Whale Watching in Kaikoura, New Zealand:
Kaikoura is a small town with a population of probably no more than 3000 but it draws visitors from around the world for its whale watch cruises.. 
The whale watch company, Whale Watch® Kaikoura Ltd, says it is a community trust owned by the Kaikoura Maori people in partnership with their affiliated tribal
people, the Ngai Tahu.
The area itself is steeped in Maori history and legend and it is said that the demigod Maui fished the North Island up from this spot.
Whale Watch® is New Zealand's only marine-based whale watching company offers visitors an exciting up-close encounter with the Giant Sperm Whale at all times
of the year. Whale Watch scheduled tours operate daily. Their 95% success rate means they guarantee an 80% refund if your tour does not see a whale. Whale Watch
tours are extremely popular so we advise to book early.
Nearly half the world's 76 species of whales and dolphins have been seen offshore which makes Kaikoura an ideal spot to spot these mammals of the deep.
Spotter planes:
The whale watching company operates spotter planes which pinpoint areas of whale activity.
When poor weather precludes the planes from taking off, sailings may be cancelled rather than risk disappointing those looking for whales.
Because of this, it is advisable to allow a couple of days' stay in Kaikoura so a later cruise may be taken in the event of a cancellation.
Kaikoura's resident Sperm Whales are the largest living carnivore - equivalent in size to four elephants. They share their unique world with a host of other whale and dolphin species, seals and albatross - all regular sightings aboard Whale Watch tours. Designed
specially for whale watching, their modern catamarans 
are equipped with engines that minimise underwater noise and toilets that never pollute the sea. The main
passenger cabin is enclosed and outside decks offer great viewing and photo opportunities. Spacious air-conditioned interiors are fitted with comfortable
seating while large plasma screens display our award-winning marine wildlife animations.
When the weather and sea conditions permit, as many as five whale watch vessels push off daily from Kaikoura.
Sailings operate year round, but it is important to pre-book your whale watch experience.
Getting to Kaikoura:
You can fly from Christchurch, take the train north from Christchurch, drive, or avail of the northerly daily coach services. Kaikoura is approximately a two and a half hour drive north from Barkersfield B&B and it is essential to pre-book. Bookings can
be made by us in advance.
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 you may also see migrating Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales and Southern Right Whales.
Kaikoura often hosts the world's largest dolphin - the Orca - and is home to the world's smallest and rarest - the Hector's. 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.
If your Whale Watch® Kaikoura tour does not see a whale they will refund 80% of your fare. Whale Watch is committed to providing a quality whale watching
experience while carefully managing the use of a rare natural resource.
As a Maori-owned company, Whale Watch cherishes the twin values of hospitality to visitors and reverence for the natural world. It is a philosophy that
embraces people, the land, the sea and all living things as one.
All images used on this page © Whale Watch Kaikoura.
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