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.
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat lasts about 3h 30min.
Prices start at $103 per person for this Kaikoura experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 3 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
The meeting point is Departure Point: Whale Watch Kaikoura is located on Whaleway Station Road just a short walk or drive from the town centre - our office is based at the Old Railway Station. Address: Whale Watch Kaikoura. Whaleway Station Road Kaikoura 7300. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
The experience is available in EN.
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 116 participants.
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller 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. 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.
Wheelchair accessible Transportation options are wheelchair accessible All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Confirmation is sent by the operator within 24 hours of booking.
Travellers rate it 4.5 out of 5 across 3,043 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Whale Watch Kaikoura Ltd.
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
We had a great time in Kaikoura, what a beautiful place, enjoyed the whale watching very much and loved the funny tour guide. The only thing I did not think was right was that for extra pay you got a private area on the boat that was cordoned off for the rest of us. Couldn't believe that that was a thing on a whale watching tour, definitely takes away from the camaraderie you get from finding and experiencing seeing the whales together
Staff were amazing, friendly, knowledgeable, comfortable beautiful boat, I thoroughly enjoyed my whole experience.
Superb get vip tickets for enhanced experience saw humpback 🐋 dusky dolphins 🐬 and fur seals unique and brilliant tour recommended
Awesome experience. We got to see humpback whales, seals, albatross and dolphins. Very knowledgeable crew!!
I concur with the very positive commentary others have made surrounding safety, commentary, vessels and whale watching experience, and just wanted to add my apprehension about sea sickness was unfounded. I purchased the seasickness tablets and wrist acupressure band available at the counter in the gift shop before boarding, but could have saved myself the NZ$60+. As the photos show the weather was reasonable and the seas were flat. The boat doesn't go out far enough to be really exposed to rough seas. The biggest risk of seasickness isn't from the ocean but from the skipper showing off the boat's turning-on-a-dime capabilities.
We paid a little bit more for the ViP experience and it was worth it. I have to say that this was one of the most experienced, safe and professional companies I have come across. Everyone was so friendly as well. It was made clear before we started the trip that we would see Humpbacks rather than Sperm Whales which we were happy with. In the end we saw a number of Humpbacks, Fur Seals and Hectors Dolphins. It was an amazing day. Thank you
Professional team, all aspects of the trip were well staffed by friendly and helpful people We were blessed with wonderful weather, a couple of humpback whales and some seals
Well worth the cost. Great narrative and a very safe boat. Loved the experience.
Easy check in. Staff and guides were nice and helpful. The sail was smooth that day and we were lucky to be visited by two Humpbacks. It was amazing. If you can afford a little more spending, do upgrade to the VIP captain cabin. You get an armchair, food and your own watching deck. Was worth it.
Such a beautiful experience! The crew was so competent in the ridge, animals, and safety. I would absolutely recommend to anyone coming to the beautiful Kaikōura!!
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat | 3h 30min | 4.5 (3,043) | $103 | |
 Kaikōura Whale Watching Scenic Flight (40 Minutes) | 40 min | 4.9 (229) | $169 | View |
 Whale Watching in Kaikoura - Ultimate Experience | 30 min | 4.7 (203) | $152 | View |
 Kaikoura: Whale Watching Flight | 30 min | 4.8 (112) | $126 | View |
 Kaikoura Whale Watching - 45 Minute Ocean Safari | 1h 15min | 5.0 (45) | $488 | View |
 Kaikōura Whale Watching and Scenic Landing - 1hr Premier Tour | 1 hour | 5.0 (28) | $775 | View |
 Kaikōura Whale Watching - 1hr 20min Ultimate Adventure | 2 hours | 5.0 (8) | $933 | View |