Water activity

Kaikoura: Whale Watching Cruise

Activity provider: Whale Watch Kaikoura
Water activity

Kaikoura: Whale Watching Cruise

Activity provider: Whale Watch Kaikoura
Likely to sell out

From US$ 103.57 per person

Likely to sell out

Enjoy a unique whale watching experience off the South Island of New Zealand. Experience an up-close encounter with the world’s largest toothed predator, the giant sperm whale. Look out for other wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and birds.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 3.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English
Wheelchair accessible

Experience

Highlights
  • Enjoy close encounters with the giant sperm whale
  • See dolphins, seals, and the wandering albatross
  • Admire stunning views of the mountainous coastline
Full description

Take a whale-watching cruise off the Kaikoura coast, and see giant sperm whales in their natural environment. Enjoy onboard commentary as you encounter a range of wildlife, including fur seals, pods of dolphins, and the endangered wandering albatross.

Set sail on a catamaran, equipped with engines that minimize underwater noise and nonpolluting toilets. Take in the views from the large outdoor decks or stay inside the air-conditioned interiors with comfortable seating and plasma screens displaying marine wildlife animations.

Gain an insight into the habitat with scientific information and indigenous knowledge about these creatures from the crew. Passenger numbers are kept well below the vessel's capacity to ensure a more personal experience.

Includes
  • 2-hour cruise
  • Narration by expert crew
  • Award-winning animation
  • Food and drinks
Not suitable for
  • Children under 3 years

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

The local partner’s office, Whale Watch Kaikōura.

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Important information

Not allowed

  • Smoking

Know before you go

  • The minimum age is three years old but the minimum age is subject to the sea and weather conditions at the time of check-in
  • Please note that the tour is subject to favorable weather conditions. The local partner will confirm your exact tour time by email after booking
  • Please note that your tour time might be different from the one you request due to availability
  • If you suffer from motion sickness it is recommended to take precautions prior to arriving at the office, motion sickness tablets are available for purchase at the office
  • The amount of time on the water is just over 2-hours and it is recommended to allow 3 hours and 15 minutes for the entire experience including check-in, safety briefing, and bus transfers
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 569 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.7/5
  • Transportation
    4.7/5
  • Value for money
    4.4/5
  • Safety
    5/5

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Star rating:

The weather was wonderful all day. From our meeting place we were bussed to a quay to board a large, comfortable and very powerful jet boat. The crew were friendly and knowledgeable. We found a place in the ocean and waited. We saw 3 sperm whales surface and later dive. It’s a vision I will remember for the rest of my life. We then moved on to see wild dolphins. They were incredible.

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March 14, 2023

Really enjoyable trip. On my particular trip we had 3 sperm whales who all sugared at the same time same place. Also Albatros and seals. Boat was very good/comfortable. Plenty of viewing spots. the female host on the mic was fun and knowledgeable and have a great insite. Need to take any food or drink with you but a great experience.

March 10, 2023

It was a very well organised cruise with excellent crew and information given was very good. Unfortunately the weather was not good and the cruise was rough. Although we were warned of a high risk.of sea sickness. On this occasion we did not see any whales but happy with the 80% refund.

March 7, 2023

Product ID: 226204