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
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.
7.45am Departure
Please arrive 30 minutes prior to departure time - Please allow 3.5 hours with us.
Reviews
2,937 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Our tour guide was very...
Jennifer H,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and I appreciated the narration throughout the tour to give us background information. While we were looking for the whales she also pointed out other wildlife such as the seabirds. At the end we also saw a huge pod of dusky dolphins very up close which was absolutely mesmerizing and arguably just as exciting as seeing the sperm whale. I appreciated the tour group company’s ethical and non invasive approach to whale watching (finding the whales using echolocation and then observing from a safe distance, rather than artificially trying to lure the whales) as it respects them as wild animals. When checking in for the tour, we were informed that our trip had “high risk of seasickness” (which is apparently not common) due to the water conditions at the time and they double checked whether we still wanted to go on the tour. Due to this warning, my partner ended up purchasing and taking a motion sickness medication they were selling which helped lot; I did not take any because I never get motion sick but even I started feeling pretty nauseous halfway through ( though it went away when the waves got more even). Several other guests on the tour were unfortunately much sicker and vomited. I don’t think this is the tour company’s fault as everyone was provided adequate warning, but it did seem to dampen the experience for some but that is just the nature of this type of tour.
Awesome stuff!
M7550OPmanishs,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thank you Whale Watch Kaikoura Team for a brilliant afternoon! With expert tracking and a a bit of patience we saw two Sperm Whales doing their dives, lots of dolphins and lots of birdlife during our time on the water. Excellent organisation, highly knowledgable staff and great value for money. Highly recommended
Absolutely Fabulous
Carole J,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We were really lucky that the weather played it's part and we had a picture day. The guides were exceptional and the information screens are very informative. We saw 3 Sperm Whales, a Humpback Whale and a Seal. There was plenty of bird life too. We were on the water for 2 1/2 hours. All in all it was a brilliant day which I highly recommend.
Awesome experience
236deborahf,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a fantastic experience. So well organised, the boat crew worked so hard to ensure we got to see the whales. Definitely recommend this. Had the best morning.
Must do when in Kaikoura
HolidayPleaseToday,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Last minute booking and was amazing 2hrs on the boat. Saw 3 whales and a seal taking a look at us. Views of the island alone are nearly worth the spend. Crew were friendly and very helpful internationally and non-English visitors. We were blessed with a warm sunny calm day.
Excellent.
PATRICE G,Feb 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00You may need to be prevented from taking a 45-minute bus ride to board. Apart from that the excursion was successful, I think every person on the boat could have watched the whales.
Highly recommend
Chloe R,Feb 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing tour! We picked the first tour of the day and had the opportunity to see two types of whales. Highly recommended
A whale of a time
RubySiganporia,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a great experience to see the sperm whale in its natural hhabitat.it was a clear sunny day abd the water and views were simply beautiful. The guide was knowledgeable and made the experience informative and enjoyable.
Awesome fantastic and great experience.
Taxburner,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Perfect organization and always felt welcomed. Also all people seem to love what they do. This resulted in spotting three sperm whales, a shark, Hector Dolphins, seabirds and a seal. Wonderful experience !!
New Zealand is back to Nature
Elina L,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Its close to Nature the ocean is full of Orcas , Walens, seals and more ... there is mountains a round with snow on the top and down in the willage there is palmtrees and sunshining its clean every were people are friendly its a great place !
From NZ$179.49
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Operated by Whale Watch Kaikoura Ltd