Whale Watching Cruise Kaikoura

Inclusions

• 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

Exclusions

• We do not offer food or refreshments onboard, however, please feel free to bring a light snack or cold drinks along with you which can be purchased at the Flukes Cafe. A water fountain is available onboard

Highlights

• Each tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. The Giant Sperm Whale is the star of the show and is resident in the area all year round. In addition to the Sperm Whale, a number of different species of whale have been sighted off our coastline, including Blues, Humpbacks, Rights and Orca. As well as sighting whales, a typical trip will cruise by colonies of New Zealand Fur Seals and perhaps take in groups of dolphins. In addition to the marine mammals, Kaikoura has a wide variety of off-shore birds. These include Albatross, Shearwaters, Petrels, Gulls, Penguins and Gannets

Time

• All year: 7.15am, 10.00am, 10:30am, 12.45pm
• Please select your preferred departure time upon booking
• More tours may be available during the peak season. If the time you have selected is not available, the nearest time will be allocated for you

Duration

• The actual time on the water is up to 2.5 hours. Including check-in time and transfer by bus, you should allow 3.5 hours in total

Departure Location

• Our reservations office is located at the Whaleway Station, Kaikoura. This is the check-in point
• Please click here to view the road status and travel time information

FAQs

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes - There is a high demand for most of our trips, so we advise that you book your seat 7-10 days ahead of time during peak season (November-April) and 3-4 days ahead in the off-peak season.

Am I guaranteed to see a whale?

No - But the chances are very high. We are proud of our record for whale sightings. In the event that your tour does not see a whale, we will refund 80% of your fare

What will I see?

Each tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. The Giant Sperm Whale is the star of the show and is resident in the area all year round. In addition to the Sperm Whale, a number of different species of whale have been sighted off our coastline, including Blues, Humpbacks, Rights and Orca. As well as sighting whales, a typical trip will cruise by colonies of New Zealand Fur Seals and perhaps take in groups of dolphins, depending on the season. In addition to the marine mammals, Kaikoura has a wide variety of off-shore birds. These include Albatross, Shearwaters, Petrels, Gulls, Penguins and Gannets

What happens if the sea and weather conditions are not suitable?

Your safety and comfort are of paramount importance to us. If the conditions are not suitable, we will cancel the tour. Passengers, who are travelling to join us on the day of their tour, are advised to telephone the free phone number for a conditions update (available on your tour voucher)

If my tour is cancelled, will I be transferred to the next one?

No - When a tour is cancelled, we will do our best to accommodate you on another one. You do need to request this

How long is the tour?

The actual time on the water is up to 2.5 hours. Including check-in time and transfer by bus, you should allow 3.5 hours in total

Additional Information

• There is a 95% sighting rate, in the event that your tour does not see a whale, we will refund 85% of your fare
• Wheelchair friendly
• Children under the age of 3 will not be able to participate in this activity

Booking Information

• Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
• Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
• For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
• Upon completion of your booking, you will need to phone the operator to advise of your preferred trip time