Kaikoura Whale Watching, New Zealand
Whale watching in Kaikoura is the must-do activity while in this wonderous, peaceful town. Not only do you get a rare chance to get up close and personal with these majestic mammals, but you also get to choose HOW and WHERE you'd like to see the whales from.
This website exists to bring you an unbiased view of all the companies offering whale watching in Kaikoura. All reviews and experiences are from real tourists (and locals) who are willing to share their experiences with you, to help you make the best decision when it comes to viewing whales in Kaikoura, New Zealand!
| By Boat | Whale Watch Kaikoura | |
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Tour Type: Marine tour by boat Tour times: 7.15am, 10.00am and 12.45pm, 3.30pm(November-March) Whale Watch operate tours every day except Christmas Day. What you will see: Giant Sperm Whales are present year-round. You may also encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, pods of Dusky Dolphins the Wandering Albatross. Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales and Southern Right Whales are also visible depending upon the season. The world's largest dolphin, The Orca or Killer Whale (yes this is actually a dolphin!) can be spotted, as well as the world's rarest and smallest dolphin - the Hector. Duration: Tours last around 2.5 hours on the water or 3.5 hours including bus transfer and check-in. Whale Watch Kaikoura refund 80% of your cost if you do not see a whale. |
Cost: Adult: $130 Child 3-15: $60 Children under 3 not permitted. Phone: +64 3 319 6767 Fax: +64 3 319 6545 Address: Whaleway Station Rd, Kaikoura |
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| By Plane | Wings Over Whales Kaikoura | |
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Tour Type: Air tour by plane Tour times: Contact operator for information. What you will see: Aboard the plane and with accompanying commentary, you will typically spot the Sperm Whale. Other whale sightings can include Southern Right, Humpback, Fin, Sei, Brydes, Pilot, Southern Bottlenose and the mighty Blue Whales, as well as Dusky, Common, Hectors, Risso's and Southern Right Whale Dolphins and the massive Orca, although these are spotted less frequently. Other visual sights from the air include the Kaikoura Peninsula, Maori fortifications (Pa sites), New Zealand Fur Seals resting and the Kaikoura township If conditions allow, you may fly over the spectacular Seaward Kaikoura Ranges (2800m in height) Duration: 30 minute flight |
Cost: Adult: $135 Child: $75 Phone: +64 3 319 6580 Fax: +64 3 319 6668 Address: Main South Road, Peketa (8km south of Kaikoura on State Highway 1) |
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| By Helicopter | Kaikoura Helicopters World of Whales | |
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Tour Type: Air tour by helicopter Tour times: Contact operator for information. What you will see: View the full length of all the whales from the air. Sperm whale sightings are most common, with all other whales viewable at certain times of the year. Duration: Classic Whale Flight: 30 minutes Grand Whale Flight: 40 minutes Top’n’Tail: 50 minutes Kaikoura Helicopters operates 364 days of the year subject to weather conditions. |
Cost: Classic Whale Flight: $195 Family: $680 Grand Whale Flight: $225 Family: $790 Top’n’Tail: $295 Family: $1100 Phone: +64 3 319 6609 Fax: + 64 3 319 6814 |
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* All prices are in $NZ