6 Types of Whales You Can See in Kaikoura

Depending on the season that you go on a whale watching trip in Kaikoura, you can be lucky enough to see some of the following amazing whale species:

  • Giant Sperm Whale (present year round)
  • Humpack Whales
  • Southern Right Whales
  • Blue Whales
  • Pilot Whales
  • Orca (killer whale)

Sperm Whales are the most iconic and well known of the local whale species. In fact, it was the Sperm Whale which inspired the original idea of locals to start up the first whale watching business back in the late 1980s.

Today, Kaikoura is known as the whale watching capital of the world.

All besides the Giant Sperm Whale are migratory species, so the timing of your visit will determine the chance of you sighting the other four magnificent whales.

Around 20km offshore, Sperm Whales can be reliably seen all year round on a Kaikoura whale watching trip (although, nothing can be guaranteed in nature). Sperm whales can also sometimes even be spotted closer to the coastline.

Humpback Whales migrate along the coast around June and July and can sometimes be seen on whale watching trips at that time of year.

The best time to see Orca is between December and March.

Many people like to visit during the winter Humpback Whale migration season as it is an unforgettable experience to see these gentle giants of the ocean.

Whichever whales you see when in Kaikoura, you are sure to feel in awe in the presence of these ocean giants.

And whichever time of year you visit, you will be amazed and inspired by the marine life you encounter on your tour.

In addition to spectacular whales, you can also expect to see a variety of seabirds when on a whale tour, as well as dolphins and the lovable New Zealand Fur Seals.