On the Water
3–4 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$106
per adult
Whale Watch Kaikoura
Whale Watch Kaikoura
4.4
Boat ToursSightseeing ToursDolphin & Whale WatchingNature & Wildlife Tours
9:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Full view
About
"THE ULTIMATE MARINE EXPERIENCE" 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. The Giant Sperm Whales share these waters with up to 14 other different species of whales and dolphins that migrate past at different times of the year. At times you may also see NZ Fur Seals, rare & endangered Hector’s Dolphins & a wide variety of marine birds including the wandering albatross. Designed for whale watching, the company operates a fleet of modern catamarans equipped with engines that minimise underwater noise &toilets that never pollute the sea. The main passenger cabin is enclosed and large outside decks offer great viewing and photo opportunities. Spacious air-conditioned interiors are fitted with comfortable seating while large plasma screens display award-winning marine wildlife animations.
Kaikoura, New Zealand
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.4
2,991 reviews
Excellent
1,993
Very good
585
Average
204
Poor
94
Terrible
113
Wanderlust
Nottinghamshire, UK600 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Really enjoyed this trip, everything was well organised, from the booking, check in, the coach trip to the catamaran terminal. The day we were on the trip, they had advised there was a high risk of sea sickness due to the high winds/choppy water so at least you could prepare by taking medication in advance of the sailing.
The staff were entertaining, engaging and really made the trip by providing advise if you were feeling unwell etc as to where the best seating would be and things to try.
Very informative as to the whales seen in the area, lifespan, migration habits and the whales they had come to know.
We were lucky enough to spot a sperm whale, who was at the surface long enough for everyone on the vessel to see. We subsequently found out the whale's name is Rangatira, a male, well known to them from the nicks/ shape of the tale.
It really couldn't have been any better the staff really made this!
The staff were entertaining, engaging and really made the trip by providing advise if you were feeling unwell etc as to where the best seating would be and things to try.
Very informative as to the whales seen in the area, lifespan, migration habits and the whales they had come to know.
We were lucky enough to spot a sperm whale, who was at the surface long enough for everyone on the vessel to see. We subsequently found out the whale's name is Rangatira, a male, well known to them from the nicks/ shape of the tale.
It really couldn't have been any better the staff really made this!
Written February 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
0616MartyB
Dublin, Ireland122 contributions
Jan 2023 • Friends
This was a great experience and privilege to see a great creature of the deep in real life. The boat was top class for what it was doing.
The disappointing part was the long delay in getting us from check in to the pier 10am to 11am - really unnecessary delay, no explanation or apology.
The on board staff were fantastic and only for the desire of the experience we would have walked away - so in essence the organisers know you are adaptive audience and will put up with poor service because of why you are there.
Great experience - pity about the organisation.
The disappointing part was the long delay in getting us from check in to the pier 10am to 11am - really unnecessary delay, no explanation or apology.
The on board staff were fantastic and only for the desire of the experience we would have walked away - so in essence the organisers know you are adaptive audience and will put up with poor service because of why you are there.
Great experience - pity about the organisation.
Written January 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gayn0r16
Maidstone, UK13 contributions
Jan 2020
We went out for a Whale watching trip with this company and were thoroughly impressed. The attention to detail was brilliant. There was a safety presentation to start before we headed off on a bus to the boat. Attention was given to those with children and people who might be seasick and advice on how to stop sea sickness which was very useful, I’d not heard advice given before and I’m sure that it helped people enjoy the trip more. The boat ride itself was fun with us crashing through the waves at high speed to the spot where we might find whales. We were lucky enough to see two Sperm whales and to watch them dive. We also saw Dolphins and Albatross which was a bonus. We were told about the species of whales and the reason there were so many whales in the area all year round. The young man who gave the commentary was very interesting and was happy to answer questions. At the end of the trip he gave a lovely speech about how we all represented our own country while visiting New Zealand and that we should leave it as we found it, it was quite a moving end to a great trip.
Thank you for a fab day
Thank you for a fab day
Written January 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora,
Thank you for taking the time to submit a review after your experience with us. Feedback, positive or negative, from our customers is important and taken very seriously as we continually strive to improve the level of service and the quality of experience we deliver. Every effort is made to deliver a quality tour and experience at all times.
Thank you so much for recommending us. We wish you safe travels on the rest of your journey around our beautiful country.
Written February 26, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sarah Kirkwood
Dunedin, New Zealand37 contributions
Mar 2022
We went into the office, after checking out of our motel hoping to do the trip. We had to be back in ChCh by a certain time, so asked if we could pay, but drive to South Bay instead of taking the courtesy coach so that after the boat trip we could drive south from there. (we had parking available around the corner at a friends home). The lady behind the counter was very abrupt and said no, there is no parking at South Bay, which is not entirely correct. So sorry team, but you missed out 2 people booking tickets.
Written March 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul Hill
Wroughton, UK336 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
My wife and I decided to try our luck with catching a glimpse of nature’s biggest mammal and it didn’t disappoint.
We picked the 8.45am slot (midday and early afternoon already booked up) and sailed out the bay in search, we were warned before hand that it was choppy so took some tablets to counter it - that didn’t work! We were sick as dogs for most of the trip.
However, the treatment by the staff was second to none, and we weren’t alone being sick! I’d say half the boat was. So, if your going and they warn you, heed the advice.
The trip it’s self was awesome, highly factual and we got to see many animals on the tour. It took us 3 attempts to locate a whale but we finally did and was blessed with witnessing a sperm whale sat on the surface.
Despite the sickness it was well worth it and I’d do it again for sure, just not on a choppy day!
We picked the 8.45am slot (midday and early afternoon already booked up) and sailed out the bay in search, we were warned before hand that it was choppy so took some tablets to counter it - that didn’t work! We were sick as dogs for most of the trip.
However, the treatment by the staff was second to none, and we weren’t alone being sick! I’d say half the boat was. So, if your going and they warn you, heed the advice.
The trip it’s self was awesome, highly factual and we got to see many animals on the tour. It took us 3 attempts to locate a whale but we finally did and was blessed with witnessing a sperm whale sat on the surface.
Despite the sickness it was well worth it and I’d do it again for sure, just not on a choppy day!
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora,
Thank you for taking the time to submit a review after your experience with us. Feedback, positive or negative, from our customers is important and taken very seriously as we continually strive to improve the level of service and the quality of experience we deliver. Every effort is made to deliver a quality tour and experience at all times.
Thank you so much for recommending us, we are so sorry to hear that your wife and yourself suffered from sea sickness but equally happy to hear that you were still able to enjoy your experience with Kaikoura's wildlife.
We wish you safe travels on the rest of your journey around our beautiful country.
Written February 26, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
bmm28
Haslemere, UK45 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We may have been lucky but we had a fantastic experience with Whale Watch Kaikoura and saw 2 sperm whales, a pod of Hector dolphins with two babies, albatrosses, seals, and a blue shark! We didn’t want to leave!! As others have said - the sea is choppy so do take sea sickness tablets. We are prone to sea sickness and took medication prior to departure and fortunately felt fine and really enjoyed the experience. Crew were very knowledgeable, especially Jack who did most of the presenting.
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora,
Thank you for taking the time to submit a review after your experience with us. Feedback, positive or negative, from our customers is important and taken very seriously as we continually strive to improve the level of service and the quality of experience we deliver. Every effort is made to deliver a quality tour and experience at all times.
Thank you so much for recommending us, we are so happy to hear that you enjoyed your whale watching adventure - we would love to see you back one day!
We wish you safe travels on the rest of your journey around our beautiful country.
Written February 26, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MVS47
Christchurch, New Zealand47 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
Very well organised tour. Ran smoothly and to time. We were briefed that it was going to be a little rough and offered the option of pulling out of the tour. Luckily for us sea sickness is not an issue.
The entire crew were friendly and full of knowledge and happy to share.
We saw lots of bird life, seals , hector dolphins and best of all 2 whales. Had a fabulous morning and an experience to remember.
The entire crew were friendly and full of knowledge and happy to share.
We saw lots of bird life, seals , hector dolphins and best of all 2 whales. Had a fabulous morning and an experience to remember.
Written September 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora
Thank you for taking the time to submit a review after your experience with us. Feedback, positive or negative, from our customers is important and taken very seriously as we continually strive to improve the level of service and the quality of experience we deliver. Every effort is made to deliver a quality tour and experience at all times.
We are pleased to read that you enjoyed your whale watching cruise and mother nature showed off some of the incredible things she has to offer.
Thank you for recommending us! We hope the rest of your journey around our beautiful country was successful and you have many lasting memories.
Written December 13, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kiwi_bex12345
Christchurch, New Zealand21 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
Was warned of sickness warning with rough seas that morning but was fine. Took a while to find a whale but luckily got to see one right at the end. Comfortable seating inside the boat and plenty of room outside.
Written January 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora,
Thank you for taking the time to submit a review after your experience with us. Feedback, positive or negative, from our customers is important and taken very seriously as we continually strive to improve the level of service and the quality of experience we deliver. Every effort is made to deliver a quality tour and experience at all times.
Thank you so much for recommending us. We wish you safe travels on the rest of your journey around our beautiful country.
Written February 26, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sachin K
New York City, NY6,533 contributions
Dec 2018 • Solo
This whale watching company has monopoly in Kaikoura. The boat service that was booked several months in advance got canceled despite clear weather. To get the refund of my money paid in advance, had to go all the way upto the counter for card swiping. Customer service was disappointing.
Written November 29, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora,
Thank you for taking the time to submit a review after your experience with us. Feedback, positive or negative, from our customers is important and taken very seriously as we continually strive to improve the level of service and the quality of experience we deliver. Every effort is made to deliver a quality tour and experience at all times.
We are sorry to hear that your tour was cancelled. All our tours are subject to weather conditions and so a tours sailing status is not confirmed until 15 minutes prior to a tours check in time. Often the weather can be beautiful and sunny here on land but off shore where the whales are located can be rough, especially if we had a large southerly wind pass through Kaikoura a few days prior.
We wish you safe travels on the rest of your journey around our beautiful country.
Written December 10, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
shabbychic
London, UK145 contributions
Having just visited Hermanus, SA outside the whale watching season, I was delighted to find that sperm whales are resident the whole year at Kaikoura, Sth Island, New Zealand and Helen at the lovely Kincaid Lodge, booked my seat on the boat long before my arrival in NZ - this is essential as the boat was full and there was a long queue of people hoping for cancellations. Choppy conditions were forecast and the opportunity to back out if sea sickness was a problem was offered. It was certainly choppy! but we saw four whales at the distance we were allowed to approach and it was amazing, nothing prepares you for the sheer size of these magnificent creatures and I wouldn't have missed it for anything. The whole operation is obviously tightly controlled to ensure the whales are not harassed on these trips, the number of boats and helicopters is limited to 3, and we had to miss one good sighting because we would have been the 4th. The welfare of the animals and the preservation of their world was stressed by the guides and the whole thing was a great experience.
Written April 2, 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Whale watch boat tours late April?
Written December 20, 2023
Hi, what month is the best time to whale watch?
Written January 24, 2021
It depends on your priorities. Check out the Frequently Asked Questions on the Whale Watch site.
Written January 27, 2021
Following my review from November 19 I was asked to contact Teri, but the email address provided does not exist..
Written January 7, 2020
sorry i dont have an email.the phone number is 0800 655 121.
hope this helps.
Written January 8, 2020
Can you do this trip with a 3 year old & 5 month old baby?
Written December 23, 2019
It can get very rough out at sea and lots of people on our trip got very seasick. If it’s calm I would say yes but if not , it could be a miserable experience for all of you!
Written December 23, 2019
NAllcock61
Kingdom City, Missouri
We are visiting this area on 1.4.20 what are our chances of seeing whales?
Written November 8, 2019
We went end Feb/ early March and saw humpbacks and orcas. Didn't see a sperm whale. Saw Royal Albatrosses. What we loved most were the dolphins that escorted the boat for a good length of the voyage.
I gather that cancellations of cruises can occur due to inclement weather and seas.
Written November 9, 2019
Hi, We are visiting February will that be A good time to see the whales?
Written September 30, 2019
Kia Ora Leslie,
There is no better time of year to see the whales as they are feeding off our coastline here in Kaikoura all year round. Looking back on last years sightings in February, it was a particularly good month with sightings of Sperm Whales. The water is much warmer at that time of year too so there is an added chance of seeing Dusky and Common dolphins and if we are really lucky maybe even the Orca.
We average 1-2 whale sightings per tour and have 95% success rate. If for some reason you do not see a whale while on your tour, you will get upto an 80% refund.
We hope we get the chance to show off our beautiful blue backyard to you!
Written October 16, 2019
We are visiting on 19th (pm) and 20th November 2019. Do we need to book in advance or should we wait to see what the weather is like? If we dont book in advance could we miss out because you will be too busy?
Written August 4, 2019
Kia Ora!
We advise that you book as soon as you know your travel plans in order to prevent disappointment in certain tour dates/times being fully booked. November is the start of our peak season and tours do tend to book up fairly quickly. Here at Whale Watch Kaikoura, we are very flexible and able to easily change the time and/or date of passengers tours upon request in the lead up to your booking.
If you need help with anything, please don't hesitate to get in touch again.
Nga Mihi,
Jaegan
Written August 4, 2019
What is the best time in a day to spot whales? Tqvm
Written September 23, 2018
It is difficult to say. We had been there in the afternoon and we were going around in boat for 2 hours and we couldn’t find any. When we were returning finally we could see one.
But we could enjoy to see the dolphins. First time I could see so many dolphins.
Written September 30, 2018
Hi, we want to travel to New Zealand next year and will be in Kaikoura at the end of February. Are there chances to see Orcas at this time of the year? Thank you very much!
Written September 16, 2018
Hi, i cannot answer your question and it’is better to check directly with the organizer
Written September 20, 2018
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.