Category: Latest News
New Zealand Fur Seal / Kekeno
The Kekeno is the most common seal in New Zealand and their numbers are estimated to be over 200,000 seals. They prefer rocky shore lines and we have plenty of that here in Kaikōura which makes this the perfect place for the New Zealand fur seal. We often see them out on our tours while they are out foraging for food in the Kaikōura canyon.
Hector’s Dolphins / Tutumairekurai
The Hector’s dolphin is endemic to New Zealand and is one of the smallest dolphins in the world! They reach a maximum length of 1.5 meters.
Unique tail of a whale
Whale Watch has been working closely with researchers from the University of Otago in Dunedin in order to learn more about the individual sperm whales sighted in Kaikōura.
Big baleen whale invasion
As we head into the warmer months, it’s now the time we start to see a lot more of the marine giants come into Kaikōura.
“Horo” the Humpback Whale
Kaikōura is a home to semi-resident sperm whales but it is also a place that humpback whales like to repeatedly visit too!
One case in particular is a famous humpback amongst our sea crew, known as “Horo”.
Marine Mammal Spotlight - Dusky Dolphins
Not only do we have the sperm whale off our coastline all year round but Kaikōura is also home to the resident dusky dolphin. On our tours we have around a 50/50 chance of viewing dolphins if time allows and if they are not feeding too far from where we are viewing whales.
Recent Visitors to Kaikōura
While the Sperm Whale calls Kaikōura home and the main focus when we head out on our tours we at times come across other species of whales and dolphins as they are passing through these waters, in fact up to 14 other species can be sighted of the Kaikōura Coastline throughout the year!
The Giant Sperm Whale
Did you know it is the Giant Sperm Whale that we see off the Kaikōura coastline all year round? Being the largest of the toothed cetaceans they can measure in at up to 20 metres in length and weigh in at around 60 tonne in weight!
Finalist for the Qualmark 100% Pure New Zealand Experience Awards 2019
We love what we do. Being announced as a finalist in this year's Qualmark 100% Pure New Zealand Experience Awards is such an honour.
Oceania Responsible Tourism Award 2019 Nominee - Please Vote
We have some great news to share – Whale Watch Kaikōura has been nominated in this year’s World Travel Awards under the Oceania section for the Responsible Tourism Award 2019.