The grays, arnoux, caviers and the southern straptoothed whale is the most common seen in new zealand waters. One such creature is the impressive sperm whale, rarely sighted in other locations its down in history as the whale who guided the maori ancestor paikea to make his first steps on new zealand soil. Find out what marine life you can see throughout the year at kaikoura nz. Whens the best time of the day to go whale watching kaikoura whale watching best time of the day to go. Whale watching is also offered in other locations, often as eco tours and in conjunction. Whale and dolphin watching kaikoura best time to visit. Whale watching in kaikoura is the mustdo activity while in this beautiful, peaceful part of new zealands spectacular south island. There was an earthquake that hit new zealand specifically in kaikoura in 2016 that decimated a lot of the roads leading to this tourist town so getting there was quite an adventure. Common, hector, and dusky dolphins are also spotted yearround.
Whale watching boat tours in kaikoura must do new zealand. Kaikoura, on the east coast of the south island, is the main centre for whale watching in new zealand. Visit whale watch kaikoura on your trip to kaikoura or new. The most well known are kaikoura and akaroa from where over 40% of the whale watching tours start. To appreciate the beauty and contrasts of kaikoura, there is nothing better than seeing it from the air. From your catamaran boat youll get up close to whales, seals, and dolphins in the deep waters off shore, as well as albatross.
Whale watch kaikoura marine experience in 90 secs youtube. Kaikoura is the whale watching capital of new zealand, every whale watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. Kaikouras whale watching is one of new zealands deservedly famous attractions. Experience the magic of kaikoura whale watching with one of our tours. Giant sperm whales are the stars of the show and yearround residents.
Well, we want to make sure that we see a whale when were out in kaikoura in november. Whale watch cruise, kaikoura, south island, new zealand. Kaikoura is a popular tourist destination and the best in new zealand for whale and dolphin watching throughout the year. Look for the mighty sperm whales that live in these waters along with. It seems rather fitting therefore, that the whale is still guiding the people of kaikoura today, by creating their livelihoods through whale. Aucklands harbours, for example, are often visited by whales and in summer months november to may they abound in the bay of plenty. A kaikoura whalewatching cruise and dolphin swim are the highlights of this delightful 2day nature tour, roundtrip from christchurch. Whale watch kaikoura all you need to know before you go. Whale watch flights whale watching in kaikoura will be a highlight of your trip to new zealand.
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. 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. Whale watching in kaikoura nz kaikoura new zealand travel. Kaikoura whale watching best time of the day to go. Kaikoura warrants at least one night if youre road tripping around new zealand. There was an earthquake that hit new zealand specifically in kaikoura in 2016 that decimated a lot of the roads leading. A 95% success rate means a guaranteed 80% refund if your tour does not see a whale. New zealands only marine based whale watching company offering an exciting upclose encounter with giant. While kaikoura in the south island is new zealands whale watching capital, you can go whale watching all over the country. Mondello kaikoura in kaikoura features 4star accommodations with a garden.
Whale watch kaikoura kaikoura tour hasslefree tours. Whale watching and seal habitat day tour in kaikoura, south island depart from christchurch. Whale watching in new zealand is predominantly centered around the areas of kaikoura and. Kaikoura also attracts the largest concentration and variety of seabirds on mainland new zealand including species of albatross, 14 varieties of petrels and 7 types of shearwater. Tripadvisor whale watching in kaikoura by boat provided by. Whale watching in new zealand is predominantly centered around the areas of kaikoura and the hauraki gulf. 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. Kaikoura s whale watching is one of new zealand s deservedly famous attractions. Whale watch kaikoura 2020 all you need to know before.
The recipient will need to book an exact time and date online using the gift voucher they receive from you. 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 time to explore and enjoy lunch at your leisure. Whale watch is new zealands only vessel based whale watching company offering an exciting upclose encounter with the worlds largest toothed predator the. Whale watching in new zealand things to see and do in new. Beaked whales live in the open ocean and dive around 300m for squid. As you can see every month is good to seeing something, but the winter months mayjuly probably give the greatest range, including the occasional orca whale. Our 95% success rate means we guarantee an 80% refund if your tour does not see a whale. You can spot whales throughout the east coast of new zealand, including aucklands beautiful hauraki gulf and the wonderful kaikoura. Kaikoura is renowned for its amazing marine life, and youll discover why on this whale watching tour.
A couple hours north of christchurch, new zealand sits the very small tourist and fishing town of kaikoura. Kaikoura whale watching cruises new zealand whalewatching tours. 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. There are several highly regarded whale watching tours nearby in the town of kaikoura, which can be reached in. Whale watching flights air kaikoura aero club, new zealand. Whale and dolphin watching kaikoura best time to visit top. Whale watching in kaikoura will be a highlight of your trip to new zealand. Whale watching you can spot whales throughout new zealand, including aucklands beautiful hauraki gulf and the wonderful kaikoura. Almost simultaneously, another tour operator began to offer general marine wildlife tours which later honed in on the areas acrobatic dusky dolphins as a target for. So of course, we had to make sure we visited kaikoura while we were in nz. They offer visitors an exciting upclose encounter with the giant sperm whale. This whale watch cruise is located in the town of kaikoura a scenic two and a halfhour drive north from christchurch in new zealands south island. Air kaikoura aero club was the first to offer whale watching flights in kaikoura and for the last 30 years has been providing amazing whale experiences.
Do not drive to kaikoura to whale watch in the winter. Kaikoura is a special place of lush pastures and towering, snow covered peaks that fall to the sea. So, youre looking at planning a holiday to new zealand, and youre wanting to. Whale watching in kaikoura, new zealand flashpacker family.
About whale watch kaikoura the ultimate marine experience whale watch is new zealand s only marinebased whale watching company offering visitors an exciting upclose encounter with the giant sperm whale all year round. Whale watch kaikoura is the only sea based whale watching tour provider in new zealand operating all twelve months of the year. Their 95% success rate means they guarantee an 80% refund if your tour does not see a whale. Whale watching in new zealand things to see and do in. Look for the mighty sperm whales that live in these waters along with dolphins, new zealand fur seals and seabirds.
We run tours all year long and have a 95% success rate in seeing whales and if for. Kayaking nz view marine life kayaking with kaikoura kayaks. I didnt get to go on that trip but i always wanted to go whale watching. Experience the natural treasures of new zealand on a whale watching cruise from the picturesque town of kaikoura. The seaside settlement is the most northern district in the canterbury region located on the east coast of the south island an ideal location for both north and south bound travellers. Whale watch kaikoura is one of the most popular tourist attractions and ranked in the top 101 must dos in new zealand. Its best to take an early tour before the afternoon breeze gets up and be sure to take seasickness remedy no matter how calm it looks. The scientific name for the orca, or killer whale, is orcinus orca. They vary in length from 3m to m, they have a small head, beak and bulging forehead. Aug 10, 2016 kaikoura is the whale watching capital of new zealand, every whale watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. Learn about new zealands charming ecosystem from the thoughtful audio guide. 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. New zealand s only marine based whale watching company offering an exciting upclose encounter with giant. Whale watching in kaikoura is a very special activity.
Add whale watching in kaikoura to your new zealand bucket list. New zealand kaikoura whale watching experience kkday. Kaikoura whale watching cruises new zealand whalewatching. We will email you an open dated gift voucher valid for 12 months. Kaikoura has a 95% success rate, and guarantees an 80% refund if your tour. Learn about the animals and their habitat from live commentary on board.
Sperm whales are there all year round, the juveniles teenagers dont migrate to warmer climes. Kaikoura whales new zealand travel new zealand tourism. During these months we most commonly have the opportunity to view pods of orca as they pass by, usually in pods of between 612 individuals 2 or 3 times a month. Whale watch is new zealands only marinebased whale watching company operating year round. Enjoy an amazing 3day tour to kaikoura from christchurch. Auckland is privileged to witness whales at play in the beautiful hauraki gulf marine park.
The ultimate marine experience whale watch is new zealands only marinebased whale watching company offering visitors an exciting upclose encounter with the giant sperm whale all year round. Kaikoura is a popular tourist destination and the best one in new zealand for. Experience the natural treasures of new zealand on a whalewatching cruise from the picturesque town of kaikoura. Kaikouras whale watching is one of new zealands deservedly famous. 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.
A typical whale watch tour may encounter new zealand fur seals, pods of dusky dolphins and the endangered wandering albatross. This rare magic continues just offshore where a deep undersea canyon combines with. Book whale watching kaikoura everything new zealand. Experience for yourself the stunning beauty of a place where mountains meet the sea, and marine life abounds. Its one of the only places in the world where you can easily see sperm whales. 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. Pay a visit to kaikoura, a place best known for whale watching and water activities such as snorkeling. The largest whale watching operation is based in kaikoura, where tours focus on sperm whales that frequent underwater canyons close to shore, as well as. There are resident sperm whales with a 95 % chance of a sighting. Whale watching close to christchurch, along the northeastern coastline of new zealands south island, has become a popular attraction for visitors and locals. 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. Whale watch is the original guided cruise company to take trips out along the kaikoura coast and view these magnificent whales and other amazing marine life. Whale watch kaikoura is one of the most popular tourist attractions in new zealand. Whale watching at kaikoura kaikoura forum tripadvisor.
Enjoy stunning scenic views of the coastline and see the mighty sperm whales in their natural. Best months to view dolphins and whales relaxing journeys. Whale watch is the original guided cruise company to take trips out along the. 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 offers international and domestic visitors to kaikoura an exciting close up encounter with the giant sperm whale, the largest of the toothed whales. Whale watch kaikoura new zealand tourist attraction. A kaikoura whale watching cruise and dolphin swim are the highlights of this delightful 2day nature tour, roundtrip from christchurch. Every whale watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. If your whale watch kaikoura tour does not see a whale we will refund 80% of your fare. Different types of whales whale watch kaikoura new.
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. Theres a terrace and guests can use free wifi and free private parking. Whale watching is also offered in other locations, often as ecotours and in conjunction. If youre in new zealand, i would highly recommend that you include it on your south island itinerary. The drive from christchurch brings up up along the coast to where it hugs the reaching.
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