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Whale Watch Kaikoura
Help code: 3410-1AAB
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!
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes - There is a high demand for most of our trips, so we advise that you book your seat 7-10 days ahead of time during peak season (November-April) and 3-4 days ahead in the off-peak season.
Am I guaranteed to see a whale?
No - But the chances are very high. We are proud of our record for whale sightings. In the event that your tour does not see a whale, we will refund 80% of your fare
What will I see?
Each tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. The Giant Sperm Whale is the star of the show and is resident in the area all year round. In addition to the Sperm Whale, a number of different species of whale have been sighted off our coastline, including Blues, Humpbacks, Rights and Orca. As well as sighting whales, a typical trip will cruise by colonies of New Zealand Fur Seals and perhaps take in groups of dolphins, depending on the season. In addition to the marine mammals, Kaikoura has a wide variety of off-shore birds. These include Albatross, Shearwaters, Petrels, Gulls, Penguins and Gannets
What happens if the sea and weather conditions are not suitable?
Your safety and comfort are of paramount importance to us. If the conditions are not suitable, we will cancel the tour. Passengers, who are travelling to join us on the day of their tour, are advised to telephone the free phone number for a conditions update (available on your tour voucher)
If my tour is cancelled, will I be transferred to the next one?
No - When a tour is cancelled, we will do our best to accommodate you on another one. You do need to request this
How long is the tour?
The actual time on the water is up to 2.5 hours. Including check-in time and transfer by bus, you should allow 3.5 hours in total
“ Beautifull tour managed by a professional crew. Good presentation of Information during the trip. We saw two whales, fur seals, dolphins and beautiful albatrosses. On the water, it can be a bit bumpy, but the crew is very helpful and focus on your safety. We will come back sometime!
Beautifull tour managed by a professional crew. Good presentation of Information during the trip. We saw two whales, fur seals, dolphins and beautiful albatrosses. On the water, it can be a bit bumpy, but the crew is very helpful and focus on your safety. We will come back sometime!
4 years agoTo start off, Kaikoura itself is gorgeous with nice blue waters. The tour started with a safety video after which we were driven by bus to to boat. The boat was a modern one with comfy seats; that helped on the rough waters. The crew was amazing. They were informative and funny. After about 30 min on the water we arrived to the whale grounds. After a few tries (the crew was using underwater microphones to hear the whales) one surfaced and we approached it and it was a beitiful sperm whale. We followed it for a couple of minutes and then it submerged, it was amazing. After that we approached shore but not before being able to see dolphins. The whole experience was amazing, highly reccomend.
5 years agoI had a good experience, we found two different species of whales, 3 sperm whales and another one of a different species, dolphins and different species of amazing birds on our way. I’d recommend to people to take their best jacket, even in summer, sunnies, and pack some food as well, and make sure there is no chance of rain, otherwise, your trip will be cancelled. Also I recommend to do this on winter, so you can see all the scenic mountains with snow, which it looks incredible.
5 years agoWe had a great tour! We have never seen whales before, and have tried to see them so many time, but without luck. However here in Kaikoura we finally saw them. Not one but 3! Two giant Sperm Whales and one Humpback! The tour was approx 2,5 hours on the water with a lovely guide telling us about the area and whales. We would definitely do this again if we are to return to New Zealand!
7 years ago“We do not offer food or refreshments onboard however please feel free to bring a light snack or cold drinks along with you which can be purchased at the Flukes Cafe. A water fountain is available onboard.”