Category: Latest News
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.
Te Wiki O Te Reo Māori 9th – 15th September 2019
It is almost Māori language week in Aotearoa (New Zealand). This year’s theme is ‘Kia Kaha te Reo Māori’ - ‘Let’s make the Māori language strong'.
With this in mind we thought we would introduce you to some of the common Māori words you would hear around our booking office and out at sea when visiting Whale Watch Kaikōura.
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.
Hutton's Shearwaters FlySafe Campaign
During March and April, there is a call for those in Kaikōura to help Hutton’s Shearwater fledglings to reach the sea safely. Learn how you can help.
Kaikōura’s Commitment to Sustainability
It's Seaweek here in New Zealand and we thought we'd showcase our commitment to sustainability. This year's theme is is “Tiakina o Tātou Mōana – Care for our Seas”. Find out how Whale Watch and Kaikōura as a community look after our ocean and its precious marine life.
Marine Mammal Spotlight - Pilot Whales
It is during our summer months that we tend to see Pilot Whales passing through Kaikōura waters, recently we had a pod pass through that has a new born calf with them, being able to tell by the birth rings still evident on its body.
How do Sperm Whales communicate?
The ability to produce and perceive sound is important for whales – to navigate, find food, and also communicate.
Toothed whales such as the sperm whale use echolocation to hunt their prey. They send out high frequency clicks then listen for their echo as they bounce back from objects – like their next meal!