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 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.
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
Options
10.30am Departure
Please arrive 30 minutes prior to departure time - Please allow 3.5 hours with us.
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.
Reviews
2,947 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Extraordinary opportunity
Stephanie H,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic look at multiple rate sea life done in a honorable respectful way. Saw 3 whales, 2 types of dolphins, seals, and albatross.
Cancelled
Rosalind w,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00We didn't get to go on the trip due to poor weather. We were offered another trip ti see the Dolphins.
Superb whale watching experience
Kieron D,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Meeting point where you are picked up by coach to travel the 5 minutes or so to the dock. Boats are modern, with great viewing locations all round. The crew were knowledgeable and very helpful. The sea journey out to deep waters here is short, and, once over the chasm where sperm whales frequent, the boat passively listens for tell tale clicks. Once located, it was simply a wait for them to stop, signalling that the whale was about to surface. It was then a group spotting exercise for all on board to see where the surface was broken. We were able to watch Scarface the sperm whale taking a breather on the surface for 15 minutes, before a beautiful deep dive with fluke show. It was peaceful, emotional and stunning to watch. A real privilege. We looked around for a playful humpback whale spotted in the area but alas no joy this time. On the way back we were treated to a great acrobatics show from a few dozen dusky dolphins. A great end to a brilliant trip.
Whale watching Kaikoura
karyni2026,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wow!!! Just come off the 08.30 trip this morning 12th March 2026. What can I say, from the minute we arrived at the office to check in, to when we finished the trip it was incredible! The staff from office, captain Jack, the whale watchers to the commentary were excellent, oh and the bus driver. I would recommend going VIP, only 12 seats beside captain and your own space outside not to mention a lunch pack with juice/water. The boat trip was wonderful we saw sperm, orcas and humpback whales. Don’t hesitate just book this trip.
What a priviledge!
PeterNoble,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We really found this both a magical experience and a real education. We were so lucky to see three whales (sperm and hump-back), three different types of dolphins in an enormous group of maybe 100 frolicking and flying near our boat. And a couple of albatros and lots of local gulls. All of this led and commented by an extremely knowledgable and communicative skipper, with the boat being directed to the places where it was most likely we would see them. It was fascinating to hear the knowledge that has been gained about the lifestyle and changing habits of the whales. We would really recommend this tour. If you can, get a seat in the Captain Cabin for better views. This company really cares about the wildlife and their guests - they return some of the money you pay into research.
Too bad, chocolate
tomkY9711AH,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Has failed wg bad weather
Great cruise!
765yifats,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome experience! The team was extremely nice and knowledgeable and overall it was a great cruise!
Fabulous
Richard N,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Your expectations are set as this being just a whale watching trip but in fairness it is much more than that. We saw several sperm whales out at sea but the level of information and sophistication about the whole trip is first class. Shout out to Keelan (I think that's right), who was a brilliant compere and kept the facts coming as we scoured the sea for whales. This was so much more than a trip out on the water to find some wildlife.
Fab whales watching experience
Justine G,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Helpful crew, lovely smooth boat and magical seeing the whales. Highly recommend it to anyone who loves whales.
I came from the USA to...
Jean M,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I came from the USA to visit a friend who lives in Christchurch. We went for a day trip, it was amazing and worth every penny. We saw seals, dolphins and even a stingray that was chilling in the bay. But the highlight was the Sperm whale and humpback whale. Highly recommended.
From NZ$179.49
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Operated by Whale Watch Kaikoura Ltd