Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat
Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat
1.15pm Departure
From
7.45am Departure
From
10.30am Departure
From
Highlights
Set out on an unforgettable whale-watching adventure in Kaikōura, one of the world’s premier marine wildlife destinations. Board a modern, high-speed catamaran designed for comfort and stability as you journey into deep offshore waters where giant sperm whales reside year-round. Your crew will guide you through this extraordinary environment, sharing stories of Kaikōura’s geology, culture, and wildlife as the dramatic Seaward Kaikōura Range towers above the coastline.
With a remarkable 95% success rate, this experience offers a high chance of spotting the iconic sperm whale, along with playful dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, and a variety of seabirds. Award-winning onboard animations bring the whales’ world to life, helping you understand their behaviour and biology as you watch for their telltale blows. Whether it’s your first wildlife encounter or a bucket-list moment, this eco-focused cruise offers a powerful and inspiring connection to Kaikōura’s unique natural wonders.
- High Whale-Sighting Success: Enjoy a 95% success rate, plus an 80% refund if no whale is seen.
- Fast, Modern Catamarans: Travel efficiently and comfortably aboard purpose-built vessels.
- Expert Commentary: Learn about whale behaviour, local ecology, and Māori heritage from knowledgeable guides.
- Marine Wildlife Encounters: Spot sperm whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds in their natural environment.
- Award-Winning Animations: Enjoy engaging onboard visual presentations that enrich your understanding of the ocean ecosystem.
Itinerary
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Check-In & Safety Briefing
PreparationArrive at Whale Watch Kaikōura’s Whaleway Station Road office for check-in, followed by a safety briefing and bus transfer to the marina.Whale-Watching Cruise
Up to 2.5 hoursCruise IncludedCruise into deep offshore waters to search for sperm whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds with live commentary.Return to Shore
Travel back to the marina and board the bus returning you to the meeting point.
What's included
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
Customer reviews
Review summary
Powered by AIAdditional information
- Meeting Point: Whale Watch Kaikōura, Whaleway Station Road, Kaikōura 7300.
- Located at the Old Railway Station, a short walk or drive from the town centre.
- Tour ends at the same meeting point.
- Check-in times: 7:15 AM, 10:00 AM, 12:45 PM, and 3:30 PM (Nov–Mar).
- Tours operate year-round and are weather- and sea-condition dependent.
- Time on the water is up to 2.5 hours; total experience is approx. 3.5 hours including transfers and briefing.
- Motion sickness medication is recommended if you are prone to seasickness.
- Passengers travelling on the day should call 0800 655 121 for a sea conditions update.
- Most travelers can participate.
- Maximum group size: 116 travelers.
- Operation subject to weather and sea conditions.
- Tours may be canceled or restricted for children or passengers with medical issues.
- Children must be 3+ years to join the tour.
- Child ticket: Ages 3–15.
- Adult ticket: Ages 16+.
- Age limits may be raised depending on weather and sea conditions.
- Warm clothing and flat shoes.
- Light waterproof clothing if planning to stay on outside decks.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses.
- Motion sickness tablets (optional).
- Mobile ticket confirmation.
- Wheelchair accessible.
- Transportation and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.
- Please contact the operator in advance if traveling in a wheelchair.
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
- Show your mobile ticket upon check-in at Whale Watch Kaikōura.
Location
Provider
Whale Watch Kaikoura Ltd
AUD 164.15
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Booking was seamless, just need to ensure to tickets printed by vendor before boarding. Vendor is also kind enough to do a partial refund if sighting is not up to satisfaction.
whale-watching cruise in Kaikōura was absolutely incredible — a once-in-a-lifetime experience! The crew were professional, knowledgeable, and passionate about marine life, making the whole trip enjoyable and educational. We were lucky to see 2 whales up close, along with playful dolphins and seabirds — truly breathtaking moments surrounded by stunning coastal mountains. The boat was clean, comfortable, and well-equipped, and everything ran smoothly from check-in to return.
Took the first tour out and at check in was told that they haven’t seen sperm whales in more than 2 weeks and they’d try to find us a humpback. So wasn’t the best start but we appreciated the proactiveness to manage expectations and not over promise and under deliver. But turns out it was more than a complete whale watching cruise with 2.5 hrs (1 hr admin and shuttle) out at sea flying by! We caught 1 sperm whale sighting (15 mins!) and the crew was amazing as they showed genuine excitement and delight sharing the joy with us on the cruise with them. Speaks a lot of the genuineness of the ppl who work here. Next we saw a royal albatross and was treated to 15 mins worth of performances from dolphins leaping out water and playing around the boat. We thought that was it for the day but the captain took a detour to try and get us a humpback whale sighting and we did! Definitely living up to the promise of a whale sighting. Would recommend just for the dolphins and the excellent crew! 10/10
We absolutely loved this experience! 🐋 It was so much fun and totally worth it. After trying a few different spots, we finally saw a majestic sperm whale! what an unforgettable moment! Nature really rewarded our patience. We were hoping to catch a glimpse of dolphins and humpback whales too, but hey, that's the beauty of nature..it's always full of surprises. 🌊🐬 Maybe next time! Highly recommend this adventure for anyone who loves the ocean and a bit of mystery!
Awesome!! Love the experience
We saw two whales - sperm and blue whale and it was an amazing experience even in the rough sea