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Kaikoura's whale watching is one of New Zealand's deservedly famous attractions. Whale Watch is the original guided cruise company to take trips out along the Kaikoura coast and view these magnificent whales and other amazing marine life. Just offshore from the town of Kaikoura a deep undersea canyon attracts an extraordinary abundance of marine life, the most famous being the Sperm Whale. Designed especially for whale watching, Whale Watch's modern catamarans are equipped with engines that minimise underwater noise and toilets that never pollute the sea, offering visitors an exciting up-close encounter with the Giant Sperm Whale without impacting on this beautiful environment. As a successful Maori-owned company, Whale Watch cherishes the twin values of hospitality to visitors and reverence for the natural world. It is a philosophy that embraces people, the land, the sea and all living things as one.
The Whale Watch Office is clearly sign posted and can be located just off State Highway 1 or Beach Road near the Kaikoura Town Centre.
CHILD POLICY Family friendly. Under 16 child rate. No children under 3
CANCELLATION no show 100% | cancellation due to weather or mechanical reasons Full Refund
SEASONAL Open all year.
CHRISTMAS DAY Closed.
Kaikoura’s whale watching is one of New Zealand’s deservedly famous attractions. Whale Watch is the original guided cruise company to take trips out along the Kaikoura coast and view these magnificent whales and other amazing marine life. Just offshore from the town of Kaikoura a deep undersea canyon attracts an extraordinary abundance of marine life, the most famous being the Sperm Whale. Designed especially for whale watching, Whale Watch’s modern catamarans are equipped with engines that minimise underwater noise and toilets that never pollute the sea, offering visitors an exciting up-close encounter with the Giant Sperm Whale without impacting on this beautiful environment. As a successful Maori-owned company, Whale Watch cherishes the twin values of hospitality to visitors and reverence for the natural world. It is a philosophy that embraces people, the land, the sea and all living things as one.
Kaikoura is the Whale Watching capital of New Zealand, every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. Giant Sperm Whales are the stars of the show and year-round residents. A typical Whale Watch tour may encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, pods of Dusky Dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross. Depending on the season you may also see migrating Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales and Southern Right Whales. Kaikoura often hosts the worlds largest dolphin the Orca and is home to the worlds smallest and rarest marine dolphin the Hectors. Kaikoura also attracts the largest concentration and variety of seabirds on mainland New Zealand including 13 species of Albatross, 14 varieties of Petrels and 7 types of Shearwater.
Whale Watch® is New Zealand’s only marine-based whale watching company offering visitors an exciting up-close encounter with the Giant Sperm Whale all year round. A 95% success rate means a guaranteed 80% refund if your tour does not see a whale. Whale Watch tours are extremely popular so early bookings are recommended.
Departs 7:15am, 10am, 12:45pm, 3:30pm* | Duration 3.5 hours *summer only
Bookings essential. Adverse sea conditions can cause cancellation. Herbal sea sickness remedies are available from our retail department.
Picton 2 hours
Christchurch 2.5 hours
