Australia
Giant sperm whales live off Kaikoura year-round, 95% of trips find one.
New Zealand's original whale watch takes you into the Kaikoura Canyon, home to resident sperm whales, tracked by hydrophone, spotted on 95% of tours, and backed by an 80% refund if they don't show.
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4.7 from 4,925 Google reviews
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Licensed local operator
An established operator with public reviews.
Kaikoura has a secret weapon: a deep ocean canyon almost within sight of the beach, and giant sperm whales that live in it all year round. This isn't a migration-season gamble, the whales are residents, and this crew has been finding them longer than anyone.
After a short transfer from the Whaleway Station Road office to South Bay Marina, you head out with the crew narrating and a hydrophone in the water, listening for the clicks of whales hunting below. Between sightings, keep watch for dusky dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and wandering albatross, with humpback, pilot, blue and southern right whales possible in season.
Wildlife makes no promises, but this operator comes close: a 95% sighting success rate, and an 80% refund if the whales don't appear. Two hours forty-five of proper Southern Ocean drama.
Resident sperm whales year-round
Hydrophones listen for whales below
Dusky dolphins and albatross possible
95% sighting rate, 80% refund if not
New Zealand's original whale watch
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Public reviews of the operator who runs this tour on the ground.
The operator's track record
Review excerpts below are from Tripadvisor.
"Our skipper located two separate Sperm Whales. What amazing mammals. They are huge. So pleased to have experienced them up so close to appreciate their size. We also sighted a Hectors Dolphin, Northern Royal Albatross, Cape Petrels and many Shy Albatross including one which mugged a NZ Fur Seal for his fish."
Robert A.
Tripadvisor review
"We were fortunate to come across 2 sperm whales during our trip. Seeing them resting on the surface was pretty surreal and makes you appreciate how incredible they are! When they dived back down to hunt and their tails came out the water it was so magical. Such a privilege to see such an elusive, massive animal so up close!"
Chloe L.
Tripadvisor review
Traveller reviews, source shown on each · shown as excerpts.
New Zealand
9 days · 8 nights
4.9 (575 · Trustpilot)
Auckland to Wellington
6 meals included
$1999 AUD
≈ $222/day
New Zealand
9 days · 8 nights
4.9 (575 · Trustpilot)
Christchurch to Queenstown
7 meals included
$1999 AUD
≈ $222/day
New Zealand
17 days · 16 nights
4.9 (575 · Trustpilot)
Auckland to Queenstown
13 meals included
$4399 AUD
≈ $259/day
Pricing TBD
