surface, avoid the tourist traps, and plan an authentic, responsible and enjoyable journey.

Specialist advice

Specialist advice

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