Whale Watch Kaikoura

Rates: from NZ$130 per person Children (3-15 years old) NZ$60

Whale Watch is located in the town of Kaikoura - a scenic two and a half-hour drive north from Christchurch in New Zealand's South Island. Kaikoura is a special place of lush pastures and towering, snow covered peaks that fall to the sea. This rare magic continues just offshore where a deep undersea canyon combines with unusual sea currents to attract an extraordinary abundance of marine life, the most famous being the Sperm Whale.Whale Watch is New Zealand's only marine-based whale watching company offering visitors an exciting up-close encounter with the Giant Sperm Whale at all times of the year.

Every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. Giant Sperm Whales are the stars of the show and year-round residents. A typical Whale Watch tour may encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, pods of Dusky dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross. Depending on the season you may also see migrating Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales and Southern Right Whales. Kaikoura often hosts the world's largest dolphin - the Orca - and is home to the world's smallest and rarest - the Hector's. Kaikoura also attracts the largest concentration and variety of seabirds on mainland New Zealand including 13 species of Albatross, 14 varieties of Petrels and 7 types of Shearwater.

You will travel in purpose built catamarans equipped with engines that minimise underwater noise and toilets that never pollute the sea. The main passenger cabin is enclosed and large outside decks offer great viewing and photo opportunities. Spacious air-conditioned interiors are fitted with comfortable seating while large plasma screens display award-winning marine wildlife animations. Passenger numbers for each tour are kept well below  vessel carrying capacity to ensure your tour experience remains a personal one. 
 

• Tour check-in times all year are: 7.15am, 10.00am and 12.45pm
• An extra tour is scheduled at 3.30pm from November to March.
• Tours are generally 2.5 hours on the water
• Whale Watch operate tours every day except Christmas Day.
• Whale Watch has a 95% success rate in finding whales
• If you dont see a whale, you are refunded 80% of the fare

"Exceeded all my expectation - seen 6 whales in total. The commentary and info given by our guide Rob was great. This has been definitely been the highlight of my trip to NZ and will be recommending it to all. Kaikoura and the whales and dolphins are wonderful, love it. Thanks at Whale Watch everyone."
Fiona   |  IRELAND

"This trip was outstanding!! Very informative and professional. We were lucky enough to see 7 whales and the knowledge of the crew was superb. We loved the video screen display too. Thank you so much for a wonderful time.""
Donna  |  UK