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Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat
Kaikoura, New Zealand
From $104.10
Select Date and Travelers
up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
- 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Located on the eastern shores of New Zealand’s South Island, Kaikoura is famous for the spectacular array of marine wildlife living off its shores—but to see the best of it, you have to take to the waves. On this tour, cruise into Kaikoura’s deep waters by speedy catamaran with running commentary throughout from your guide, and spot dolphins, seals, and sperm whales in their natural habitat.
- Explore the deep waters off Kaikoura by speedy catamaran with your guide
- Sightings of native sperm whales in their natural environment
- Live commentary sheds light on the whales’ habits and life-cycle
- 80% refund if you don’t see a whale on your tour
What's Included
- Tours operates all year round
- Modern fleet of purpose built catamarans
- 95% success rate backed up by an 80% refund if your tour does not see a whale
- Food and drinks
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Whaleway Station Road, Kaikōura 7300, New Zealand
Departure Point: Whale Watch Kaikoura is located on Whaleway Station Road just a short walk or drive from the town centre - our office is based at the Old Railway Station. Address: Whale Watch Kaikoura Whaleway Station Road Kaikoura 7300
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Wheelchair accessible
- Tours operate all year: 7.15am, 10.00am, 12.45pm & 3.30pm (Nov-Mar)—Please note that these are check-in times only - please do not come earlier than the times specified.
- Dress warmly and wear flat shoes. If you wish to spend time on the outside decks of our vessels you may need light waterproof clothing depending on the sea conditions.
- Don't let sea sickness ruin your whale watch tour experience. Purchase motion sickness pills to help prevent sea sickness, car sickness, or any type of travel sickness from our Retail Store before you travel.
- The actual time on the water is up to 2.5 hours. Including check-in time, safety briefing and bus transfers you should allow 3.5 hours in total.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Traveler Photos
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Featured review
Angela_F
Amazing staff. Helpful and friendly. I highly recommend to all travellers wanting to experience true NZ hospitality
Reviews
4.5
2,577 reviews
Liezl_T, May 2024
They know where to find the wildlife, so you are almost guaranteed to see whales.
We were fortunate to see a sperm whale, dusky dolphins, orcas, and a few albatrosses.
The wildlife guide was very knowledgeable and provided a lot of interesting information.
They warned us that the sea was rough, so we could take medication to avoid seasickness. I appreciated the warning and the opportunity to prepare for possible seasickness.
Kay_G, May 2024
Fabulous trip. Somewhat concerned when told of the potential high possibility of sea sickness but went ahead regardless. The crew did their very best to find a Whale for us and eventually did. We only got a few moments to witness him before he did a perfect iconic dive for us. As a keen photographer this plus the Albatross' and dolphins also seen on the trip made my day. And no seasickness for me thank goodness. To top it off we received (well I'm still waiting for mine) a 40% discount due to the lack of a full blown whale experience.
Dina_S, Apr 2024
We only got to see one sperm whale, but of course, that is mostly up to the whales! Lots of dolphins. A friend went a couple days before us and saw a pod of orcas. The onboard lecture was interesting and informative.
Stone_Y, Apr 2024
on the boat we saw 3 whales. recommend this one instead of fly watch. on the fly tour we didn't see any whale,
Lucy_K, Apr 2024
This was a great experience. We saw a whale, a host of dolphins, albatross and seals, and the staff could not have been more friendly or professional.
ANNE_C, Apr 2024
When we headed out toward where some humpback whales were, the captain decided the waves were too rough and we headed back. I was SO disappointed! But as we were on the return trip, we stopped in an area where lots of Dusky Dolphins were leaping and darting around, and—I saw a spout of water and a larger black fin emerge slowly from the water, then a flash of spotted white underside as a humpback rolled over in the water not 50 feet straight in front of us!! Though it was hard to get good photos, as the dolphins were so quick and the whale remained largely submerged, we watched him or her come to the surface, blow a spout of water into the air, and roll back down again and again over about 30 minutes. It was AMAZING to see one of these marine mammals just feet from our boat! We absolutely loved it and highly recommend it to other travelers!
Andreas_B, Apr 2024
We saw a sperm whale, some Orcas and dolphins. I‘ve Never seen them in pure nature. Fantastic!! The Weather wasn‘t good, but that was secondary.
Ian_D, Mar 2024
The boat was not too large, but not too small either and very modern and fast. Seats were very comfortable stuff were good and on board there were some very good videos about local wildlife Unfortunately we did not see any whales, but as per the terms and conditions will be refunded 80% of the cost.
My one criticism is that you are told not to get there until 1245, for example, but were then told that the bus bus to take us to the boat would not leave until 1315, so a lot of unnecessary hanging around. Even then the bus did not leave until 1330.
Mica_H, Mar 2024
This was the most amazing excursion I have ever been on! We saw two sperm whales, a handful of seals, many different breeds of birds, and hundreds of dolphins. The experience was awe inspiring in every imaginable way!
patricia_m, Mar 2024
Excellent explanation on the boat bit too long to wait to get on board. Why asking people to come 12.45 when departure is almost one hour later🤦♀️
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Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat
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3 hours 30 minutes
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