Sightseeing Cruises

Kaikoura Whale Watching Cruise

4.7/5(176)

Vasanthakumar S

Solo

예약 확인

5일 전

This was a really worthwhile trip. The boat was updated and new, and very comfortable. The views from the boat were great due to clear windows as well. Did the Captain Cabin option which was really nice. Staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. Team were also very eco conscious which i appreciated. Marine Biologist on board was an added bonus. Saw quite a number of wildlife, whales and dolphins!!!

Emma W

Family

예약 확인

지난주

Excellent day out on the boat with the crew. We were worried the other tourists on the boat would push us out of the way but there was plenty of space on the boat. Friendly and informative crew, would 110% recommend!

Gary F

Family

예약 확인

지난주

The crew were there in large numbers and very supportive, allowing us to have a great time watching the humpback whale and dusky dolphins. Their enthusiasm was infectious.

Elizabeth M

Couple

예약 확인

3일 전

Very well organised & the guide was very knowledgeable & enthusiastic. We had great weather & saw 3 humpbacks & numerous dolphins as well as albatross. A great trip.

Martin M

Solo

예약 확인

지난주

Linda experiencia. Pudimos ver ballenas y delfines. Buen trato. Barco en buenas condiciones. Las explicaciones son solo en inglés. Podrian dar una cartilla con distintos idiomas. Ya lo vi en otras excursiones y mejora mucho.

Sam W

Couple

예약 확인

2026년 9월

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!

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)

체험 시작 24시간 전까지( 24 ) 티켓을 취소하고 전액 환불받을 수 있습니다.

176 이용이용후기
이용이용후기는 어떻게 수집하나요?
이 평가에는 현지에서 이 경험을 운영하는 신뢰할 수 있는 파트너와 헤드아웃 게스트의 검증된 이용이용후기가 포함되어 있습니다. 모든 이용후기는 실제 체험을 한 여행자가 작성한 것입니다요
145
22
6
1
2
19 국가의 Australia, Germany, United Kingdom 및 고객 이 이 경험을 좋아했습니다요
게스트의 의견
Vasanthakumar S
Solo
예약 확인
5일 전
This was a really worthwhile trip. The boat was updated and new, and very comfortable. The views from the boat were great due to clear windows as well. Did the Captain Cabin option which was really nice. Staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. Team were also very eco conscious which i appreciated. Marine Biologist on board was an added bonus. Saw quite a number of wildlife, whales and dolphins!!!
Barry H
Couple
예약 확인
2026년 9월
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.
Nicolas M
Solo
예약 확인
2026년 9월
We had a hard ride on the boat, however, they told us the sea wasn't calm so it wasn't a surprise. The men explaining the ride and telling stories about the whales is incredible. The ride was really interesting ! We saw beautiful Whales !
Martin M
Solo
예약 확인
지난주
Linda experiencia. Pudimos ver ballenas y delfines. Buen trato. Barco en buenas condiciones. Las explicaciones son solo en inglés. Podrian dar una cartilla con distintos idiomas. Ya lo vi en otras excursiones y mejora mucho.
Emma W
Family
예약 확인
지난주
Excellent day out on the boat with the crew. We were worried the other tourists on the boat would push us out of the way but there was plenty of space on the boat. Friendly and informative crew, would 110% recommend!

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.