Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Whale Watch is located in the small coastal town of Kaikōura on the East Coast of New Zealand’s South Island a scenic two and a half-hour drive north from Christchurch and two hour drive south from Picton. Kaikōura 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 Giant Sperm Whale.
Whale Watch is New Zealand's only vessel-based whale watching company offering visitors an exciting up-close encounter with the world’s largest toothed predator the Giant Sperm Whale in their natural environment at all times of the year. Whale Watch scheduled tours operate daily. Our 95% success rate means we guarantee an 80% refund if your tour does not see a whale. Whale Watch tours are extremely popular so we recommend booking early.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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.
The minimum age limit for children traveling on a whale watch tour is 3yrs+, although Whale Watch Kaikōura maintains the right to raise the age limit depending on sea and weather conditions at the time of check-in.
All our tour are subject to favourable weather & sea conditions. If cancelled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
Whale Watch staff constantly monitor the weather and respond professionally to any changes. This may mean a tour is cancelled or safety restrictions placed on children or passengers with medical problems. Passenger comfort and safety is always our priority. Passengers travelling to join us on the day of their tour are strongly advised to telephone the FREEPHONE number 0800 655 121 for a sea conditions update.
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.
If travelling in a wheelchair please contact us prior to arrival so we can provide additional details and advise how we can assist you
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Experienced knowledgeable staff providing a running commentary throughout your tour
Bus ride to and from our marina
95% success rate backed up by an 80% refund if your tour does not see a whale
Award winning onboard animations
Tours operates all year round
Modern fleet of purpose built catamarans
Food and drinks
What To Expect
Few places on Earth possess the magic of Kaikōura. Many who visit leave transformed. It is a special part of New Zealand, imbued with powerful natural energy. A place where tectonic plates collide, towering peaks fall to the sea and ocean currents converge. Such rare combinations lure an abundance of marine wildlife, the most famous being the Giant Sperm Whale. It was a whale that led the Māori ancestor Paikea to New Zealand many centuries ago. His descendants live in Kaikōura today. Fittingly, the whale continues to guide the people of Kaikōura and the visitors they host. Kaikōura is one of New Zealand's leading eco-tourism destinations offering a variety of exciting activities and experiences. Despite the recent rise in tourist numbers, the town retains much of its historical charm. Many new motels, cafes and restaurants can be found in beautifully restored old buildings. Fresh local seafood is always on the menu. The retention of the town's distinctive character has made Kaikōura extremely attractive to artists. Their work, inspired by the remarkable landscape and wildlife, can be seen all over town.
Options
7.45am Departure
Please arrive 30 minutes prior to departure time - Please allow 3.5 hours with us.
1.15pm Departure
Please arrive 30 minutes prior to departure time - Please allow 3.5 hours with us.
10.30am Departure
Please arrive 30 minutes prior to departure time - Please allow 3.5 hours with us.
Reviews
2,842 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Enjoyable unique once in a lifetime experience. Definitely recommend two friends and family
Dawn H,
Nov 4, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00From start to finish everyone was kind helpful and knowledgeable. This wthat that once in a lifetime experience. That was definitely fulfilled. The commentary was relevant informed and interesting. The staff and crew use their experience so that we would have a very positive and successful whale watch and we're very considerate about viewing points and generally looking after us it was very efficient and we enjoyed it very much thank you how
Definitely worth doing
BelindaH447,
Nov 2, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Well organised, informative and friendly. A very fast boat takes you out to the feeding area and every attempt is made to give you the best sightings. We had a humpback whale rise just by the boat and we were able to watch as musky dolphins played around it. Birdlife was fabulous with albatross with their massive wingspan flying overhead.
Don't expect whale...
Karin L,
Oct 27, 2025
- Viator
5.00Don't expect whale sightings you see on tv. It was limited to backs, spouts and sometimes a head or a tail.
Excellent informative trip
Cazhaz1,
Oct 26, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00The knowledge and information provided by the expert elevated this experience. The crew were all helpful and the captain greeted us personally, explaining the planned route
Whale watching experience
Alison R,
Oct 25, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic whale watching experience. Amazing boat, crew were attentive and commentary was informative. Loved seeing the information of depth and terrain on the screens. The whales were being a bit sleepy but the dolphins were amazing! Came right up to the boat and with babies too!
Beautiful day with whales,albatross and sheerwaters
Dennis L,
Oct 25, 2025
- Viator
5.00We had very good weather and the water was flat which made for a great ride. We followed two humpback whales for most of the watching portion. We did see two other humpbacks, along with two different albatross and many sheerwaters.
well wprth the effort if weather is on your side
Janette N,
Oct 20, 2025
- Viator
5.00weather was great and saw a whale shortly after we departed. Out to deeper water and saw another whale plus seals etc good video as well which explained what we should see
Whales and dolphins are cute
Jiaming Y,
Oct 10, 2025
- Viator
5.00The weather helped a lot as it’s not cold and the waves are peaceful. The staff onboard were all very professional and will give us clear guidance to the animals. It’s also very exciting to “chase” the dolphins and look and wait for whales.
5 star experience with such a professional tour company.
AussieCoupleonthego,
Oct 8, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00What a professional organised company. They are 5* all the way and even though there was a bit of a swell the boat glided through the water effortlessly which for me, as someone who suffers from seasickness, was very important. We had a great time although it rained heavily for most of our trip. That's just part of it. We saw sea lions, dolphins and 3 different whales with a couple of breaches. The Captain didn't think our sightings were up to their standard so gave us 20% off the price which was refunded to us almost immediately. We thought the sightings were wonderful so it was a bonus for us.
Great operation
wheelerp,
Oct 7, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Great adventure. Actually reasonable price for what all the company provides. They provide very knowledgeable guides, especially about the whales, dolphins and birds. They also brief the visitors about my the Kaikoura area’s under water structure and currents make home for the wildlife. The company provides a slew of staff to assure the safety and company of the passengers
Related Experiences
Operated by Whale Watch Kaikoura Ltd