Onahau Bay

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Whale Watch Kaikoura
No. 3 of Best Things to Do in New Zealand

Whale Watch Kaikoura

9.4
4.6/5
212 reviews

Whale Watch Kaikoura is an iconic marine experience in Kaikoura on New Zealand's South Island. What makes the Kaikoura waters unique is a submarine canyon approx. two kilometers deep that runs close to the coast, creating a rich marine food chain that keeps sperm whales in nearshore waters year-round—making it one of the few places in the world where wild sperm whales can be viewed up close throughout the year. After setting out to sea by boat, a common sight is a massive male sperm whale surfacing to blow a spout, then raising its tail flukes high and diving deep into the sea, with a single dive typically lasting several tens of minutes. Along the way, there is also a chance to encounter pods of dusky dolphins, known for their acrobatic flips and leaps, with a single pod numbering up to several hundred; Hector's dolphins are a small dolphin species endemic to New Zealand, appearing in small groups near the coast and are quite rare; New Zealand fur seals also often rest on the rocks along the route. Migratory cetaceans such as humpback whales and killer whales occasionally appear, mostly in the winter months. The landscape of Kaikoura, backed by snow-capped mountains and facing the sea, is itself an impressive sight during the voyage. Weather at sea is changeable, and trips may be canceled when the wind and waves are strong, so checking the day's sailing conditions before you set out can save you an unnecessary trip.

New Zealand · Kaikoura
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Wellington

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

7.2
4.4/5
204 reviews

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa TongarewaIt is the largest museum in the southern hemisphere, located on the waterfront of Wellington. The museum's name in Māori is "Te Papa Tongarewa," meaning "container of treasures." It houses extensive collections of Māori culture, including a Māori meeting house and Pacific art exhibits. If you want to learn about New Zealand's customs and history, this is the place to visit.Museum of New Zealand Te Papa TongarewaThe museum is divided into six floors. The lobby on the first floor is flanked by a museum shop and café, while floors two to six feature exhibitions on different themes, including geology and biology, changes in landforms, Māori survival and culture, folk customs and art, and an outdoor sculpture balcony. The museum offers many engaging interactive displays, such as the earthquake house where visitors can experience the tremors of a quake, get up close with a colossal squid, and watch 3D animations to learn about its life mysteries. There is also a dedicated "discovery center" for children. In addition to these permanent exhibitions, the museum frequently hosts short-term contemporary art and cultural activities, which require separate tickets. The museum building itself is also worth seeing—before leaving, don't forget to admire the expensive architecture and the sculpture in front of it: a tree made of twisted wire that looks remarkably lifelike.

Wellington · 68.5 km from Onahau Bay

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Featured Culture & history in Onahau Bay

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1-day Lord of the Rings Tour in Wellington, North Island, New Zealand [Includes Weta Workshop + Themed Lunch]
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FromSGD 240.28
Wellington: Wētā Workshop Guided Tour Ticket
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4.8/5
· 245 reviews
Duration: 1.5 hrs
Free cancellation
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31 consecutive positive reviews
FromSGD 41.98
Wellington: Wētā Workshop 90-minute Tour
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4.7/5
· 421 reviews
Duration: 90 mins
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92.4% of travelers recommend
FromSGD 42.96
Wellington's Original LOTR Experience - includes Weta and Lunch
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4.9/5
· 75 reviews
Duration: 8 hrs
Free cancellation
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97.3% of travelers recommend
FromSGD 236.84
Wētā Workshop Guided Transfers & Tour
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4.8/5
· 58 reviews
Duration: 195 mins
Free cancellation
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94.8% of travelers recommend
FromSGD 76.52
Museum of NZ Te Papa Tongarewa: International Visitor Entry
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Duration: 48 hrs
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FromSGD 25.51

Featured Food & drink in Onahau Bay

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Marlborough: Hop-On Hop-Off Wine, Brewery, and Wonders Tour
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4.8/5
· 13 reviews
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FromSGD 92.16
Wellington: 3-Hour Walking Food Tour
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 3 hrs
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FromSGD 160.10
Wellington Craft Brewery Half-Day Guided Tour with Tastings
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4.5/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 4 hrs
Free cancellation
FromSGD 133.32
From Picton: Marlborough Sounds Cruise with Seafood
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5.0/5
· 3 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
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FromSGD 106.77
Marlborough: Full-Day Wine and Seafood Tour with Cruise
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4.8/5
· 16 reviews
Duration: 7 hrs
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Full Day Winemakers Tour in Marlborough
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4.9/5
· 200 reviews
Duration: 390 mins
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100 consecutive positive reviews
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What travellers say about Onahau Bay

user-avatar
111***97October 24, 2026
4.0
I took seasickness medication beforehand. The sea wasn't too windy that day, but there were still some swells, and I felt a little seasick when the boat first set off at a low speed. The boat was very clean, and the crew was very attentive to service. We didn't see many whales that day, and the ones we did see weren't very big; I only caught a glimpse of a whale's tail once. Overall, it was a good experience. The only downside was that it's about a 2.5-hour drive from Christchurch, but thankfully, the journey passes through vineyards, and there are a few wineries worth visiting.

Whale Watch Kaikoura

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Anonymous userJuly 27, 2026
5.0
It's a great museum; admission is free for children under 15 and for locals. It's very interactive and fun, making it a great place to bring kids. We saw the giant squid and experienced the earthquake simulator.

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Onahau Bay?

Don't miss these attractions in Onahau Bay: Marlborough Sounds, Whale Watch Kaikoura, and Queen Charlotte Track. If you like Culture & history, try 1-day Lord of the Rings Tour in Wellington, North Island, New Zealand [Includes Weta Workshop + Themed Lunch]. If you enjoy Food & drink, try Wellington's popular Ortega seafood restaurant reservation service in New Zealand.

You can give Wellington's popular Ortega seafood restaurant reservation service in New Zealand and Wellington, New Zealand Logan Brown Restaurant Popular Restaurant Reservation Service a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

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Ticket prices may vary between weekdays and weekends, as well as during peak and off-peak seasons. When booking with Trip.com, you can also use Trip Coins to get extra savings. For more tips on booking discounted tickets, please visit Trip.com for the latest information.