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Nature & wildlife · Canterbury

Top 9 nature & wildlife things to do in Canterbury

Wildlife, forests, gardens, and the green pockets of Canterbury that make it bearable in monsoon and beautiful by November. Day trips and short drives where the landscape is the point.

  1. Akaroa Lavender Seasonal Guided Tour Experience, Canterbury1

    1. Akaroa Lavender Seasonal Guided Tour Experience

    · 1.5 hours

    Experience a seasonal one-hour guided tour of the lavender fields from late November to mid-February. The story of our lavender farm is shared as you walk amongst 5,000 plus lavender plants. The opportunity to purchase lavender products is available, as is the chance to try our famous Lavenade. At the end of the tour, you are free to wander through the lavender fields and on a short track to a picnic area amongst the forest. Facilities include an outdoor composting toilet. The income from our farm tours goes directly back into our conservation and regeneration programme. Booking is essential, no walk-ins. Contact us for a group tour bookings or for tours outside advertised hours.

  2. Kaikōura Whale Watching and Scenic Landing - 1hr Premier Tour, Canterbury2

    2. Kaikōura Whale Watching and Scenic Landing - 1hr Premier Tour

    5.0· 27 reviews· 1 hours

    Experience Kaikōura’s longest and most immersive helicopter whale watching tour. This one-hour adventure begins with an unforgettable aerial journey over the Kaikōura Whale Sanctuary and the underwater Kaikōura Canyon, a marine hotspot rich with wildlife due to nutrient-filled upwellings. Spot a variety of whales, including Humpback whales, Blue whales, Southern Right whales, and the resident Sperm whales—the largest toothed whale in the world. Along the way, watch for playful Dusky dolphins and New Zealand fur seals along the coastline. The experience concludes with a breathtaking alpine landing atop the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges, where you'll enjoy panoramic mountain and ocean views. Perfect for wildlife lovers and adventure seekers, this Kaikōura helicopter tour offers the ultimate New Zealand nature experience.

  3. Private Seal Kayaking and Wildlife Tour in Kaikoura, Canterbury3

    3. Private Seal Kayaking and Wildlife Tour in Kaikoura

    5.0· 8 reviews· 3 hours

    An intimate privately guided wildlife experience around the Kaikoura peninsula on hands free pedal kayaks, allowing for the ultimate kayaking experience. Let us take you and your group around the rugged coastline encountering seals, penguins and seabirds with the jaw-dropping mountains as a backdrop. With expert local commentary along the way on indigenous local history, post colonial sealing and whaling and everything in between This immersive experience can be tailored to suit any traveller. Whether your special private tour is for a honeymooning couple, avid wildlife group or just a special family adventure, the team at Seal Kayak Kaikoura will make sure you create memories that last a lifetime

  1. Kaikōura Whale Watching - 1hr 20min Ultimate Adventure, Canterbury4

    4. Kaikōura Whale Watching - 1hr 20min Ultimate Adventure

    5.0· 8 reviews· 2 hours

    Embark on the ultimate Kaikōura helicopter whale watching tour for a unique wildlife and scenic adventure. Fly over the Kaikōura Whale Sanctuary and Hikurangi Marine Reserve, where you’ll spot majestic marine life including sperm whales, humpback whales, blue whales, orcas, and other migratory species. The helicopter’s manoeuvrability offers incredible views of the whales and dolphins, with close-up photo opportunities you can’t get from boats. Keep an eye out for playful Dusky dolphins and New Zealand fur seals near the shore. Continue the adventure north along the rugged Kaikōura coastline and land in the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges. From this exclusive mountaintop location, enjoy 360-degree views of Kaikōura Peninsula, the Pacific Ocean, and surrounding mountains—an unforgettable experience for photographers, nature lovers, and adventure seekers.

  2. Merino Farm Experience, Canterbury5

    5. Merino Farm Experience

    5.0· 7 reviews· 1.5 hours

    Our Merino Farm Experience allows you to enjoy a slice of kiwi (New Zealand) rural life. Be guided by the family owners and operators on the property since 1884. See the sheep and sometimes our cattle roaming the fields. Visit our woolshed and learn more about how we shear our sheep, Touch the super fine wool and see what the product gets made into. Travel to the top of the farm for panoramic views of the southern alps and rivers. Visit our house gardens, both Flowers and vegetables. Meet our working dogs and pet sheep. Feed our friendly sheep, touch their wool and grab a selfie! Private tours can be arranged by request.

  3. Christchurch Alpaca Farm Tour From Kaiapoi, Canterbury6

    6. Christchurch Alpaca Farm Tour From Kaiapoi

    5.0· 2 reviews· 1 hours

    Check out the interactive alpaca farm tour just 20 minutes north of Christchurch. Get hands-on as you feed, touch, and cuddle these friendly alpacas, including adorable babies when they're around. The owner shares entertaining stories and answers all your questions, making it a fun and informative experience. After the tour, check out the fibre shed, trophy room, and shop, or take a stroll through the beautiful gardens and hang out with the alpacas again. Perfect for family outings and a hit with air crew. - One-hour interactive tour with alpacas, perfect for all ages - Feed, cuddle, and hold baby alpacas (seasonal) - Enjoy informative commentary from the owner - Explore the fibre shed, trophy room, and lovely gardens after the tour

  4. Oasis Cottage Gardens and Floristry Studio in Oxford, NZ, Canterbury7

    7. Oasis Cottage Gardens and Floristry Studio in Oxford, NZ

    5.0· 1 reviews

    Discover the charm of Oasis Cottage, a private 5-acre country garden nestled near the foothills of the Southern Alps. This exclusive tour offers an intimate glimpse into a historic property, complete with seasonal blooms, formal gardens, and lush natural landscapes. Wander through the enchanting Blue Garden, explore the vegetable allée and orchard, and enjoy the tranquil duck pond with rural views and abundant birdlife. What sets this tour apart is the unique opportunity to visit the Oasis Cottage floral studio and greenhouse. Learn about the art of growing and arranging cut flowers for stunning European-inspired bouquets. Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast or a lover of floral artistry, this personalised experience is designed to delight and inspire. With breathtaking vistas of Mount Oxford as your backdrop and peaceful pathways to explore, this private tour provides an unforgettable retreat into nature. Book now to experience the beauty and creativity of Oasis Cottage.

  5. Kaikoura Whale Watching - 45 Minute Ocean Safari, Canterbury8

    8. Kaikoura Whale Watching - 45 Minute Ocean Safari

    5.0· 45 reviews· 1.3 hours

    Experience the ultimate Kaikōura helicopter tour and witness New Zealand’s incredible marine life from above. Fly over the renowned Kaikōura Canyon to spot Sperm, Humpback, Southern Right, Orca, or even Blue whales, depending on the season. This extended scenic flight gives you more time to enjoy whale sightings and coastal views. Spot Dusky dolphins and New Zealand fur seals as you cruise along the shoreline. Land at a remote site only accessible by South Pacific Helicopters, where you'll take in breathtaking views of the mountains and ocean. This unforgettable whale watching and wildlife experience is perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

  6. Whale Watching in Kaikoura - Ultimate Experience, Canterbury9

    9. Whale Watching in Kaikoura - Ultimate Experience

    4.7· 202 reviews· 30 min

    Experience the thrill of whale watching from the sky with Wings Over Whales! This unique activity offers unparalleled views of the resident sperm whales, the largest toothed whales in the world. From above, you’ll have the chance to see the full scale of these majestic creatures, offering you epic aerial views of both the whales and the stunning surrounding scenery. Flying over the Kaikoura Whale Sanctuary allows you to cover vast areas, increasing your chances of spotting even more marine wildlife, including dusky dolphins. As the longest-operating aerial whale watching company in Kaikoura, we’re committed to both safety and comfort. Our aircraft meet the highest safety standards, giving you peace of mind while you enjoy the ride. At Wings Over Whales, we provide not only an adventure, but a warm, welcoming atmosphere for everyone. Book your whale watching flight today for a truly unforgettable experience in the skies above Kaikoura!

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