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One of our most booked experiences

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Up to 24 hours before the experience starts

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Highlights

  • Enjoy a smooth ride along Kaikoura's deep-sea canyon on an advanced catamaran designed for superior visibility and comfort.
  • Benefit from noise-minimizing engines that ensure your experience is peaceful while safeguarding the marine environment.
  • Our exclusive refund guarantee of up to 80% underscores our dedication to customer satisfaction, reflecting Kaikoura’s consistent whale sightings which rarely necessitate its use.
  • Select between the Ocean Cabin for family-friendly comfort or upgrade to the VIP Captain's Cabin for priority boarding and business-class seating with unique insights from the captain.

Your Experience

Kaikoura Whale Watching Cruise Image 1
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Start an excellent journey where you can witness whales in their natural habitat. Enjoy peace of mind with an 80% refund guarantee if no whales are seen during your cruise.

Getting started

Gather at the Whaleway Station 30 minutes before departure for check-in and a safety orientation. Board our specially designed catamaran, equipped with noise-minimizing engines to ensure minimal disturbance to wildlife.

Kaikoura is renowned as one of the few places where sperm whales can be spotted throughout the year due to its unique underwater canyon.

  • Our expert guides use specialized equipment, offering a 95% chance of whale sightings.
  • The spacious viewing decks provide panoramic views for an unmissable experience when whales surface.
  • A complete "World of the Whales" presentation offers insights into their behavior, biology, and conservation efforts, complemented by live commentary during your cruise.
  • Be prepared to capture photos of other marine wildlife such as dolphins, seals, and seabirds that frequently appear on cruises.

The journey lasts approximately 2 hours at sea, with the total experience spanning 2.5 hours from departure to return.

Wrapping Up

Once back on land, you can review your photos and explore a gift shop that supports marine conservation initiatives.

Upgrades

Elevate your adventure with the VIP Captain's Cabin upgrade. Enjoy priority boarding, business-class seating, personal interactions with the captain, complimentary refreshments, and access to an exclusive viewing deck.

Inclusions & Exclusions

  • 3-hour whale-watching cruise in Kaikoura
  • Full-tour English narration
  • Access to outside decks
  • Marine wildlife presentation
  • Free Wi-Fi aboard the cruise
  • Option: Access to captain's cabin alongside captain and watchkeeper
  • Option: Small group of up to 12 people
  • Option: Priority boarding and transport
  • Option: Business-class seating
  • Option: Access to all other passenger areas
  • Option: Locally-made food boxes and cold drinks
  • Option: Exclusive viewing area on the top deck
  • Personal expenses

This product offers multiple ticket options. Some items above (like transfers or fast-track access) may only apply to specific options — confirm what's included when you select yours.

Must Know

  • Arrive at Whaleway Station 30 minutes before your scheduled departure to check in and receive a safety orientation.
  • Wear warm clothing with flat shoes; consider bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a water bottle for comfort during the cruise.
  • If you plan on spending time on the outer decks, bring a waterproof jacket and footwear.
  • Please note that children aged 3 years old or under are not permitted to join this experience.

Ticket Delivery

  • 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.

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Frequently asked questions

Clear answers to the most common questions travelers ask before booking this experience.

Booking FAQs

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.

Children aged 3 years old and under are restricted from this experience.

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.

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.

Yes, please arrive at the Whaleway Station 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time for check-in and a brief safety orientation.

Dress warmly in flat shoes. Consider bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, a water bottle, and waterproof jacket and shoes if you plan to spend significant time on the outer decks.

No, children aged 3 years old and under are restricted from this experience for safety reasons.

Your ticket includes a 3-hour whale-watching cruise with full-tour English narration, access to outside decks, marine wildlife presentation, free Wi-Fi aboard the cruise, and priority boarding if you choose the VIP Captain’s Cabin option.

Yes, we offer an exclusive 80% refund guarantee in case no whales are sighted during your cruise.

No, personal expenses such as meals and souvenirs are not included with the ticket price.

The cruise takes place on a modern catamaran specifically designed for whale watching, featuring noise-minimizing engines to protect marine life.

Yes, it's advisable to pack your medications as they may not be available onsite during the trip.

Choose between the standard Ocean Cabin experience or upgrade to the VIP Captain’s Cabin for enhanced priority boarding, business-class seating, and exclusive insights from the captain.

For safety reasons, including those using wheelchairs, specific arrangements are made by the captain to ensure everyone's comfort during the cruise.

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