Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat

Overview

Available languages

English

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.

10.30am 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

4.45

2,845 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

1959

510

184

104

The best experience I’ve ever had the crew on the boat were fantastic also we saw dolphins and albatrosses it was well w
Journey567597,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
What a experience we saw 2 whales it was unbelievable seeing these majestic animals a must do if you are in kaikoura fantastic day
Enjoyable unique once in a lifetime experience. Definitely recommend two friends and family
Dawn H,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
From 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
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Well 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.
Took a while to find a...
Donna M,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00
Took a while to find a humpback but eventually found one, dolphins were great and lots of sea birds including the albatross
Swedrn
Sightsee822045,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00
Gilker it was not vip and that you did not get to be outside all the time then so stressed and flight that alarmed all the time so was no good feeling then stress ind and check penguins wanted to take photos of Albertrosser but it just went at high speed so it could not.The whole tour was very stressed
Don't expect whale...
Karin L,
Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Don't expect whale sightings you see on tv. It was limited to backs, spouts and sometimes a head or a tail.
A great experience
SUSAN M,
Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
We enjoyed our trip to see the whales & felt fortunate to see 2 humpbacks feeding together. There were also dolphins frolicking around both the boat & whales to entertain us. I found the crew very friendly & professional with researchers also on deck to answer any questions. It was also wonderful to see the beautiful Kaikoura coast from the ocean. We did the VIP tour & thought the lunch provided as well as the extra space on deck was worth the extra cost.
Excellent informative trip
Cazhaz1,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The 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
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Fantastic 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!
Way too many people
Sandy B,
Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00
There were way too many people crowded on the boat to see the whale when they did pop up. Boat and staff were nice. Staff were very professional and the marine biologist on board was very informative. Would have enjoyed a small boat much better.