Whalewatching

Highlights:

• Up close encounter with whales
• Spotting whales in the wild

Whale Watch is New Zealand’s only vessel-based whale watching company offering an exciting up-close encounter with Whales.

For the avoidance of doubt, a whale, as defined by the Marine Mammals Protection Regulations 1992, means all species commonly known as whales; and includes baleen whales, sperm whales, beaked whales, killer whales and pilot whales.

The main focus of your tour is to locate and view the Giant Sperm whale. We average between 1 to 2 whale sightings per tour due to the length of time the whales can stay submerged. The whales form loose pods, keeping several miles between each other, so viewing any more than 1 to 2 whales per trip is a real bonus.

Around 80% of the world’s whale and dolphin species migrate past the Kaikoura coastline so at any given time there is the opportunity for other species of marine mammals to be sighted such as Blue, Fin, Sei, Humpback, Minke, Pilot, Orca and Southern Right Whales, Common Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, Southern Right Whale Dolphins, Elephant Seals and Leopard Seals.

Depending on the amount of time available after viewing the Sperm whales, the captain of the vessel may decide to move in along the coastline and see what other types of marine life can be encountered. This could include Dusky and Hector Dolphins and the New Zealand Fur Seal.

Kaikōura is also home to around 75% of the world’s pelagic sea bird species which include Wandering and Royal Albatross, Mollymawk Albatross, Petrels, Shearwaters, Prions, Fulmars, Gannets, Terns and Herons.

Throughout the tour there is an onboard visual presentation, “World of the Whales” – an experience that takes passengers “virtually” to the bottom of the Kaikōura undersea canyon. The presentation also provides information for a variety of marine life found in Kaikōura waters.

Designed specially for whale watching, the modern catamarans are equipped with engines that minimise underwater noise and toilets that never pollute the sea. The main passenger cabin is enclosed and large outside decks offer great viewing and photo opportunities. Passenger numbers for each tour are kept well below our vessel carrying capacity to ensure this tour experience remains a personal one.

Time spent on the water is just over 2 hours. Including check-in time, safety briefing and bus transfers you should allow 3 hours 15 minutes in total.

Ocean Cabin: The Ocean cabin is the main passenger cabin. It is enclosed with outside decks. The cabin is fitted with comfortable seats. Capacity is 104 passengers.

VIP Captain’s Cabin: The VIP Captain’s Cabin is situated in the wheelhouse. Capacity is limited to 12 passengers. Seats are angled outwards to maximize views through the large windows. There is access to all other passenger areas on the vessel and an exclusive viewing area on the top deck.

What's included

• Return transfer from harbour
• 2 hour cruise