Whale Day Tour, Meal Included
10 hours · Cheeky Kea Tours
Guided tour with lunch.
from $212 per person Check availability →
Whale Watch Kaikoura Boat
Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat
from $101.85 per person
Check Price & Availability →Opens the live booking page with current dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
- Duration
- 3 hours 30 minutes
- Meeting point
- Whale Watch Kaikoura base
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Run by
- Whale Watch Kaikoura Ltd
Overview
Check-in happens at the old railway station on Whaleway Station Road, a short walk or drive from the centre of Kaikoura. From there a company bus carries everyone to the South Bay marina, where the purpose built catamarans are waiting. After a safety briefing the boat heads out onto open water, and the experienced crew give a running commentary on the wildlife throughout the trip. Time on the water runs up to 2.5 hours, with the whole outing, check-in, briefing and transfers included, taking about 3.5 hours in total.
Sightings run high, with the operator quoting a success rate of over 90 percent, backed by an 80 percent refund if no whale appears. Reviewers report seeing sperm whales, humpbacks, dusky and Hector's dolphins, fur seals and albatross on their trips.
The tour suits most travellers, including wheelchair users if the operator is contacted in advance, and children aged three and up, though the operator can raise that limit in poor conditions. Boats carry a maximum of 116 people.
- Whale Watch Kaikoura Boat (this tour)$101.85
- Whale Day Tour, Meal Included$212
- 11-Hour Whale Day Trip$221.29
What's Included
Included
- Tours operates all year round
- Modern fleet of purpose built catamarans
- Success rate of over 90% backed up by an 80% refund if your tour does not see a whale
- Experienced knowledgeable staff providing a running commentary throughout your tour
- Award winning onboard animations
Not Included
- Food and drinks
Itinerary
- Check in at Whaleway StationArrive at the office in the Old Railway Station on Whaleway Station Road for check-in and ticketing. Check-in times depend on the departure you book, and the operator asks passengers not to arrive earlier than their stated time.
- Bus transfer to the marinaA company bus takes passengers from the Whaleway Station base to the South Bay marina. The return bus is included as well.
- Safety briefingAt the marina the crew runs through safety information before boarding.
- Boat cruise on open waterThe catamaran heads out in search of whales, with up to 2.5 hours on the water. The crew provide a commentary on the whales and other wildlife throughout.
- Return and bus transferThe boat returns to the marina and the bus brings passengers back to Whaleway Station. Allow about 3.5 hours in total for the whole experience.
What To Expect From The Tour
A few practical points shape how this trip goes, from sea state to what you wear.
- Dress for cold seas. You are advised to dress warmly and wear flat shoes, plus light waterproof clothing if you plan to stand on the outside decks, depending on the sea conditions.
- Plan for seasickness. Travellers are warned not to let sea sickness ruin the trip, and motion sickness pills are sold at the retail store before travel.
- Sightings vary. Wildlife is unpredictable. The operator's 80 percent refund if no whale is seen softens the worst case.
- Big boat, big group. The vessels carry up to 116 travellers. One reviewer found the boat very stable and comfortable, and the modern fleet consists of purpose built catamarans, though patience at sighting time helps with a group this size.
- No food on board. Food and drinks are not included. The total outing runs over three hours, so plan accordingly.
- Call ahead on conditions. Tours depend on favourable weather and sea conditions. The operator asks passengers to phone its freephone number, 0800 655 121, on the day for a sea conditions update before travelling to check-in.
Common issues. Weather cancels tours at times, and the operator can restrict children or passengers with medical conditions when seas are rough; cancellations come with an alternative date or a full refund. One reviewer felt the boat turned back to port too soon after the whale dove. Another found the boat overcrowded and chaotic in rough water. Sightings are never promised, and one reviewer saw whales but not close up. Food and drink cost extra.
Common Questions
Where Does The Tour Start And Is Transport Included?
Check-in is at the Whale Watch Kaikoura office in the Old Railway Station on Whaleway Station Road, a short walk or drive from the town centre. A bus transfer from there to the South Bay marina and back is included in the tour. The tour ends back at the meeting point.
How Long Is The Tour?
The whole experience, including check-in, safety briefing and bus transfers, takes about 3.5 hours in total. Time actually on the water is up to 2.5 hours.
What Happens If We Don't See A Whale?
The operator quotes a success rate of over 90 percent and offers an 80 percent refund if the tour does not see a whale. If the tour is cancelled for poor weather or sea conditions, you can choose a different date or a full refund.
Is The Tour Suitable For Children And Wheelchair Users?
Children aged three and above can travel, though the operator can raise the age limit depending on sea and weather conditions at check-in. The tour, transport and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, and wheelchair users should contact the operator before arrival so assistance can be arranged.
What Is The Cancellation Policy?
Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded or accepted. Because the experience requires good weather, weather cancellations come with a different date or a full refund.
What Should I Bring And Wear?
Dress warmly, wear flat shoes and bring light waterproof clothing for the outside decks. Food and drinks are not included, and motion sickness tablets are recommended; they are sold at the operator's retail store before boarding.
Browse And Book A Tour
Live dates, times and prices are on the booking page.
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