Whale Watch is New Zealand's vessel based whale watching company, offering an exciting up close encounter with the large toothed predator, the Giant Sperm Whale in their natural environment at all times of the year. Kaikoura is the whale watching capital of New Zealand. Every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. Giant Sperm Whales are the stars of the show and year round residents. A typical Whale Watch tour may encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, pods of Dusky Dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross. Depending on the season, guests may also see migrating Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales and Southern Right Whales. Kaikoura often hosts the large dolphin, the Orca, and is home to the smallest and rarest marine dolphin, the Hectors. Kaikoura also attracts the largest concentration and variety of seabirds on mainland New Zealand, including 13 species of Albatross, 14 varieties of Petrels and 7 types of Shearwater. Designed specially for whale watching, the modern catamarans are equipped with engines that minimize underwater noise and lavatories that never pollute the sea. Hamilton jet units are used for vessel propulsion and are quieter for the marine mammals compared with other forms of vessel propulsion They also have an internal propeller so the risk of a propeller strike with marine mammals is completely eliminated. The main passenger cabin is enclosed and the outside decks offer fantastic viewing and photo opportunities. Spacious, air conditioned interiors are fitted with comfortable seating, while large plasma screens display marine wildlife animations.
Important Tour Details:
Departs/ Finishes: Whale Centre, Kaikoura Railway Station Road. Phone: 0800 655 121.
Check-in: 15 minutes prior departure.
Length of tour: allow 3 hours.
How to get there: Whale Watch tours are always dependent on sea conditions. Whale Watch staff constantly monitor the weather and respond professionally to any changes. This may mean a tour is cancelled or safety restrictions placed on children or passengers with medical problems. Passenger comfort and safety is always priority. Passengers travelling to join on the day of their tour are strongly advised to telephone the FREEPHONE number 0800 655 121 for a sea conditions update.
What to bring: Camera, rain jacket, required medication, water bottle, sun glasses, sun screen, sun hat, trainers, warm top.
What is provided: Safety briefing, Qualified Guide, Specialised tour equipment, First Aid Kit.
Notes: In the event that your tour is cancelled due to adverse sea or weather conditions a full refund will be given. What if I get seasick? If you are susceptible to motion or seasickness Whale Watch offer Aqua Straps for hire or purchase. Whale Watch also sell a range of natural active motion-sickness tablets.