Whale watching
The dominant organisation in Kaikōura's whale watching industry is Whale Watch Kaikōura, which is run as a charitable organisation. It takes around 100,000 visitors out by boat per annum, and has an annual turnover of NZ$10m. Whale Watch Kaikōura began operating in 1987 with a boat. Whale watching is also done by air, and the Kaikoura Aerodrome is mainly used for whale spotting tourist flights by Wings over Whales and Air Kaikoura – Kaikoura Aero Club.