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
2,903 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wonderful Rangatira whale encounter experience
thefinereviewer21,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We enjoyed the whale and dolphin watching tour. We were lucky to encounter the sperm whale Rangatira, that was such an ashtonishing moment. Watching the dusky dolphins swim, jump and make happy sounds was a bonus on our way back to the port. The captain and crew were professional and friendly. Overall: quality service and consistent security measures so for us, it was great value for money. We would book this tour again. 100% recommended.
Very enjoyable tour.
Celtagirl,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very enjoyable. Excellent tour guide who showed slides and gave a talk about the whales. We saw 3 whales during the trip.
That’s the weather for you
gillsreid,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Cancelled due to heavy sea state!
Must do experience
kareneager3,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a delight! A very well organised and informative adventure. Marine biologists monitor the whales activity and know when and where they will be which pretty much guarantees a sighting. They talk about the wildlife you see and what to look out for. We were lucky enough to see a sperm whale, hector dolphins, and albatross. A must do experience!
Staff very informative. ...
Julia T,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Staff very informative. When they say high chance of sea sickness they mean it. Be warned! Practically guaranteed a whale sighting and didn't disappoint.
This experience is...
Sharita B,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This experience is incredibly well run. I was skeptical of the likelihood of seeing marine life but they are able to locate and position the boat beside the whale and wait alongside until the whale dives again (so you can hopefully see a tail flip). With that positioning in mind, they advise where guests should stand to get the best view! The boat was not overcrowded, meaning it was easy for everyone to safely get a good view point. With our extra time allotment, they pursued a dolphin pod which was fantastic! We also saw plenty of albatross throughout. Obviously what you see will vary day by day, but they really do try their best to get the best experience for those on board. Lovely crew, comfortable seating and very easy process to navigate as the customer! A lot of fun and well worth the price!
Memorable
jamesaB2157SN,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did see 2 whales Boat did really a good drive and enjoyed it very well Saw Albatross Great commentary Everything went really great Thank you
Brilliant !
clf2308,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were lucky enough to see a Sperm whale and a pod of dolphins on this trip. To get so close to a whale is amazing. The trip also contains great information about the bay itself, the depth of the ocean that we are sailing across, helpful information about not only the whales that we may see but also the birds and other marine wildlife. Very interesting to find out about the nature reserve also. Of you got VIP like us you get drinks and food during the trip
Well worth it!
Susan C,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The whole tour was very well organised and informative. We thoroughly enjoyed it. Ww got some lovely photos.
It was really worth it
LYSANDERMuenchen,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Everything is organized first class, check in, minibus transfer to jetty, the crew is first class and super friendly. We had booked the captain cabin, which we also recommend. The boat is in top condition, the crew is doing everything possible to locate a whale. In fact, we have seen one inclusive dive with tail fin. In addition, dolphins & albatrosses. Apart from the sighting, the mood is magical, the boat glides over the water, the view over the sea of the mountains is breathtaking. Conclusion: Whale watch Kaikoura should be considered when planning an NZ trip.
From NZ$179.49
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Operated by Whale Watch Kaikoura Ltd