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.
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.
Reviews
2,997 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
All staff friendly and...
Barbara W,May 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00All staff friendly and knowledgeable just disappointed that we only saw 1 whale and then only it's back and tail. It did surface a number of times.
The Best Ever ! So Many Wonderful Close Ups !
michaelfW9775EE,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fabulous experience thanks to the very knowledgeable staff and location. We saw Sperm Whales, Orcas, Humpback and a huge variety of Dolphins ! The guide commentary (Billy from England) was excellent and kept everyone on point watching. The seats in the Captains Cabin (extra cost) were fabulous and comfortable. The staff also captured photos for those that may have missed moments. Family run very organised business with lovely warm welcome. Highly recommend !!
Not a fluke.
peterhG6200MZ,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful opportunity. Crew were efficient and helpful. They found two whales, a tiny dolphin and seals. In cabin video was very interesting.
Highly recommend
Alanna E,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience, lovely staff
Can’t lie I got wicked...
azucco13,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Can’t lie I got wicked seasick and we didn’t see whales BUT we saw Orcas, Albatross, other birds and dolphins and our guide was great. Would recommend
Amazing, must do!
Matthew J,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Incredible experience. Staff were so friendly and knowledgeable, and did all they could to make sure we could see the amazing whales. Cannot thank them enough!
Worth it!!
Ajil J,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Its such a surreal experience. Although you see the whale only for 15min, its something we won’t see too often. And many did get sea sick. So that is something to watchout. But every crew in the boat were very helpfull and caring.
Totally enjoyed this experience
Ban666,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Checked in on time to very friendly staff, the staff explained what was going to happen and when we were due to depart. We were told 10 minutes before that they were running 15 minutes late and 15 minutes later we departed. Once on the coach for a 6/7 minutes ride the coach driver was very informative. A few minutes later we were on the very nice looking 30m boat. Throughout the trip the staff were very friendly yet professional. It took a while to find anything for us to look at but we eventually spotted a Humpback Whale on the surface for about 10 minutes before his tale went up and he was gone. We also saw a couple of Dolphins and plenty of Seal. Would I go again? yes and hope we could see a bit more next time as that is in the lap of the gods.
Magic Day with Whales and Dolphins
L2353HAbenj,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an amazing experience. We booked this tour through trip advisor and it was money well spent. I would go as far as to say the experience was an absolute bargain, On the trip the boat can house up to 100 people, inside while you drive out into deeper ocean and then out onto the multiple decks. On our trip we were lucky enough to see a sperm whale, a hump back whale, seals and 100’s of dolphins. The staff were fantastic - so knowledgeable and helpful. The team did a great job of maximising our time on the water (about 2 and an half hours) and our ability to have as many attempts as possible to see whales. There is a great gift shop at the headquarters where you check in and catch the bus. You can get everything you need from there, including sea sickness tablets if you think you might need them. The weather was amazing on the day we toured - absolutely magic. I would recommend this tour to anyone who wants the chance to see whales.
Kaikoura Whale Watching
Laura S,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great time watching the whales! We were able to see several pods of orcas and we were able to see a large sperm well. There were also lots of dolphins. It was a great boat, very comfortable and a smooth ride. We would highly recommend!
From NZ$179.49
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Operated by Whale Watch Kaikoura Ltd