Embark on a whale watching adventure from New Zealand's premier whale watching destination - Kaikoura - with one of the country's best whale watching tour companies! Known for its wide variety of whale species, a Kaikoura whale watching experience will put you in a great position to encounter not just more common species of whale like humpbacks, but also other rarer types such as Sperm Whales, Minke Whales, Fins and even the largest creature on earth - the mammoth Blue Whale.

Departing from Kaikoura, you'll get around 2.5 hours on the water as your friendly, experienced crew take you to all the best whale watching hot spots in the area to ensure you'll get the best possible chance to see the maximum number of whales available on the day. While making the trek out to whale waters, sit back and relax on the large, air-conditioned vessel and watch marine wildlife animations on the large plasma screens. One of the best and most comprehensive whale watching tours in New Zealand for those with a limited amount of time, book a Kaikoura whale watching adventure online today and see these beautiful creatures in their natural environment firsthand!

For extra comfort and exclusivity, the captain's cabin offers guests great views with big windows to look out through. The captain's cabin is situated in the wheelhouse alongside the skipper and watch keeper maximum of 12 guests only. Guests can relax and enjoy watching the whales while sitting in comfortable luxurious seating and listening to the dedicated cabin nature guide.

Info

Inclusions

Air conditioned vessel with comfortable seating and large plasma screens for marine wildlife animations
Whale Watch coach transfer to harbor
Viewing of Giant Sperm Whales
Opportunity to see other marine mammals such as Blue, Fin, Sei, Humpback, Minke, Pilot, Orca and Southern Right Whales, Common Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, Elephant Seals and Leopard Seals

Exclusions

food/coffee cart on site.

Duration

Allow 3.5 hours

Departure Location

Departs from the Whale Watch office in Kaikoura located at the old railway station (known as the Whaleway Station)
7:15am, 10am and 12.45pm all year (additional departures available Nov-Mar)
Operates daily all year (weather permitting) except Christmas Day

FAQs

__Is there a best time or a whale watching season in Kaikoura?__ Fortunately in Kaikoura, there is a resident pod of Giant Sperm Whales that are around 12 months of the year. The 95% whale spotting success rate means you are guaranteed an 80% refund if your tour does not see a whale. Other migratory whales pass through Kaikoura's waters at various times of the year also. __What do we need to take with us when we go out on the Kaikoura Whale watching boat?__ For this Whale watching activity, we recommend you dress warmly, wear flat shoes and bring a waterproof jacket if you wish to spend time outside on the decks of the vessel. Bring your camera and if you would like to take food and drinks on board you can, as there is no shop on board the vessel __What time of year do you see blue whales?__ Kaikoura has a permanent Giant Sperm Whales, unfortunately blue whales only pass through New Zealand and are not often spotted __Do the Kaikoura Whale watching boats have bathrooms onboard?__ There are bathroom facilities on board the boat during the tour. __What time does check-in close for the Whale-watching tours?__ The check-in for the Whale Watch Tour in Kaikoura is at the time of the session. If you are booked in for the 12.45 pm session you are able to check in at 12.45. Although we do recommend getting there 5 -10 before this to make sure you are on time. __What is the Captain Cabin on the Kaikoura Whale watching boat?__ For extra comfort and exclusivity, the Captain's Cabin offers guests great views with big windows to look out through. The Captain's Cabin is situated in the wheelhouse alongside the skipper and watchkeeper with a maximum of 12 guests only. Guests can relax and enjoy watching the whales while sitting in comfortable luxurious seating and listening to the dedicated cabin nature guide. __Is the morning or afternoon Kaikoura Whale watching tour best to see whale and better for weather?__ We usually recommend the morning tour but this tour is weather dependent so best is to book for the first day you are available so that we can reschedule your tour if necessary. __Do you accommodate wheelchairs on the Kaikoura Whale watching?__ To board the boat you would need to leave the wheelchair behind, the staff can assist you on to the boat and get you comfortable on a seat. Then whenever a Whale is spotted the skipper will make sure the boat is lined up on the side you are sat on, for you to get the best look at the Whales. __How large are the Kaikoura Whale watching boats and how many passengers?__ The whale watch Kaikoura boats are all 18m long with a width of 6.4m. They can take up to 48 passengers on each trip. __What happens with bad weather for the Kaikoura Whale watching?__ If the weather is bad and the whale watching tour in Kaikoura is cancelled, then you are given the option of rescheduling to another time or day, or you can get a full refund from us.

Additional Information

If you are susceptible to motion-sickness Whale Watch offer Aqua Straps for hire or purchase. Natural active motion-sickness tablets are also available but they are not permitted to sell medicated options. These can be purchased at the local pharmacy in the town centre. All Whale Watch tours are graded with a seasickness warning announced over the PA system prior to tour departure
Children under 3 years are not permitted
Captain's Cabin only 12 guests maximum
There is a high demand for our tour in our summer months (Nov-Mar) so we recommend booking well in advance
There is a 95% success rate with an average of 1-2 sperm whale sightings per tour. If your tour does not see a whale you will be refunded 80% of your money back
There are two toilets on each vessel
We recommend dressing warmly with flat shoes
No food, drink or film are sold onboard the boats
Limited availability for Captain's Cabin option

Terms And Conditions

No charge applies to any booking changes made.
No booking fee is charged.
No refunds will be given in the event of your failure to notify us of your cancellation 48 hours before the check-in time.

Cancellation Policy

No refunds will be given in the event of your failure to notify us of your cancellation 48 hours before the check-in time.

Location

Whaleway Station Rd, Kaikoura, NZ 7340

From

$152.25

/ person

We acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Custodians of Country and their connections and continuous care for the skies, lands and waterways throughout Australia.

Whale Watch Kaikoura

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Highlights

What you can expect