FAQ
How much does a tour cost?
- Adult NZ$145 valid to 30 September 2013.
- Child NZ$60 (3-15 inclusive).
- Children under 3 are not permitted on the tour.
Tour costs can change without notice.
What are the tour times?
Tour check-in times all year are: 7.15am, 10.00am and 12.45pm, an extra tour is scheduled at 3.30pm from November to March. Whale Watch operate tours every day (weather permitting) excluding Christmas Day. Tour check-in occurs at the Whaleway Station (Whale Watch Office)
How do I make a reservation?
- To make an immediate confirmed booking with payment by credit card, click Book a Tour
- By FREEPHONE anywhere in New Zealand: 0800 655 121 or 0800 WHALES
- By e-mailing Whale Watch at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
- By telephone +64 3 319 6767
- By fax +64 3 319 6545
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. There is a high demand for our tours. We advise you to book well in advance.
Am I guaranteed to see a whale?
No. However, the chances are very high. Whale Watch have a 95% success rate in finding whales. If your tour does not see a whale we guarantee to refund 80% of your fare.
What will I see?
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 we will refund 80% of your fare.
What happens if the sea and weather conditions are not suitable?
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 our priority. Passengers travelling to join us on the day of their tour are strongly advised to telephone the FREEPHONE number 0800 655 121 for a sea conditions update.
If my tour is cancelled, will I be transferred to the next one?
No. When a tour is cancelled, we will do our best to accommodate you on another one. However, you need to request this.
How long is the tour?
The actual time on the water is up to 2.5 hours. Including check-in time and bus transfers you should allow 3.5 hours in total
What should I wear on my Whale Watch tour?
Dress warmly and wear flat shoes. If you wish to spend time on the outside decks of our vessels you may need light waterproof clothing depending on the sea conditions.
What if I suffer from motion-sickness?
If you are susceptible to motion-sickness Whale Watch offer Aqua Straps for hire or purchase. Whale Watch also sells natural active motion-sickness tablets but we are not permitted to sell medicated options which can be purchased at the local pharmacy located in the town centre. All our Whale Watch tours are graded with a seasickness warning announced over our PA system prior to tour departure.
Can I buy film aboard the Whale Watch vessels?
No. So please stock up on these items at the Whale Watch Gift Shop before departure.
Do Whale Watch sell food and drinks aboard Whale Watch vessels?
No. Delicious hot food, fresh coffee and a selection of cold drinks are available to purchase before or after your tour at Flukes Cafe adjacent to the Whale Watch reservations office.
Join Us Today
Where to find us
