Take the Ultimate Whale Watching Cruise In Kaikoura – Everything You Need to Know

Kaikoura is a beautiful small coastal town located in the northern part of New Zealand’s South Island and it’s a prime area to be able to take a whale watching cruise. With the stunning landscapes and unique wildlife, it’s no wonder why so many people flock here to want to get up close and personal with some of the ocean’s largest inhabitants.

But first things first –  what kind of whales will you spot? That’s an easy one. Both the Sperm and Humpback whales can be seen in these waters and the more time you spend on the boat, the better your chances will be of seeing them – and in numbers. During mating season, the Sperm whales can be seen from January to March and the Humpbacks from June to November, so if you’re searching for specific species, that’s the time to book.

It goes without saying that any whale watching cruise is going to be exciting but Kaikoura also has an EXCLUSIVE offering when it comes to ocean creatures – not only do you stand the chance of seeing majestic whales, but dolphins, seals, albatross and even orca – all in incredible natural surroundings.

How Will You Get There?

It doesn’t take too long to get from Christchurch to Kaikoura – just over two hours by car, but you can also travel there via bus, shuttle or even train, depending on your preference. Once you’re there, you can get a full list of whale watching cruises and what each one offers by visiting websites such as GetYourGuide, or by asking at your hostel or hotel. But when it comes to actually booking your experience, many companies will require you to book online or by phone.

What Will You See?

Once you do decide which whale watching cruise is right for your needs, it’s time to know exactly what you’ll be seeing in the Kaikoura waters. Aside from whales and other marine life, you can expect spectacular views over the mighty Kaikoura Mountain Ranges and incredible cliffs that border some of the beaches.

If you’re lucky, you might even spot some cetaceans, such as dolphins and Orca! But lookout for some of the other coastal birds and animals too, these creatures are just as exciting to spot and may appear during your cruise so keep an eye out for them. The Pacific is also home to many marine mammals like fur seal colonies and albatross so there’s something for everyone!

What Should You Wear?

When booking a whale watching cruise, it’s important to keep in mind what kind of attire will keep you comfortable – usually suggested is light jackets and waterproof clothing as it can get a bit chilly on the open water. It’s also recommended that you invest in a good pair of binoculars as these will come in handy when keeping an eye out for whales!

When Should You Go?

The good news is that whales visit Kaikoura all year round, so this means that the town really is open for whale watching right throughout the year. However, generally speaking the most popular months tend to be between October and February when both sperm whales and humpbacks are more frequent in the waters.

The peak times from June-November are usually when the best sightings take place – this is when the mothers will bring their calves along to experience the wonderful ocean home. If you’re pressed for time then plan for a trip in summertime for both whale watching and swimming in crystal clear waters beneath the stunning Kaikoura horizon.

Finally, another amazing option for a great day trip out of Kaikoura is to book a whale watching cruise, as this will give you unparalleled views of marine wildlife taking a dip in New Zealand’s magical oceans. Whale watching cruises are definitely one of the most popular activities when visiting Kaikoura, so make sure you book yours early!

To sum up, Kaikoura is packed with amazing experiences and with one of New Zealand’s best whale watching cruises right here, the options are endless when it comes to getting up close and personal with some of nature’s most beloved animals. Whether your aim is to observe majestic whales at their finest or take some photos “to frame’ this experience, make sure you book your experience with GetYourGuide early – but don’t forget to dress accordingly and bring your camera for this amazing opportunity!