According to experts, the best time to see many species of migrating whales in kaikoura during the colder season is between june and august. Whale watching in kaikoura is the mustdo activity while in this beautiful, peaceful part of new zealands spectacular south island. One year of whale watching in just one infographic. This rare magic continues just offshore where a deep undersea canyon combines with. Once in kaikoura we will make our way to a lookout to enjoy spectacular views of this pretty seaside village, the majestic mountains and the beautiful pacific ocean. A couple hours north of christchurch, new zealand sits the very small tourist and fishing town of. Whale watch kaikoura 2020 all you need to know before. Every new zealand whale watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. Kaikoura is a leading nature tourist destination, bestknown for its whale. Whale watch kaikoura is the only sea based whale watching tour provider in new zealand operating all twelve months of the year. During the cruise you will have the chance to encounter the giant sperm whale up close. Enjoy stunning scenic views of the coastline and see the mighty sperm whales in their natural environment. The whale watch gift shop is designed to enhance your whale watching experience by offering a selection of clothing, new zealand made products, jewellery, soft toys and souvenirs to help make your time with us more memorable.
All three whales are seasonal visitors to kaikoura. Kaikoura whales fly with garden city helicopters, christchurch to kaikoura for the ultimate whale watching experience ever. They say theres a 95% chance of seeing a whale on their. This tour offers upclose encounters with giant sperm whale and may include fur seals, pods of dusky dolphins and endangered wandering albatross. Experience the natural treasures of new zealand on a whalewatching cruise from the picturesque town of kaikoura. Once in kaikoura we will make our way to a lookout to enjoy. You can view sperm whales, dusky dolphins, seals and albatross all year round. In early november which is the same for the entire summer season, the kaikoura whale watch tours depart at 7. View the mighty sperm whale from boats that have been custom designed for whale watching and ensuring passenger comfort with a team of friendly skippers and guides experienced at interacting with the whales and other marine. Whale watching in kaikoura by boat provided by whale watch. Capture the adventure and awe of new zealands rugged coastline with whale watch souvenirs and kiwiana gifts. Whale watching flights air kaikoura aero club, new zealand. We always recommend booking for one of the morning departures if possible as the wind often picks up in the afternoon and.
Whale watch kaikoura 2020 all you need to know before you. The main focus of your tour is to locate and view the giant sperm whale. As a maoriowned company, whale watch cherishes the twin values of hospitality to visitors and reverence for the natural world. It is a philosophy that embraces people, the land, the sea and all living.
Fin whales can reach up to 24 meters in length second in size only to the blue whale. This full day tour includes a scenic tour from christchurch through the rolling hill country of north canterbury to kaikoura. Your marine experience includes a visit to a new zealand fur seal colony and suiting up in snorkel gear to swim alongside the amazing dusky dolphins. Kaikoura is renowned for its amazing marine life, and youll discover why on this whale watching tour. Other whales that can be seen depending on the season include blue whales, pilot whales and southern right whales. Visit kaikoura to see these amazing marine mammals and birds in their natural habitat. Whale watching at kaikoura my personal whale watching experience in kaikoura. Majestic snow capped mountains fall into the ocean here, while just offshore the 2km deep underwater kaikoura canyon attracts a huge array of marine and plant life, the most famous of which being the. A kaikoura whalewatching cruise and dolphin swim are the highlights of this delightful 2day nature tour, roundtrip from christchurch.
Whale watch kaikoura, kaikoura whale watching, new zealand. The tour starts with a 10minute safety briefing in the theatre at the whaleway station yes it is called that the railway tracks run past the building. Experience the natural treasures of new zealand on a whale watching cruise from the picturesque town of kaikoura. The weather in new zealand is often best during the months of october march, so if you prefer the warmer kind of days then whale watching during the nz summer is a good bet. There is only one whale watching company in kaikoura heres the link and its called simply whale watch kaikoura. Kaikoura is renowned as the whale watching capital of new zealand. Next we will visit a fur seal colony before heading into kaikoura for some free. Kaikoura is a special place of lush pastures and towering, snow covered peaks that fall to the sea.
The whales also share their home with a number of dolphin species, seals and albatross which can all be seen on a typical tour. Kayaking nz view marine life kayaking with kaikoura kayaks. The hauraki gulf marine park just outside auckland city is also a significant whale watching area with. Kaikoura whale watching cruises new zealand whalewatching tours. Admire breathtaking views of the snowcapped kaikoura ranges and visit a fur seal colony on land. Learn about the animals and their habitat from live commentary on board.
Scenic coach tour over the canterbury plains through to kaikoura. Whale and dolphin watching kaikoura best time to visit top. Whale watching in new zealand is predominantly centered around the areas of kaikoura and the hauraki gulf. Isnt it so wonderful to see such beautiful marine life off the coast of such a beautiful town. Commonly asked questions about whale watching kaikoura. Get close to nature, as youve never seen it before. Sperm whales reside here yearround, in fact sightings are so frequent that whale watch kaikoura will provide a refund in the unlikely event of not spotting one.
Whale watch is located in the small coastal town of kaikoura on the east coast of new zealands south island a scenic two and a halfhour drive north from christchurch and two hour drive south from picton. The best whale watching spots in new zealand hostelbookers. New zealands only marine based whale watching company offering an exciting upclose encounter with giant. Do check the website as times may change based on season with more sailings in the summer months. Whale watching in kaikoura by boat a must if you are in the area and really worth making an effort if you are not. Whale watch kaikoura new zealand tourist attraction. Whale watching in new zealand is predominantly centered around the areas of kaikoura and.
Kia ora thanks so much for sharing about your time with us, it sounds like you had a fantastic time as a family. Kaikoura whale watching best time of the day to go. The company that has put kaikoura firmly on the tourist map is the largest employer in town during the peak tourist season. This full day tour includes a scenic drive from christchurch over the canterbury plains before arriving in the majestic seaside village of kaikoura. Kaikoura day tour from christchurch including the award winning whale watch with whale watch kaikoura. I never tire of that first glimpse of the kaikoura coast. A kaikoura whale watching cruise and dolphin swim are the highlights of this delightful 2day nature tour, roundtrip from christchurch.
Whale watching boat tours in kaikoura whale watch kaikoura is one of the most popular tourist attractions and ranked in the top tourist activity of 101 must dos in new zealand. But winter, especially june and july, is the most rewarding and exclusive season for whale watching, since only then one may spot migrating humpback whales, southern right whales, blue whales and pilot whales which tend to come closer to the shores just in that time. During the summer, usually from november until march, you may spot orcas passing by in pods between 6 12 whales. We need a quick break for a couple of days so were heading to kaikoura whale country.
Whale watch kaikoura kaikoura tour hasslefree tours. Kaikoura is new zealands premium marine and wildlife destination. Trash to fashion show promoting the ideals of recycling and waste. Its a beautiful green sea in the foreground and the deeper blue beyond where the whales roam. Whether you choose the whale watch or swimming with the dolphins tour, i believe kaikoura is a must for anyone visiting the south island. Blue whales are a member of the fin and sei whale family. As kaikoura is one of the best places for whale watching and snorkeling, and in fact, for all forms of wildlife encounters such as swimming with dolphins, exploring the wildlife here is definitely on the top of the list of things to do for a kaikoura holiday there are two options available for whale watching. Working with business kaikouras business community is committed to the concept of a sustainable future. While there are slightly fewer sightings of migrating whales in summer, a whale watching tour during the warmer season. Our 95% success rate means we guarantee an 80% refund if your tour does not see a whale. Whale watch kaikoura offers a two and a half hour tour for just 90. Whale and dolphin watching kaikoura best time to visit.
Whale watch kaikoura all you need to know before you go. I had my concerns about whether or not we would see any whales but they have a 95% success rate in finding at least one whale working with other fisherman and pilots in the area, they are always in contact to make sure. Whale watching in kaikoura nz kaikoura whale watching new. Whales are a very common sight in the waters off kaikoura because of a 2kilometre underwater canyon that sits beside the coast. Whale watch kaikoura is one of the most popular tourist attractions and ranked in the top 101 must dos in new zealand. Giant sperm whales are the stars of the show and yearround residents. A couple hours north of christchurch, new zealand sits the very small tourist and fishing town of kaikoura. Whale watch is located in the small seaside town of kaikoura, a scenic 2.
Discover the fascinating world of the whales, dolphins, seals and marine birds. Whale watch kaikoura whale watching boat tours in kaikoura. Whether its boat, plane or helicopter, weve listed all the options here with the most. The people, the land, the sea and all living things as one. The endangered sei whale is still killed by japanese whalers. A typical whale watch tour may encounter new zealand fur seals, pods of dusky dolphins and the endangered wandering albatross. Whales different types of whales whale watch kaikoura. Kaikoura is the whale watching capital of new zealand, every whale watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. The fin on their back gives them their name this fin is very easy to see and one of their predominant features. The scenery in kaikoura speaks for itself, but when the pilot declared weather conditions the best in weeks, our sightseeing trip entered the halloffame conversation.
Enjoy stunning scenic views of the coastline and see the mighty sperm whales in their natural. If these boats fill up then sometimes there are extra departure times opened up. Kaikoura is known as new zealands whalewatching mecca. Its a while ago since ive been there but i still think about the amazing experience i was able to make with aero club in kaikoura. The team at whale watch kaikoura hopes the rest of your travels were fantastic with many lasting memories. For most of us in the tourism industry, the season has been mad. Christchurch canterbury, whale watching in new zealand. Whale watch kaikoura marine experience 60 secs 7,872 views 1 year ago kaikoura is the whale watching capital of new zealand, every whale watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. Packages suitable for couples, friends and families saving you a huge 15% discount. Head out on a whale watching adventure at nzs premier whale destination kaikoura with one of the countrys best whale watching tour companies. Not only do you get a rare chance to get up close and personal with these majestic mammals, but you also get to choose how and where youd like to see the whales from.
Like other baleen whales, the fin whale also skims the surface and takes in huge volumes of. Enjoy a breathtaking scenic whale flight, with stunning. Find branded coasters, magnets, tea towels, new zealand themed beach towels, playing cards and more. The whales form loose pods, keeping several miles between each other, so viewing any more than 1 to 2 whales per trip is a real bonus. Look for the mighty sperm whales that live in these waters along with dolphins, new zealand fur seals and seabirds. Due to popularity of whale watching tours, advanced bookings are essential price. Whale watch kaikoura is committed to providing a quality whale watching experience while carefully managing the use of a rare natural resource.
The kaikoura peninsula lies south of the main township and creates unique currents that draw in marine life from a trench deep in the pacific ocean. From your catamaran boat youll get up close to whales, seals, and dolphins in the deep waters off shore, as well as albatross. Kaikoura is world famous for its sunsets and marine life, so what better way to experience this than by sea kayak. Book your tickets online for whale watch kaikoura, kaikoura. Let air kaikoura show you that theres more to a whale, than just a tail. Kaikouras whale watching is one of new zealands deservedly famous. Te wiki o te reo maori 9th 15th september 2019, 40 1 2019. Marine mammal spotlight dusky dolphins, 160 3 2019 not only do we have the sperm whale off our coastline all year round but kaikoura is also home to the resident dusky dolphin. Whale watch kaikoura is the only sea based whale watching tour in new zealand.
The best way to see the magestic whales, dolphins and stunning mountains is by air. We average between 1 to 2 whale sightings per tour due to the length of time the whales can stay submerged. Whale watching is also offered in other locations, often as eco tours and in conjunction. Whale watch in kaikoura, whaleway station rd, kaikoura. Kaikoura whale watching cruises new zealand whalewatching. Whale watch is located in the small coastal town of kaikoura on the east coast of new zealands south island a scenic two and a halfhour drive north from christchurch and. Known as the whale capital, kaikoura is a worldfamous whale watching site, in particular for sperm whales which is currently the most abundant of large whales in new zealand waters. During these months we most commonly have the opportunity to view pods of orca as they pass by. These whales have a life span of at least 80 years. In other months you get to see orca, humpback whales, blue whales, hector dolphins and many other coastal seabirds.
Whale watching in kaikoura nz kaikoura whale watching. The whaleplanner february a whale watching infographic. Whale watch is new zealands only vesselbased whale watching company offering visitors an exciting upclose encounter with the worlds largest toothed predator the giant sperm whale in their natural environment at all times of the year. Whale watch offers international and domestic visitors to kaikoura an exciting close up encounter with the giant sperm whale, the largest of the toothed whales. Biodiversity project supporting the expansion of the indigenous biodiversity of the district.
20 1607 355 442 314 650 1257 800 828 1238 906 756 421 168 1362 1577 45 469 385 1093 1590 1628 1307 1087 1145 713 1026 977 1080 195 1409 420 1090 155 1015 1097 1166