Kaikoura Whale Watching Private Tour
Experience the magnificent Giant Sperm Whales in their natural environment with our luxury Whale watching cruise
Scenic Kaikoura Coastline & Whale Watching
Tour Overview
Your Kaikoura Whale Watch cruise includes a drive from Christchurch, north up to Kaikoura which is one of the most scenic coastal journeys in New Zealand. The 2 hour drive features the North Canterbury Plains showcasing the peaceful and picturesque rural surroundings. We pass through Waipara known for its vineyards and beautiful rolling hills. The road then winds gently through small rural towns when we pull into Cheviot for a comfort stop & well earned refreshment.
As we approach the coast the scenery changes dramatically as the road hugs the rugged Pacific Ocean coastline. Fur seals dot the craggy rock forms as seabirds soar overhead and then the seaward Kaikoura Mountain Range rises sharply right beside the sea making for a stunning Kaikoura arrival. It is a drive that shifts from pastoral calm to dramatic coastal beauty – very much a “wow” drive, especially the second hour.
Kaikoura Whale Watch (KWW) is the only vessel-based whale watching company in New Zealand offering close-up encounters with the Giant Sperm Whale in its natural environment all year round. The operation quotes a 95% success rate for spotting whales. The full KWW tour takes about 3.5 hours which includes check-in, safety briefing & transport & then just under 2.5 hours out on the water.
Quick Facts
- Full Day (10+ hours)
- Private Tours
- Door-to-door service
- Lunch included
- 3.5-hour whale watch
- 95% whale spotting rate
Kaikoura Whale Watch Pricing
Whale Watch Standard
NZD $785.00 per person
- Door-to-door luxury transport
- 3.5-hour whale watching tour
- Scenic coastal drive
- Waterfront restaurant lunch
- Fur seal colony visit
- Afternoon tea (time permitting)
Captain's Cabin (as per availability )
NZD $865.00 per person
- All standard tour inclusions
- Premium captain’s cabin seating
- Enhanced viewing experience
- Priority boarding and seating
- Exclusive cabin amenities
- Premium service throughout
How Your Day Unfolds
( Please be aware your hotel pick up is a fixed time )
7:30 AM
Hotel Pickup
I collect you from your hotel or place of residence and we begin our scenic drive from Christchurch to Kaikoura.
8:30 AM
Cheviot Comfort Stop
We drive through the North Canterbury Plains and stop at the friendly rural service town of Cheviot for a comfort stop & takeaway refreshment.
9:30 AM
Arrival in Kaikoura
We arrive into the rugged township of Kaikoura where we proceed to the KWW booking office to check in and experience the dramatic coastal scenery.
10:00 AM
Whale Watch Begins
You are transported by bus (10min ride) to the KWW marina where you board & set off on your Sperm Whale Watching voyage of adventure.
12:15 PM
Return to Marina
You return to the Kaikoura marina where I will be waiting for you on arrival and then drive you to our charming seaside restaurant lunch location.
1:00 PM
Waterfront Lunch
We lunch & enjoy refreshments at the quintessential waterfront Pier Kiwi style restaurant with stunning views of the Kaikoura Peninsula.
1:30 PM
Fur Seal Colony
We depart Kaikoura to head home and stop briefly to photograph lazy fur seals lounging just metres from our viewing position.
4:00 PM
Afternoon Tea
Time permitting, we stop at a scenic café location for a picnic designed afternoon tea in an idyllic rural setting.
5:30 PM
Return to Christchurch
I deliver you back to your hotel or place of residence with comfort stops available along the drive home.
What's Included
Door-to-Door Service
Luxury pickup and drop-off at your accommodation
Scenic Coastal Drive
Iconic 2-hour drive through Canterbury Plains to rugged coastline
3.5-Hour Whale Watch
Pacific Ocean whale-watching trip with modern twin hulled whale watch vessels
Waterfront Lunch
A memoriable lunch & refreshments at Kaikoura's seafront Pier hotel restaurant
Fur Seal Colony
Close encounters with fur seals lounging on rocky coastline
Afternoon Tea
Time permitting, picnic-style afternoon tea in
idyllic rural setting
Tour Highlights
Giant Sperm Whales
Close-up encounters with Giant Sperm Whales in their natural environment all year round
95% Success Rate
Kaikoura Whale Watch quotes a 95% success rate for spotting whales
Scenic Coastal Journey
One of the most scenic coastal journeys in New Zealand with dramatic landscape vistas
Modern Catamarans
Purpose-built whale watching vessels with engines designed to minimize underwater noise
Kaikoura Mountain Range
Stunning arrival with seaward mountains rising sharply beside the sea
Marine Wildlife
Fur seals on craggy rocks and seabirds soaring overhead along the rugged coastline
Photo Gallery
Ready for Your Whale Watching Adventure?
Experience the magnificent Giant Sperm Whales with New Zealand's premier whale watching tour
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