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There are over 79 species of whale and dolphin in the world today, and 34 of these species have been sighted in New Zealand waters, with over half found off the coast of Kaikōura.
When whale watching in New Zealand, the most commonly seen whales along the coast are sperm whales. In addition, there are frequent sightings of other species including humpback, minke and orca, which pass through the area at regular intervals.
When you go whale watching in New Zealand, you’ll be able to experience the unmatched majesty of the native sperm whale. The sperm whale is the world’s largest carnivore and the largest known predator ever to exist. They are equivalent in size to four elephants, and each of their teeth can weigh more than a kilogram and grow up to 20cm long.
Sperm whales dive up to 2,000 metres into the dark abyss of the Kaikōura Canyon to hunt prey such as giant squid – many of Kaikōura’s sperm whales bear battle scars from close encounters with these monsters of the deep.
Whale watching is the real highlight of a trip to Kaikōura. You can view these huge animals at close quarters by boat or try whale watching from the air with Wings Over Whales.
Whale Watch is New Zealand’s only vessel-based whale watching company, located in the town of Kaikōura. Towering snow-covered peaks fall to the Pacific Ocean, where a deep undersea canyon just offshore attracts an extraordinary abundance of marine life, the most famous being the sperm whale.
Whale Watch Kaikōura has an impressive 95% success rate, meaning you are guaranteed an 80% refund if your tour does not see a whale. As well as whales, a typical 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 whale species including humpback, pilot, blue and southern right whales.
Kaikōura also hosts the world’s largest dolphin, the orca, and is home to the world’s smallest and rarest dolphin, Hector’s dolphin. The region attracts the largest concentration and variety of seabirds on mainland New Zealand, including 13 species of albatross, 14 varieties of petrel and 7 types of shearwater.
The company’s fleet of modern catamarans is purpose-designed for whale watching, with engines that minimise underwater noise and toilets that never pollute the sea. The main passenger cabin is enclosed, while the outside decks offer excellent viewing and photography opportunities.
Every experience we create is tailored to you. Tell us what inspires you, and we’ll design a New Zealand trip you’ll never forget.
