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
2,923 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Terrible service
842bethanm,,Feb 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Cancelled our tour on the day because of mechanical issues Very unhelpful at the desk, and crazy system where you were asked to repeatedly queue up at the desk to check, but could end up behind people who got there after you? Got to watch people who booked after us, get to go on the tour that they cancelled for us Terrible service
No whales unfortunately
Beata G,,Feb 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Unfurtunately, the whales didn't show up :( But we saw Hector dolphins and some other dolphins from bigger distance. The boat was comfortable and staff very nice.
Well organized and informative trip
T2100OEchrish,,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very well organized boat trip and very informative crew and commentary. We did get to see a sperm whale on the surface and then diving which was good as nature isn’t always accommodating! If you can, for comfort and viewing, pay extra for the VIP captains lounge on the upper deck with just 12 other guests.
Truly Amazing
Seldon S,,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00From leaving the marina it only took 10mins to arrive at the whale locations. The team were professional, hugely passionate about their work and to cap it all we watched 3 sperm whales rise and then dive, what wonder, truly amazing. Then onto see a pod of approx. 150 dolphins that danced around the boat with a display that was magical. Thanks go to all the team at Whale watchers
Superb Trip
587gailg,,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our trip was cancelled due to bad weather but we rebooked the next day. So pleased we were able to see a whale. Absolutely fantastic
Worst sea sickness ever!
Cheryl T,,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00If you have any concern about seasickness, don't go. The cruise focused on one whale, and we didnt see any other ocean life. It was disappointing.
Gordon from Solihull .
Gordon W,,Feb 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic experience with a well informed staff. Knowledgeable about the wildlife on show. We were fortunate to see a sperm whale , killer whales, dolphins ,albatross and petrols. Absolutely fantastic.
Excellent opportunity to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat
Paul R,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great trip and saw whales (a Sperm and two Killer) and dolphins in their natural habitat. Luckily the weather was clear and sunny with calm sea conditions. Lovely new boat to travel on with friendly helpful crew.
Excellent trip
Richard C,,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent trip Well organised and very informative commentary. The vessel was comfortable and even though the trip was full wasn't crowded. Plenty to see Sperms whales, orca, dolphins Well worth it
A Sperm Whale & friends!
Christine C,,Feb 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It did not disappoint! We saw a Sperm whale, Pilot whales and Lots of dolphins! We also saw a couple of albatross’ birds! Crew were amazing and lots of information given!
From NZ$179.49
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Operated by Whale Watch Kaikoura Ltd