Sightseeing Cruises

Kaikoura Whale Watching Cruise

4.7/5(159)

Sam W

Couple

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

We saw incredible Humpback Whale and dolphin displays that lasted for over an hour. Someone decided it was a day for repeated breeching, fin slapping, and playing upside down on the surface or in the air. Not sure who was having more fun: the humpback, dolphins, or humans watching. All nicely narrated by the crew as the captain continually repositioned the boat. Whale watching can be amazing!

Barry H

Couple

Verified booking

Last week

Our trip was in rather rough conditions which I actually enjoy, although some others clearly did not as evidenced by the frequent use of the little bags provided. The crew were welcoming and worked very well in some challenging conditions. The commentary was very interesting and well presented. We were lucky to see two Humpbacks.

Paul W

Group

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

This time we saw some whales, southern right whales and 1 sperm whale, some dusky dolphins and plenty of bird life. The whole trip was narrated and with audio visual presentation of where we were in relation to the Hikurangi trench. A very relaxing informative day on the water.

Christian R

Family

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

The trip was fantastic. We saw 2 sperm whales, sea lions and albatross. The crew were very professional but for me, the MC was on top from. For a young guy, he was very knowledgeable, witty and did a bristling job start to finish. Top drawer!

Wilfert N

Family

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

It was just amazing. Also the tour had to be on a later trip due to wheather conditions, we had a great time. We have seen a whale which was a once in a lifetime expierience- you just have to take this opportunity.

Vicki R

Couple

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

Fabulous day out! Super easy online booking, friendly staff on and off the water, heaps of dolphins and a super active humpback whale who really gave us a show for over an hour! Highly recommend

Glide along Kaikoura’s deep-sea canyon aboard a state-of-the-art catamaran engineered for optimal visibility and comfort.

The vessel’s noise-minimizing engines ensure that your experience remains undisturbed while protecting the delicate marine environment.

Our exclusive 80% refund guarantee stands as a testament to the commitment to customer satisfaction—an assurance that rarely needs to be used, thanks to Kaikoura’s reliable whale presence.

Choose between the standard Ocean Cabin experience, which provides family-friendly comfort, or the VIP Captain’s Cabin which offers enhanced priority boarding, business-class seating, and exclusive behind-the-scenes insights from the captain.

3-hour whale-watching cruise in Kaikoura

Full-tour English narration

Access to outside decks

Marine wildlife presentation

Free Wi-Fi aboard the cruise

Access to captain's cabin alongside captain and watchkeeper (if option selected)

Small group of up to 12 people (if option selected)

Priority boarding and transport (if option selected)

Business-class seating (if option selected)

Access to all other passenger areas (if option selected)

Locally-made food boxes and cold drinks (if option selected)

Exclusive viewing area on the top deck (if option selected)

TOTAL DURATION9 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Minivan
Timeline
Map
1 Boarding point
Whale Watch Kaikoura
Get direction
Sights covered
Kaikoura

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

159 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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Guests from Australia, Germany, United Kingdom and over 17 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Sam W
Couple
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
We saw incredible Humpback Whale and dolphin displays that lasted for over an hour. Someone decided it was a day for repeated breeching, fin slapping, and playing upside down on the surface or in the air. Not sure who was having more fun: the humpback, dolphins, or humans watching. All nicely narrated by the crew as the captain continually repositioned the boat. Whale watching can be amazing!
Wilfert N
Family
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
It was just amazing. Also the tour had to be on a later trip due to wheather conditions, we had a great time. We have seen a whale which was a once in a lifetime expierience- you just have to take this opportunity.
Barry H
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
Our trip was in rather rough conditions which I actually enjoy, although some others clearly did not as evidenced by the frequent use of the little bags provided. The crew were welcoming and worked very well in some challenging conditions. The commentary was very interesting and well presented. We were lucky to see two Humpbacks.
Paul W
Group
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
This time we saw some whales, southern right whales and 1 sperm whale, some dusky dolphins and plenty of bird life. The whole trip was narrated and with audio visual presentation of where we were in relation to the Hikurangi trench. A very relaxing informative day on the water.
Christian R
Family
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
The trip was fantastic. We saw 2 sperm whales, sea lions and albatross. The crew were very professional but for me, the MC was on top from. For a young guy, he was very knowledgeable, witty and did a bristling job start to finish. Top drawer!

Take a journey unlike any other to witness the ocean's most magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, with the security of an 80% refund guarantee if no whales appear during your cruise.

Getting started

Arrive at the Whaleway Station 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time for check-in. Present your ticket at the counter and receive a brief safety orientation. You'll then board the modern catamaran, designed specifically for whale watching with noise-minimizing engines that don't disturb the wildlife.

What to expect

Kaikoura is one of the few places on earth where sperm whales can be seen year-round, thanks to the unique underwater canyon just offshore.

Expert guides use specialized equipment to locate whales, giving you a 95% chance of spotting these magnificent creatures.

The spacious viewing decks offer 360-degree views, ensuring you don't miss a moment when whales surface.

The "World of the Whales" presentation provides fascinating insights into whale behavior, biology, and conservation. The onboard live commentary explains what you're seeing and educates you about marine conservation efforts.

Keep your camera ready for other marine wildlife often spotted during cruises, including dolphins, seals, and various seabirds.

You'll spend approximately 2 hours on the water, with the entire experience lasting 2.5 hours from departure to return.

Wrapping Up

Upon returning to shore, you'll have the opportunity to review your photos and perhaps visit the gift shop for souvenirs that support marine conservation efforts.

Upgrades

Upgrade to the VIP Captain's Cabin for an exclusive experience featuring priority boarding, business-class seating, personal interaction with the captain, complimentary refreshments, and access to a private viewing deck.

What to bring

Dress warmly and in flat shoes. Carry your sunscreen, sunglasses, and a water bottle. Bring a waterproof jacket and shoes if you plan to spend significant time on the outer decks.

Pack your meds – better to be prepared, just in case they’re not available onsite.

What's not allowed

Children aged 3 years old and under are restricted from this experience.

Accessibility

For the safety of all passengers, including those using wheelchairs, the captain will assess sea conditions. If conditions are suitable, wheelchair access is provided. However, if conditions are deemed unsafe, mobility restrictions may be implemented.

If you're booking seating in the VIP Captain's cabin, please make a note of any food allergies at the time of booking so these can be catered for accordingly.

Additional information

Passenger capacity is limited to 104 in the Ocean Cabin.

Passenger capacity is limited to 12 in the Captain’s Cabin.

Requests to upgrade bookings after the tour check-in begins will not include a food pack.

The schedule is subject to change. Factors such as weather, technical disruptions, marine mammal availability, and minimum passenger numbers may necessitate adjustments.

Whale sightings are not guaranteed. However, if no whales are observed during the tour, 80% of the tour cost will be refunded. For clarity, 'whale' encompasses all species defined as such under the Marine Mammals Protection Regulations 1992, including baleen, sperm, beaked, killer, and pilot whales.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the mobile voucher with a valid photo ID at the boarding point for verification.

Boarding Point

Board your cruise at Whale Watch Kaikoura.

Address: Whaleway Station Road, Kaikōura 7340, New Zealand.

Get Directions to the Boarding Point

Getting There

By Bus

The closest bus stop is Kaikoura. It is a quick 11-minute walk to the boarding point.

Bus Christchurch-Picton will get you there.

By Car

Take route New Zealand State Highway 1 and drive on to the Whaleway Station Road to arrive at the boarding point.