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Whale Watch Kaikoura

Whale Watch Kaikoura

Whale Watch Kaikoura
4.5
Boat ToursSightseeing ToursDolphin & Whale WatchingNature & Wildlife Tours
9:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 2:30 PM
About
"THE ULTIMATE MARINE EXPERIENCE" Whale Watch® is New Zealand's only marine-based whale watching company offering visitors an exciting up-close encounter with the Giant Sperm Whale all year round. A 95% success rate means a guaranteed 80% refund if your tour does not see a whale. The Giant Sperm Whales share these waters with up to 14 other different species of whales and dolphins that migrate past at different times of the year. At times you may also see NZ Fur Seals, rare & endangered Hector’s Dolphins & a wide variety of marine birds including the wandering albatross. Designed for whale watching, the company operates a fleet of modern catamarans equipped with engines that minimise underwater noise &toilets that never pollute the sea. The main passenger cabin is enclosed and large outside decks offer great viewing and photo opportunities. Spacious air-conditioned interiors are fitted with comfortable seating while large plasma screens display award-winning marine wildlife animations.
Kaikoura, New Zealand
Meets animal welfare guidelines

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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles2,927 reviews
Excellent
1,947
Very good
581
Average
202
Poor
92
Terrible
106

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gayn0r16
Maidstone, UK13 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
We went out for a Whale watching trip with this company and were thoroughly impressed. The attention to detail was brilliant. There was a safety presentation to start before we headed off on a bus to the boat. Attention was given to those with children and people who might be seasick and advice on how to stop sea sickness which was very useful, I’d not heard advice given before and I’m sure that it helped people enjoy the trip more. The boat ride itself was fun with us crashing through the waves at high speed to the spot where we might find whales. We were lucky enough to see two Sperm whales and to watch them dive. We also saw Dolphins and Albatross which was a bonus. We were told about the species of whales and the reason there were so many whales in the area all year round. The young man who gave the commentary was very interesting and was happy to answer questions. At the end of the trip he gave a lovely speech about how we all represented our own country while visiting New Zealand and that we should leave it as we found it, it was quite a moving end to a great trip.

Thank you for a fab day
Written 16 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora, Thank you for taking the time to submit a review after your experience with us. Feedback, positive or negative, from our customers is important and taken very seriously as we continually strive to improve the level of service and the quality of experience we deliver. Every effort is made to deliver a quality tour and experience at all times. Thank you so much for recommending us. We wish you safe travels on the rest of your journey around our beautiful country.
Written 26 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Paul Hill
Wroughton, UK336 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Couples
My wife and I decided to try our luck with catching a glimpse of nature’s biggest mammal and it didn’t disappoint.

We picked the 8.45am slot (midday and early afternoon already booked up) and sailed out the bay in search, we were warned before hand that it was choppy so took some tablets to counter it - that didn’t work! We were sick as dogs for most of the trip.

However, the treatment by the staff was second to none, and we weren’t alone being sick! I’d say half the boat was. So, if your going and they warn you, heed the advice.

The trip it’s self was awesome, highly factual and we got to see many animals on the tour. It took us 3 attempts to locate a whale but we finally did and was blessed with witnessing a sperm whale sat on the surface.

Despite the sickness it was well worth it and I’d do it again for sure, just not on a choppy day!
Written 11 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora, Thank you for taking the time to submit a review after your experience with us. Feedback, positive or negative, from our customers is important and taken very seriously as we continually strive to improve the level of service and the quality of experience we deliver. Every effort is made to deliver a quality tour and experience at all times. Thank you so much for recommending us, we are so sorry to hear that your wife and yourself suffered from sea sickness but equally happy to hear that you were still able to enjoy your experience with Kaikoura's wildlife. We wish you safe travels on the rest of your journey around our beautiful country.
Written 26 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Wanderlust
Nottinghamshire, UK449 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Couples
Really enjoyed this trip, everything was well organised, from the booking, check in, the coach trip to the catamaran terminal. The day we were on the trip, they had advised there was a high risk of sea sickness due to the high winds/choppy water so at least you could prepare by taking medication in advance of the sailing.
The staff were entertaining, engaging and really made the trip by providing advise if you were feeling unwell etc as to where the best seating would be and things to try.
Very informative as to the whales seen in the area, lifespan, migration habits and the whales they had come to know.
We were lucky enough to spot a sperm whale, who was at the surface long enough for everyone on the vessel to see. We subsequently found out the whale's name is Rangatira, a male, well known to them from the nicks/ shape of the tale.
It really couldn't have been any better the staff really made this!
Written 5 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sarah Kirkwood
Dunedin, New Zealand37 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2022
We went into the office, after checking out of our motel hoping to do the trip. We had to be back in ChCh by a certain time, so asked if we could pay, but drive to South Bay instead of taking the courtesy coach so that after the boat trip we could drive south from there. (we had parking available around the corner at a friends home). The lady behind the counter was very abrupt and said no, there is no parking at South Bay, which is not entirely correct. So sorry team, but you missed out 2 people booking tickets.
Written 6 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

bmm28
Haslemere, UK49 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Couples
We may have been lucky but we had a fantastic experience with Whale Watch Kaikoura and saw 2 sperm whales, a pod of Hector dolphins with two babies, albatrosses, seals, and a blue shark! We didn’t want to leave!! As others have said - the sea is choppy so do take sea sickness tablets. We are prone to sea sickness and took medication prior to departure and fortunately felt fine and really enjoyed the experience. Crew were very knowledgeable, especially Jack who did most of the presenting.
Written 8 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora, Thank you for taking the time to submit a review after your experience with us. Feedback, positive or negative, from our customers is important and taken very seriously as we continually strive to improve the level of service and the quality of experience we deliver. Every effort is made to deliver a quality tour and experience at all times. Thank you so much for recommending us, we are so happy to hear that you enjoyed your whale watching adventure - we would love to see you back one day! We wish you safe travels on the rest of your journey around our beautiful country.
Written 26 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

0616MartyB
Dublin, Ireland124 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2023 • Friends
This was a great experience and privilege to see a great creature of the deep in real life. The boat was top class for what it was doing.
The disappointing part was the long delay in getting us from check in to the pier 10am to 11am - really unnecessary delay, no explanation or apology.
The on board staff were fantastic and only for the desire of the experience we would have walked away - so in essence the organisers know you are adaptive audience and will put up with poor service because of why you are there.
Great experience - pity about the organisation.
Written 31 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Marcelo Lobos
Christchurch, New Zealand69 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Friends
It is an experience that you must do if you go to Kaikoura, it is the main attraction of this spa. You can see, depending on the season, different types of whales, dolphins, sea birds, sea lions, etc. The catamaran has a large space capacity and if you want something a little more private they have a VIP option with a superior view. An incredible experience. You are constantly given talks about what you are experiencing by a leading guide through screens inside the boat.
Recommendation, dress warmly as the sea wind and the speed of the boat make you feel cold. Bring your camera, sunscreen and enjoy!
Google
Written 2 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

DavidGatzka
Rastatt, Germany15,453 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Solo
Had a great tour with Whale Watch Kaikoura. The sea was pretty rough, but we were warned beforehand about possible seasickness. We were able to see 2 sperm whales diving. The booking process was very easy. Communication on board was always friendly. We recommend Whale Watch Kaikoura 100%
If you don't see a whale 🐳, 80% will be refunded. I think that's fair.
Google
Written 7 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sabrina D
44 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Couples
A once-in-a-lifetime experience in Kaikoura.
If you have the opportunity to take one of the excursions on offer, you should definitely do so.

Well organized by Whale Watch Kaikoura, we headed out into the wild Pacific in the morning.
Warning: If the waves are a bit higher, like on this day, the excursion is not suitable for anyone who gets seasick easily. A very shaky affair.^^

After a short time, however, we were more than rewarded: A male sperm whale surfaced, took a breath and dived again. A dream come true.
Thank you, Tumanako.

In addition to seals and albatrosses, we were also lucky enough to see Hector's dolphins, which only occur in NZ, dancing curiously through the waves around our boat.

A magical experience to see all of these beautiful animals up close.

The super dedicated crew was always busy ensuring that all guests had a pleasant experience despite the rough seas, with lots of information about Kaikoura and its unique wildlife and always ensuring safety on board.

Absolutely recommended!
Google
Written 3 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

MVS47
Christchurch, New Zealand50 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2020 • Couples
Very well organised tour. Ran smoothly and to time. We were briefed that it was going to be a little rough and offered the option of pulling out of the tour. Luckily for us sea sickness is not an issue.
The entire crew were friendly and full of knowledge and happy to share.
We saw lots of bird life, seals , hector dolphins and best of all 2 whales. Had a fabulous morning and an experience to remember.
Written 12 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora Thank you for taking the time to submit a review after your experience with us. Feedback, positive or negative, from our customers is important and taken very seriously as we continually strive to improve the level of service and the quality of experience we deliver. Every effort is made to deliver a quality tour and experience at all times. We are pleased to read that you enjoyed your whale watching cruise and mother nature showed off some of the incredible things she has to offer. Thank you for recommending us! We hope the rest of your journey around our beautiful country was successful and you have many lasting memories.
Written 13 December 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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