Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat

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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

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.

1.15pm Departure

Please arrive 30 minutes prior to departure time - Please allow 3.5 hours with us.

Reviews

4.45

2,802 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

1927
503
181
88
103
  • A must do experience

    Sarah W,

    Aug 28, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    What a magical experience. We were lucky enough to have 2 whales put on quite a show next to the boat which was breathtaking.

  • Awesome day the crew put...

    Ryan H,

    Aug 25, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    Awesome day the crew put on we saw 6 humpbacks well worth the trip and if you are lucky enough to see any whales

  • Amazing tour!

    Bhavisha K,

    Aug 3, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    This was an unbelievable tour, so well organised. You get picked up by a bus and taken to the marina, the boat is really fast and you’re seeing whales in no time! We spotted 4 whales (3 sperm and 1 humpback) and loads of dolphins and albatross! Was a great trip and would highly recommend!

  • Great trip

    Reena B,

    Jul 30, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    We saw 3 whales, dolphins and seals. Great trip - brilliant guide and comfortable boat trip. Lots of chance to take photos and videos

  • Stunning

    Elizabeth K,

    Jul 29, 2025

    - Viator

    5.00

    Great tour and loads of opportunity to see both Whales and Dolphins. The staff were so informative and very friendly. A must if visiting Kaikoura

From NZ$179.49

4.45
2,802 reviews