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Travel bucket list idea:

Whale-watching in Kaikoura [kayaking]

Kaikoura, South Island, New Zealand

|whalewatch.co.nz|
Bucket List Experience
Last updated: 24 June, 2023
Expert travel writer: Mark Chipperfield

There are many remarkable things about Whale Watch Kaikoura, not least their 95 per cent success rate at finding giant sperm whales – the world’s largest toothed predator – regardless of when you step on board.

The operation is owned by a number of local Maori families and combines state-of-the-art whale finding technology and traditional folklore – and plenty of Maori humour. Passengers are also likely to see other whale species, dolphins, seals and many local seabirds.

Kayaking is another great way to spot whales – as well as dolphins, fur seals and orca. Kaikoura Kayaks offers kayak hire, expert instruction and guided trips along the coast.

Logistics

Price from: £92
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 6+
When: All year around
Duration: 3 hours

Getting there & doing it

Whale Watch Kaikoura is located on the seafront, 10 minutes’ walk from the centre of town. Most people drive or catch the shuttle bus. There are three tours per day (an extra one is added in the summer months), each lasting for about 3 hours. Day-long tours are also available.

When to do it

Tours operate all year round, as the sperm whales are present all year round, but obviosuly the warmer months of summer, spring and autumn have mroe sunshine, less rain, and clearer skies.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura

Kaikoura

Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura
Kaikoura's Original Kayak Operator - Est 1998 New Zealand's only Sea Kayak operator that holds a marine mammal permit to view Whales. Kaikoura's only Kayak operator that holds a marine mammal permit to view Dolphins, Whales and Seals. New Zealand's 1st Friend of the Sea sustainable operator for Dolphin and Whale viewing. Traditional double sea kayaks with cockpits and spray skirts for a dry ride and rudders for easy steering. Qualified New Zealand Guides. 100% guaranteed to view Fur Seals on all tours. Family Friendly - operating year round. The Wildlife Kayaking tour is the real deal!

Price: N140

Min age: 3

Rating 4.87 / 5 [300 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch

Kaikoura

Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch
Experience the natural treasures of New Zealand on a whale-watching cruise from the picturesque town of Kaikoura. Look for the mighty Sperm Whales that live in these waters along with Dusky Dolphins, New Zealand Fur Seals and Seabirds. Admire breathtaking views of the snow-capped Kaikoura Ranges during your free time in Kaikoura's township and visit a seal colony on land. Wrap up the day with a scenic drive back to Christchurch and a wine tasting at a vineyard in North Canterbury (time permitting). Your experienced guide shares informative commentary throughout the day on this fun and fascinating tour.

Price: N350

Min age: 0

Rating 4.11 / 5 [89 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Wildlife Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura

Kaikoura

Private Wildlife Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura
Kaikoura's Original Kayak Operator - Est 1998 New Zealand's only Sea Kayak operator that holds a marine mammal permit to view Whales. Kaikoura's only Kayak operator that holds a marine mammal permit to view Dolphins and Seals. New Zealand's 1st Friend of the Sea sustainable operator for Dolphin and Whale viewing. Traditional double sea kayaks with cockpits and spray skirts for a dry ride and rudders for easy steering. Qualified New Zealand guides. 100% guaranteed to view Fur Seals on all tours. Family Friendly - operating year round. The Wildlife Kayaking tour is the real deal!

Price: N280

Min age: 3

Rating 4.89 / 5 [29 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides

1

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

New Zealand’s South Island

South Islands, New Zealand

New Zealand’s South Island

A primordial playground with truly spectacular scenery on the grandest scale, outdoor adventure activities galore, colourful and compelling Maori culture and terribly nice Kiwis.

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Round-ups

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Round-ups that include this experience

humpback whale breaching on pacific ocean background with tourist boat behind

Ranging from the mere 2.5m dwarf sperm whale to the whopping 30m blue whale, these ocean giants beguile and amaze with their size, grace and dignity. Here’s our round-up some of the best places in the world to see them.

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