Whale Watch Kaikoura
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May 2026
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Highlighted reviews
Whale watch Kaikoura was amazing, well run with awesome staff on board. Highly recosmmend
Extremely professional!
What you can expect
Embark on a whale watching adventure from New Zealand's premier whale watching destination - Kaikoura - with one of the country's best whale watching tour companies! Known for its wide variety of whale species, a Kaikoura whale watching experience will put you in a great position to encounter not just more common species of whale like humpbacks, but also other rarer types such as Sperm Whales, Minke Whales, Fins and even the largest creature on earth - the mammoth Blue Whale.
Departing from Kaikoura, you'll get around 2.5 hours on the water as your friendly, experienced crew take you to all the best whale watching hot spots in the area to ensure you'll get the best possible chance to see the maximum number of whales available on the day. While making the trek out to whale waters, sit back and relax on the large, air-conditioned vessel and watch marine wildlife animations on the large plasma screens. One of the best and most comprehensive whale watching tours in New Zealand for those with a limited amount of time, book a Kaikoura whale watching adventure online today and see these beautiful creatures in their natural environment firsthand!
For extra comfort and exclusivity, the captain's cabin offers guests great views with big windows to look out through. The captain's cabin is situated in the wheelhouse alongside the skipper and watch keeper maximum of 12 guests only. Guests can relax and enjoy watching the whales while sitting in comfortable luxurious seating and listening to the dedicated cabin nature guide.
Location
What you need to know
- Air conditioned vessel with comfortable seating and large plasma screens for marine wildlife animations
- Whale Watch coach transfer to harbor
- Viewing of Giant Sperm Whales
- Opportunity to see other marine mammals such as Blue, Fin, Sei, Humpback, Minke, Pilot, Orca and Southern Right Whales, Common Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, Elephant Seals and Leopard Seals
- Allow 3.5 hours
- Departs from the Whale Watch office in Kaikoura located at the old railway station (known as the Whaleway Station)
- 7:15am, 10am and 12.45pm all year (additional departures available Nov-Mar)
- Operates daily all year (weather permitting) except Christmas Day
- Is there a best time or season for Whale Watch Kaikoura? Whale Watch Kaikoura operates year-round, with resident sperm whales present throughout the year. Other migratory whales pass through Kaikoura’s waters at different times of the year, with June to August often a great time to see a variety of species.
- What should I bring on a Whale Watch Kaikoura tour? We recommend dressing warmly, wearing flat shoes, and bringing a waterproof jacket if you plan to spend time outside on deck. You can also bring your camera, food, and drinks, as there are no onboard shops.
- Can you see blue whales on a Whale Watch Kaikoura tour? Blue whales are migratory and only occasionally pass through New Zealand waters, so sightings are not guaranteed. Whale Watch Kaikoura is best known for its resident sperm whales.
- Do the Whale Watch Kaikoura boats have bathrooms onboard? Yes, there are bathroom facilities onboard the boat during the tour.
- What time does check-in close for Whale Watch Kaikoura tours? Check-in is at your booked session time, but we recommend arriving 5 to 10 minutes early to make sure you are ready on time.
- What is the Captain’s Cabin on the Whale Watch Kaikoura boat? The Captain’s Cabin offers extra comfort, large viewing windows, and a maximum of 12 guests. It is located in the wheelhouse alongside the skipper and watchkeeper, with a dedicated nature guide.
- Is Whale Watch Kaikoura accessible for guests with limited mobility? Whale Watch Kaikoura can assist guests with limited mobility. The terminal offers easy boarding with ramps or low steps, making it accessible for most guests who may have difficulty with stairs or unsteady knees. While the vessel can accommodate guests with mobility needs, there are a few fixed steps inside the boat, and onboard seating is not movable.
- How large are the Whale Watch Kaikoura boats and how many passengers can they take? The Whale Watch Kaikoura boats are approximately 18 metres long and 6.4 metres wide, with capacity for up to 48 passengers on each trip.
- What happens if bad weather affects Whale Watch Kaikoura? If your Whale Watch Kaikōura tour is cancelled due to bad weather, you can reschedule to another time or day, or receive a full refund.
- If you are susceptible to motion-sickness Whale Watch offer Aqua Straps for hire or purchase. Natural active motion-sickness tablets are also available but they are not permitted to sell medicated options. These can be purchased at the local pharmacy in the town centre. All Whale Watch tours are graded with a seasickness warning announced over the PA system prior to tour departure
- Children under 3 years are not permitted
- Captain's Cabin only 12 guests maximum
- There is a high demand for our tour in our summer months (Nov-Mar) so we recommend booking well in advance
- There is a 95% success rate with an average of 1-2 sperm whale sightings per tour. If your tour does not see a whale you will be refunded 80% of your money back
- There are two toilets on each vessel
- We recommend dressing warmly with flat shoes
- No food, drink or film are sold onboard the boats
- Limited availability for Captain's Cabin option
- No charge applies to any booking changes made.
- No booking fee is charged.
- No refunds will be given in the event of your failure to notify us of your cancellation 48 hours before the check-in time.
Recent reviews
Whale watch Kaikoura was amazing, well run with awesome staff on board. Highly recosmmend
Extremely professional!
Amazing experience with friendly knowledgeable staff. Highly recommended :)
Need help?
- Email us at plan@everythingnewzealand.com
- Product ID: 6827
- This experience is supplied by Whale Watching Cruise in Kaikoura