No expiration date
Easy refund
Free exchange
Easy booking

Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat

Location Kaikoura, South Island, New Zealand
$110.46
This is an experience gift voucher. The recipient will book the experience after they redeem the gift voucher.

Overview

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.

The experience offers several options. This price includes:

7.45am Departure
Please arrive 30 minutes prior to departure time - Please allow 3.5 hours with us.
Tour guide
Language: English
Human tour guide
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes

Availability depends on seasonality and number of participants. Bookings can not be made for the same day. Please read our TnC’s.

When giving as a gift, your recipient can choose a date at their convenience during a booking process. Otherwise, you can choose one after checkout and voucher redemption.
Check available dates by emailing us at [email protected]
The experience offers several options, check yours above
  • Modern fleet of purpose built catamarans
  • Tours operates all year round
  • Award winning onboard animations
  • 95% success rate backed up by an 80% refund if your tour does not see a whale
  • Bus ride to and from our marina
  • Experienced knowledgeable staff providing a running commentary throughout your tour
  • Food and drinks

Meeting point
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
Return details
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

Few places on Earth possess the magic of Kaikōura. Many who visit leave transformed. It is a special part of New Zealand, imbued with powerful natural energy. A place where tectonic plates collide, towering peaks fall to the sea and ocean currents converge.

Such rare combinations lure an abundance of marine wildlife, the most famous being the Giant Sperm Whale. It was a whale that led the Māori ancestor Paikea to New Zealand many centuries ago. His descendants live in Kaikōura today. Fittingly, the whale continues to guide the people of Kaikōura and the visitors they host.

Kaikōura is one of New Zealand's leading eco-tourism destinations offering a variety of exciting activities and experiences. Despite the recent rise in tourist numbers, the town retains much of its historical charm. Many new motels, cafes and restaurants can be found in beautifully restored old buildings. Fresh local seafood is always on the menu. The retention of the town's distinctive character has made Kaikōura extremely attractive to artists. Their work, inspired by the remarkable landscape and wildlife, can be seen all over town.

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Tours operate all year: 7.15am, 10.00am, 12.45pm & 3.30pm (Nov-Mar)—Please note that these are check-in times only - please do not come earlier than the times specified.
  • 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.
  • All our tour are subject to favourable weather & sea conditions. If cancelled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
  • 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.
  • Dress warmly and wear flat shoes. If you wish to spend time on the outside decks of our vessels you may need light waterproof clothing depending on the sea conditions.
  • Don't let sea sickness ruin your whale watch tour experience. Purchase motion sickness pills to help prevent sea sickness, car sickness, or any type of travel sickness from our Retail Store before you travel.
  • The actual time on the water is up to 2.5 hours. Including check-in time, safety briefing and bus transfers you should allow 3.5 hours in total.
  • If travelling in a wheelchair please contact us prior to arrival so we can provide additional details and advise how we can assist you
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
  • This experience requires good weather.
    If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • How it works?
    01 You choose from 10,000+ experience gifts
    02 We deliver the eVoucher or the Physical box to the recipient
    03 Recipient books the experience and creates unforgettable memories!

    Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat

    Location Kaikoura, South Island, New Zealand
    $110.46
    This is an experience gift voucher. The recipient will book the experience after they redeem the gift voucher.
    How it works?
    01 You choose from 10,000+ experience gifts
    02 We deliver the eVoucher or the Physical box to the recipient
    03 Recipient books the experience and creates unforgettable memories!
    Delivery options
    eVoucher
    • Free
    • Instant delivery
    • Environmentally friendly
    Physical Gift Box
    • $10.00 fee
    • 2-5 business days
    • Shipping Worldwide

    No expiration date
    Easy refund
    Free exchange
    Easy booking
    Planet friendly
    Global availability
    As seen on