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
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
2,960 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Incredible experience!
thetartanpassport,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An absolutely incredible experience! The boat was very comfy and the staff were all very charming and friendly. We were lucky enough to see a humpback whale shortly into the trip, and then the team worked hard to track down a sperm whale for us to see. We got to spend lots of time with the latter which was just spectacular. We also saw lots of bird species! Could not fault our experience one bit.
A total disappointment!...
Holger E,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00A total disappointment! Completely overpriced price for seeing a whale for a three-hour excursion for perhaps just under a minute. Instead, a video was presented. In addition, the esoteric-inspired drool of the leader was unbearable. Little space on the ship, everyone is crowding to claim the best photo spot for themselves. In addition, I found it very disturbing that there was a special VIP area that was closed off. All in all, I don't understand the hype at all. This was one of the most boring experiences of my four-week new New Zealand trip so far.
We had a great time on...
Jimmy W,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great time on this tour and saw 2 kinds of whales! We also saw dolphins playing under the boat and albatross! We learned a lot about the geology and marine life in the area on a comfortable boat with bathrooms, too!
Great whale watching experience
Meander726805,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We enjoyed a wonderful early morning on the water, spotting not only whales but numerous dolphins. The team were both professional and informative throughout the trip, and always on hand to answer questions and offer further details about the marine life. The whole morning was very well organised.
Great trip good info and helpful staff location
raylindagrundy,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great trip to view whales and other sea life and birds. Fabulous afternoon out, with upto 80% money back if whales aren’t sighted The car park near the office and bus transfer to the boat. The staff at the meeting station are very helpful. We were asked if we wanted to take the next trip which we did. They also advised the sea was rough and recommend sea sick relief if concerned. The crew on board were helpful and knowledgeable. We were very lucky to see spermicide whales. Be aware This trip is very weather dependant in bad weather and rough seas it will be cancelled. The staff will do their best to rebook you
Kaikoura Whale Watch
Pioneer443284,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had the time of my life! We saw sperm whales, albatross, seals, dusky dolphins gave us a real show, and a special treat of a humpback whale as well. The boat ride was excellent with fun and knowledgable staff and engaging videos and displays that were fascinating and educational abiut the geology and wildlife of the Kaikoura coast. Seeing sperm whales was an absolute dream, the dusky dolphins were jusy so much magical fun, and the care and cinsideration of the protection and welfare of the animals was the top priority of the organisation. Incredible experience that I highly recommend.
Nowhere else like this on earth…
Global817756,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Over decades, the Whale Watch Kaikoura team have developed an extraordinary business model, involving professional local employment, international tourist custom and respectful, sustainable, scientific regard of the ocean. It could be really crap if one of that trifecta dropped the ball, but it’s not. The crew on our boat were just excellent, informative companions. By the great gift of the weather gods, the day was sunny and warm, the sea swell only a murmur. Sperm whales, orcas, dolphins, fur seals and beautiful sea birds - including massive albatross - gave us a truly memorable afternoon that will (my rubbish photography notwithstanding) stay with me forever. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance.
Excellent.
milanvagner,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Expectations were overfilled. Sperm whale, 3 kinds of dolphins,,albatros…Very helpful staff. And promoter no 1.
great trip!
Lynnette S,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00great morning out well organised great knowledge saw sperm whale, hump back whale and dolphins a plenty!
Extraordinary opportunity
Stephanie H,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic look at multiple rate sea life done in a honorable respectful way. Saw 3 whales, 2 types of dolphins, seals, and albatross.
From NZ$179.49
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Operated by Whale Watch Kaikoura Ltd