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
2,988 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fabulous adventure!!!
David J,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00What an amazing day!! Seas were a bit rough due to approaching Cyclone Vaianu which affected some on board - But we saw a juvenile sperm whale, a humpback whale, a pair of Orcas (Prop & Danny) plus a host of dolphins (Dusky and Common) that encircled the boat, a couple of flirty fur seals and so many birds! SCORE!!!! The crew was fantastic! If you go to Kaikoura and don't do this well organized adventure, you are missing out on something special
A must do in Kaikoura. Absolutely amazing
andaly69,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An absolutely amazing trip to see the whales (sperm & humpback)along with playful dolphins (dusky & common) awesome birds (albatross, petrels etc) and cheeky seals. This is an must do activity when in Kaikoura
Wonderful whale spotting trip
emmahH5237QC,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful boat trip to see whales. The tour guide was so knowledgeable and interesting, and we saw so much wildlife, including a sperm whale, a humpback whale, 2 different kinds of albatross and a pod of dusky dolphins who came right up to the boat. Highly recommend
Brilliant trip, expert informative narrative
Tim H,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic trip led by Emily, Robbie and Tu. we saw Sperm whales, Humpback whales, Dusky Dolphins, 2species of Albatross and Petrels
Brill
Departure668282,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent saw everything we wanted.
Top Whale Watching experiemce in Kaikoura, NZ
Olivers01,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00From reception to the end of the trip a top experience, high quality of taking care of the clients, super friendly, top maintenance of the ship and safety instructions-we felt save and we saw plenty of whales. Continue what you - with the same enthusiasm that we experienced
Amazing boat trip to see wildlife
Shoregate,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic trip, where can you see sperm whales, orcas, dolphins, fur seals and numerous seabirds species within two hours? Boat trip is on a fast catamaran which gets you to the wildlife very fast and then stops to allow you to appreciate it. Tour guide Billy was very knowledgable and good at providing information about what was around and what could possibly be seen on the day. Thoroughly recommend this tour.
Special Experience
alexis J,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful experience. Great accomodation by Whale Watching for rough seas with options to refund or reschedule. Modern comfortable boats. Excellent knowledgable staff.
Wonderful Experience! Must do!
F2205WCsaras,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour! Staff is great and the tour is very educational.
A Good Trip That's Very Weather Dependent
D J,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00The staff were very professional and helpful. Sea was pretty rough and about 20 or more people got sick. Because of the sea conditions we were only on the water for maybe two hours in total at the most. So we only spent 1.5 hours looking for whales. I know they can't control the weather and it must be miserable being sick on a tour. I just wished we had more time on the water.
From NZ$179.49
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Operated by Whale Watch Kaikoura Ltd