Half marathon and 10km run or walk through to the kids 2km marafun, theres an event at the whale run for you. Kaikoura is one of the few places in the world where sperm whales can be seen yearround and close to shore. Whale watch kaikoura marine experience in 90 secs youtube. Whale watch kaikoura is the only sea based whale watching tour provider in new zealand operating all twelve months of the year. This full day tour includes a scenic tour from christchurch through the rolling hill country of north canterbury to kaikoura. Kaikoura whale watching, new zealand whale watching in kaikoura is the mustdo activity while in this beautiful, peaceful part of new zealands spectacular south island. Wings over whales kaikoura 2020 all you need to know. Multi awardwinning whale watch kaikoura each year takes around 100,000 visitors out on to 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. Experience the magic of kaikoura whale watching with one of our tours. 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. 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.
A 95% success rate means a guaranteed 80% refund if your tour does not see a whale. With towering mountains, panoramic ocean views and a year round whale and dolphin population, kaikoura is a spectacular. Everything you need to know about kaikoura whale watching. Spot the local sperm whales, or watch as a pod of hundreds of dolphins playful swim along side your boat. Whale watch cruise, kaikoura, south island, new zealand. Steve dawson and liz slooten, both professors at otago university, started the sperm whale research programme in kaikoura in 1990. Experience the natural treasures of new zealand on a whale watching cruise from the picturesque town of kaikoura. Dec 30, 2016 kaikoura s tourism industry may be getting back on track sooner than expected, with whale watching to start upagain early in the new year. Anytime of the year is a great time to go whale watching in kaikoura. New zealand kaikoura whale watching experience kkday. Hello there, im visiting new zealand in january and very keen to go whale watching while in kaikoura.
They can hold their breath underwater for about 45 minutes. Pay a visit to kaikoura, a place best known for whale watching and water activities such as snorkeling. Whale watching in kaikoura nz kaikoura whale watching new. Aug 25, 2019 a whale of a time in kaikoura we had lady luck on our side today and it wasnt long until the captain and crew spotted a sperm whale in the distance. While on this new zealand whale watch cruise you will come across a number of animals including new zealand fur seals, pods of dusky dolphins and the endangered wandering albatross. Ka01 kaikoura whale watching cruise with whale watch. 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. Its members are nearly all nonbreeding single males.
Whale watching in kaikoura is the mustdo activity while in this beautiful, peaceful part of new zealands spectacular south island. Since then, the nz whale and dolphin trust has supported research on population size, behaviour and ecology, development of new acoustic techniques to locate and survey sperm whales and assessments of the impacts of tourism. Whale watch kaikoura all you need to know before you go. And depending on the time of year you may also encounter humpback whales, blue whales, pilot whales and southern right whales, during their migration.
Whats the best time of the year to whale watch at kaikoura. Whale watch tour gift voucher kaikoura is a marine lovers paradise, with marine mammals encounter available all year round. 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. Well, we want to make sure that we see a whale when were out in kaikoura in november. You encounter resident sperm whales that have a 95 % sighting chance throughout the year.
So when the previous tour see a whale dive, they mark the spot, knowing that one of the following tours can make it in that window. Whale watch kaikoura is planning to build a new boat that will set it. To appreciate the beauty and contrasts of kaikoura, there is nothing better than seeing it from the air. The sightings of whales vary with giant sperm whales being the stars of the show and year round residents on this tour from whale watch kaikoura. Tripadvisor whale watching in kaikoura by boat provided by. Whale watching in kaikoura will be a highlight of your trip to new zealand. Wings over whales are situated at kaikoura airport, an 8km drive south from the town centre. Whale watch kaikoura is one of the most popular tourist attractions in new zealand. The town has an estimated permanent resident population of 2,150 as of june 2018.
Kaikoura whale watching to start up in the new year. 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. Kaikoura is renowned as the whale watching capital of new zealand. Whale watch is new zealands only marinebased whale watching company offering visitors an exciting upclose encounter with the giant sperm whale all year round.
With towering mountains, panoramic ocean views and a yearround whale and dolphin population, kaikoura is a spectacular. Kaikoura is a fantastic year round destination and well known for its magnificent marine life. Kaikoura whale watching cruises new zealand whalewatching. It is located on state highway 1, 180 km north of christchurch. Theres a terrace and guests can use free wifi and free private parking. Whale watching in kaikoura offers a uniquely accessible encounter with marine life in its natural habitat. A whale of a time in kaikoura we had lady luck on our side today and it wasnt long until the captain and crew spotted a sperm whale in the distance. Aug 10, 2016 kaikoura is the whale watching capital of new zealand, every whale watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. Kaikoura is a popular tourist destination and the best one in new zealand for yearround whale and dolphin watching. However, at other times of the year you can encounter other. On a typical whale watch tour you may also encounter new zealand fur seals, pods of dusky dolphins and the. Kaikoura is one of the few places in the world where sperm whales can be seen year round and close to shore. 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, located on new zealands south island, is one example of a community which has developed this activity and whose reputation as a whalewatching destination is growing. 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. Whale watch in kaikoura, whaleway station rd, kaikoura. In some cases these have been taking place for a number of years, earthcheck providing a framework into which they can fit and facilitating independant auditing that identifies that kaikouras community cares about its environment and is taking steps to protect it. A whale of a time in kaikoura the planet d adventure. Kaikoura is a marine lovers paradise, with marine mammals encounter available all year round giant sperm whales are the stars of the show and yearround residents. Whale watch kaikoura 2020 all you need to know before. Find out what marine life you can see throughout the year at kaikoura nz. Wondering when it is the best time to go whale watching in kaikoura, new zealand.
Commonly asked questions about whale watching kaikoura. Seal swim kaikouras commitment to sustainable tourism is ongoing and fully supported by management and staff. Kayaking nz view marine life kayaking with kaikoura kayaks. Whale watch kaikoura new zealand tourist attraction. Experience the natural treasures of new zealand on a whalewatching cruise from the picturesque town of kaikoura. Giant sperm whales are the stars of the show and year round residents. Whale watch flights experience kaikoura s mighty sperm whale, playful dusky dolphins, and majestic scenery from above. Whens the best time of the day to go whale watching kaikoura whale watching best time of the day to go. Known for its wide variety of whale species, a kaikoura whale watching experience will put you in a great position to encounter not just more common species of whale like humpbacks, but also other rarer types such as sperm whales, minke whales, fins and even the largest creature on earth the mammoth blue whale. Sperm whales are there all year round, the juveniles teenagers dont migrate to warmer climes. The whaleplanner february a whale watching infographic.
Best months to view dolphins and whales relaxing journeys. Tour operators such as whale watch kaikoura will take you out with a guarantee to view the mighty sperm whales that are just a short distance from the coastline by purpose built boats, an unforgettable experience as you witness the whale tail. Whale watching in kaikoura nz kaikoura whale watching. The annual fun running event in kaikoura for everyone. Robert fyffe began shorewhaling at the kaikoura whaling station in the year 1841, but at that time the ownership had not been settled until he entered into a partnership agreement with businessman john murray and others in 1842. Best time to go, top tours, history, types of whales, other wildlife and more. 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. Located in an inviting log cabin terminal, customers can enjoy great facilities with on. Look for the mighty sperm whales that live in these waters along with dolphins, new zealand fur seals and seabirds. Is there a better time of day to go whale watching. Kaikoura whale watching best time of the day to go. They congregate here because the 3km deep kaikoura canyon runs right up against the coast creating a rare system of sea currents that sustain an incredibly rich marine.
The largest whale watching operation is based in kaikoura, where tours focus on sperm whales that frequent. Tripadvisor whale watching in kaikoura by boat provided. Whale bone arches at the memorial gardens in kaikoura. Whale and dolphin watching kaikoura best time to visit. 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. A lot of people have never heard of the coastal town of kaikoura. Experience for yourself the stunning beauty of a place where mountains meet the sea, and marine life abounds. Whale watch kaikoura expands with unique new boat following post. Is there a better time of day to do this to see more whales or is it just luck of the draw. Dusky dolphins, as well as common and hector dolphins, are also spotted year round. Basically the sperm whales are permanent residents and are off the coast of kaikoura year round.
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. Whale watch flights experience kaikouras mighty sperm whale, playful dusky dolphins, and majestic scenery from above. Whale and dolphin watching kaikoura best time to visit top. A kaikoura whalewatching cruise and dolphin swim are the highlights of this delightful 2day nature tour, roundtrip from christchurch. An amazing variety of local marine life on your whale watch kaikoura tour whales giant sperm whale. Kaikoura is the whale watching capital of new zealand, every whale watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. A couple hours north of christchurch, new zealand sits the very small tourist and fishing town of kaikoura.
Kaikouras tourism industry may be getting back on track sooner than expected, with whale watching to start upagain early in the new year. Download the whale watch kaikoura mobile app new zealands ultimate marine experience, now in your pocket. Ive spent quite a lot of time in kaikoura over the years but have always considered it to be just for. One year of whale watching in just one infographic. The town is the governmental seat of the territorial authority of the kaikoura district, which is politically a part of the canterbury region. Watching whales is right up there on bucket list moments, and seeing them in kaikoura, the beautiful coastal town on the east coast of new zealands south island. If a nonnew zealander has even heard of kaikoura, chances are its because theyve heard of kaikouras fabulous whale. Whale watching in new zealand is predominantly centered around the areas of kaikoura and the hauraki gulf. Whale watch kaikoura wwk is new zealands only marinebased whalewatching company, operating year round and offering visitors an exciting and upclose encounter. Whale watch have announced its charters would be up and.
Seal swim kaikoura is committed to energysaving, water saving and waste management and conservation. We aim to reduce, reuse, and recycle and educate whenever possible. Kaikoura is a popular tourist destination and the best one in new zealand for year round whale and dolphin watching. A kaikoura whale watching cruise and dolphin swim are the highlights of this delightful 2day nature tour, roundtrip from christchurch. The makeup of the sperm whale population off kaikoura helps to make it reasonably resilient to tourism effects. 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. Kids competition time over a week into isolation and were seriously starting to miss seeing kaikouras magical whales every day to share the excitement of us getting back out on the water soon, we thought it would be fun to have you and your kids make an origami whale. Whale watch kaikoura whale watching boat tours in kaikoura.
Mondello kaikoura in kaikoura features 4star accommodations with a garden. We visited the legendary seafood bbq, did a 3 hour coastal walk and went on the whale watch kaikoura trip. The most common in the area at this time of year are the sperm whales. Admire breathtaking views of the snowcapped kaikoura ranges and visit a fur seal colony on land. Whale watch kaikoura 2020 all you need to know before you. It is a long journey out to sea and we had our guide tell us a little bit about the history of the company, the whales of the region and about what we could expect on our trip. Sperm whales occur off the kaikoura coast year round, feeding in the region of the offshore kaikoura canyon and its associated trenches and troughs. Watch the giant sperm whales in the deep waters off the spectacular coast of kaikoura. Giant sperm whales are the stars of the show and yearround residents.