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Kick it in Kaikoura Whale Watching
Published by Jason Hussong, Writer
Country: New Zealand 
The Experience
Whale watching in Kaikoura, New Zealand is truly something special for those fortunate enough to experience it. Kaikoura whale watching is unlike any other whale watching mecca (whether it be Alaska, Baja or Antarctica), and should be celebrated as these huge marine mammals were once hunted near extinction here. Now, instead of hunting the whales, the town thrives on the eco-tourism industry of whale watching.
Nestled between a range of the Southern Alps and the vast Pacific Ocean, about 180 km up the road from Christchurch, Kaikoura is now a welcome host to thousands of sperm whales. Cruises, flights and helicopter rides offer amazing Kaikoura whale watching experiences unlike any other, including lots of up-close encounters of these gentle giants, some of which can grow up to 18 metres long and eat up to 8,000 pounds of food a day. Not exactly a practical pet, but the area around Kaikoura can sustain several juvenile sperm whales year-round. Just off the coast of Kaikoura the pacific and continental plates collide instead of subducting, causing massive land upheavals and plunges of over 1000 metres deep closer to shore. It is these deep waters that sustain the sperm whales and in turn the Kaikoura whale watching industry.
The vulnerable sperm whale occasionally shares the Kaikoura waters with six other species: the humpback, minke, pygmy sperm, blue, beaked and southern right whales are known to drop in. They are only visitors though, and not regular residents like the juvenile males that are expelled from their sperm whale pod to grow and mate here once they're old enough. Only the females and their calves live and travel together in groups.
A Kaikoura whale watching experience, whether by sea or air, is a captivating one as expert guides set a stage in the distance against the mountains, giving you the best photos. It's difficult not to be able to get a good picture, as the sperm whales do their best to cooperate by floating on the surface for about eight minutes at a time, catching their breath so to speak, before diving again, sometimes as deep as three kilometers (9,800 feet). Unlike the humpback whales that breach and submerge right away again (which makes photography tricky), the sperm whales make it an enjoyable experience where you can snap away and still have time to put the camera down and just enjoy nature.
Nestled between a range of the Southern Alps and the vast Pacific Ocean, about 180 km up the road from Christchurch, Kaikoura is now a welcome host to thousands of sperm whales. Cruises, flights and helicopter rides offer amazing Kaikoura whale watching experiences unlike any other, including lots of up-close encounters of these gentle giants, some of which can grow up to 18 metres long and eat up to 8,000 pounds of food a day. Not exactly a practical pet, but the area around Kaikoura can sustain several juvenile sperm whales year-round. Just off the coast of Kaikoura the pacific and continental plates collide instead of subducting, causing massive land upheavals and plunges of over 1000 metres deep closer to shore. It is these deep waters that sustain the sperm whales and in turn the Kaikoura whale watching industry.
The vulnerable sperm whale occasionally shares the Kaikoura waters with six other species: the humpback, minke, pygmy sperm, blue, beaked and southern right whales are known to drop in. They are only visitors though, and not regular residents like the juvenile males that are expelled from their sperm whale pod to grow and mate here once they're old enough. Only the females and their calves live and travel together in groups.
A Kaikoura whale watching experience, whether by sea or air, is a captivating one as expert guides set a stage in the distance against the mountains, giving you the best photos. It's difficult not to be able to get a good picture, as the sperm whales do their best to cooperate by floating on the surface for about eight minutes at a time, catching their breath so to speak, before diving again, sometimes as deep as three kilometers (9,800 feet). Unlike the humpback whales that breach and submerge right away again (which makes photography tricky), the sperm whales make it an enjoyable experience where you can snap away and still have time to put the camera down and just enjoy nature.
When to Go to Kaikoura Whale Watching
You can enjoy Kaikoura whale watching year round, but ultimately it's all luck of the draw with nature. Sperm whales are the main attraction, and they inhabit the area year-round. Six other different whale species visit the area regularly as well. December through March is a popular time to visit as it is the summer season.
Odds n' Ends
Dressing appropriately can be the key to a pleasant Kaikoura whale watching experience, whether by sea or air. Warm clothing and a good pair of sturdy shoes are essential, and can be purchased at many stores in Kaikoura (as can some waterproof layers if the seas are choppy). If the sea is choppy, and you suffer from motion or sea sickness issues, some appropriate medication can be useful so that your trip isn't spent looking at the inside of a bag. Other Kaikoura shops sell over-the-counter pills and other supplies, if you think you'll need it.
Also note that there is another great experiences that can add to Kaikoura whale watching and that is visiting the Southern fur seal colony located on a rocky beach a short distance out of town. Both are great nature experiences that promise to stir you.
Kaikoura whale watching costs roughly $NZ 150, so if your on a budget you might need to save your pretty pennies for this experience.
Also note that there is another great experiences that can add to Kaikoura whale watching and that is visiting the Southern fur seal colony located on a rocky beach a short distance out of town. Both are great nature experiences that promise to stir you.
Kaikoura whale watching costs roughly $NZ 150, so if your on a budget you might need to save your pretty pennies for this experience.
Want a Guide?
- Whale Watch Kaikoura
- Whale Watch Kaikoura is an excellent tour operator with friendly and helpful staff. Their boats accomodate a large group of people both on deck and in the main cabin. The captain also knows photography and will position the boat for great whale and mountain shots.
- Air Kaikoura Aero Club
- Air Kaikoura offers the opportunity to see the whales by plane, as well as the rest of the area. Piloting instruction is also offered.
- World of Whales
- See the whales, as well as the Kaikoura area, by helicopter.
- Wings Over Whales
- See the whales of Kaikoura in a 30 minute airplane flight around Kaikoura. Other wildlife opportunities are possible.
Places to Stay Nearby
Search over 900,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants. Book via Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Priceline and the websites of popular hotel chains.
Located outside the Kaikoura town centre, Pacific Allure Heights offers self-catering apartments with ocean and mountain views. It is less than 10 minutes’ drive to ...
$160 NZD+
Lemon Tree Lodge is set above Kaikoura township on limestone cliffs, looking out to the wide magnificence of the azure blue Pacific Ocean with the ... 0 miles away
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More Experiences Nearby
- See the Fur Seals Basking on the Rocks at Ohau Point Seal Colony, New Zealand
- The fur seal population in New Zealand has increased over the last few decades after being nearly wiped out by pelt and meat hunters in the 1800s. Breeding colonies were placed under the protection of the New Zealand Department of Conservation, with the seal colony at Ohau Point being the most accessible to the public. Fur seals return to Ohau Point Seal Colony to give birth between November and December each year, so the best time to visit Ohau Point Seal Colony is after March when the pups are less dependent on their mothers, and they are also at an ...1 miles away.
Carpe Diem! Book to do this experience now!
On your whale-watching cruise from beautiful Kaikoura, where the mountains meet the sea, you might spot giant sperm whales, acrobatic dusky dolphins, seals and royal ...
Starting from $128.32 per person.
Starting from $128.32 per person.
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