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Kayaking in Kaikoura
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION9 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Minivan
TimelineMap
START POINT
Whale Watch Kaikoura
Board your cruise at Whale Watch Kaikoura, setting the day for an exciting adventure ahead.
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Kaikoura
Tickets included
Board a catamaran for a thrilling whale-watching adventure—keep an eye out for sperm whales and orcas!
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END POINT
Whale Watch Kaikoura
Guaranteed sighting of at least one whale or 80% refund!
- Great for: Wildlife lovers and families seeking a safe, educational cruise with a 95% success rate in spotting majestic whales in their natural environment.
- Everything you get: A 2.5-hour cruise on a modern catamaran with air-conditioned cabins, outdoor decks, and expert commentary. Includes a “World of Whales” presentation. Upgrade for VIP priority boarding, premium seating, and captain’s deck access.
- Why choose this: Risk-free experience with guaranteed sightings and eco-conscious operations.
Guaranteed sighting of at least one whale or 80% refund!
- Great for: Wildlife lovers and families seeking a safe, educational cruise with a 95% success rate in spotting majestic whales in their natural environment.
- Everything you get: A 2.5-hour cruise on a modern catamaran with air-conditioned cabins, outdoor decks, and expert commentary. Includes a “World of Whales” presentation. Upgrade for VIP priority boarding, premium seating, and captain’s deck access.
- Why choose this: Risk-free experience with guaranteed sightings and eco-conscious operations.
Inclusions
- 3-hour whale-watching cruise in Kaikoura
- Full-tour English narration
- Access to outside decks
- Marine wildlife presentation
- Free Wi-Fi aboard the cruise
- Access to captain's cabin alongside captain and watchkeeper (if option selected)
- Small group of up to 12 people (if option selected)
- Priority boarding and transport (if option selected)
- Business-class seating (if option selected)
- Access to all other passenger areas (if option selected)
- Locally-made food boxes and cold drinks (if option selected)
- Exclusive viewing area on the top deck (if option selected)
- Requests to upgrade bookings after the tour check-in begins will not include a food pack.
- Children aged 3 years old and under are restricted from this experience.
- If you're booking seating in the VIP Captain's cabin, please make a note of any food allergies at the time of booking so these can be catered for accordingly.
- The schedule is subject to change. Factors such as weather, technical disruptions, marine mammal availability, and minimum passenger numbers may necessitate adjustments.
- Whale sightings are not guaranteed. However, if no whales are observed during the tour, 80% of the tour cost will be refunded. For clarity, 'whale' encompasses all species defined as such under the Marine Mammals Protection Regulations 1992, including baleen, sperm, beaked, killer, and pilot whales.
- For the safety of all passengers, including those using wheelchairs, the captain will assess sea conditions. If conditions are suitable, wheelchair access is provided. However, if conditions are deemed unsafe, mobility restrictions may be implemented.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
How do we collect reviews?
Snapshots from our guests
4.2
39 ratings
26
4
4
2
3
Guests from Australia, Spain, United States and over 13 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Nicola
Jul 2025Verified booking
Great commentary and information provided during the boat trip and the knowledge of the area and the whales that frequent it was amazing. We were lucky enough to see 3 whales, dolphins, seals and sea birds, including an albatross. We would thoroughly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Kaikoura
Robyn
May 2025Verified booking
It was my partner's birthday present from myself. He loved the whole experience and got to see two whales and a pod of dolphins. One happy man , thank you. I unfortunately got seasick, which was a shame. I did get to see and take photos of the whales. A great trip, the weather was great, considering the bad weather we have had I er the last week. The staff were brilliant, even help with cold cloths and sick bags for me and others that were sick on the trip. Highly recommend to anyone considering going. 😁
Anwen
Apr 2025Verified booking
I'm not a boat person, but felt quite at ease on the whale boat. The commentator was very informative. We didn't get to see a whale but with the 80% back , I was more than happy just seeing dolphins, albatross and sealions frolicking. It was very easy to book online through Headout and they were very accommodating arranging the refund as well.
Erwin
Jun 2025Verified booking
Efficiënt check-in, clear info, fast meeting with whales etc.
Christy
Jul 2025Verified booking
The crew were fabulous, especially Billy!! The kids loved it and is was awesome to see so many whales and wildlife. Way better than what we expected!!! Have recommended this trip to friends.
Nicola
Jul 2025Verified booking
Really comfortable bus and boat. Friendly staff. Take, the MC was really relaxed and funny. It felt like the staff really wanted to give us a whale sighting and went to all lengths to make it happen
Mereana
May 2025Verified booking
The team were great! Main guy had alot of important info and it was just cool. We got to see humpback whale and dolphins and it was magical. İt was a diastance but you can see them. İ would 10/10 recommend and do it again when im back in Kaikoura! Thank youuuusssss!! Pictures don't do şt justice because you wanna see them in person more than the phone.
Neil
Apr 2025Verified booking
Absolutely Fabulous,Great Weather before the stormy weather.Captain 's Cabin was Loverly friendly staff,and a bonus seeing Three Wales,plus Seals and Dolfins.
Maureen
Apr 2025Verified booking
The whale watching cruise was very good. The staff were helpful. The only disappointment we had was we thought our booking was direct with the Whale watch company from the website , We were to get 10% off our cruise as we belong to the Top 10 holiday, group only to find out , that head was their partner group.
JOSE
May 2025Verified booking
THE POSIBILITY TO WATCH WALES, BUT ALSO THE ORGANISATION AND QUALITY OF ALL.
Karen
Apr 2025Verified booking
The commentary was excellent. We saw 2 whales and Hector dolphins and albatross.
Elisabeth
Jun 2025Verified booking
Mark
May 2025Verified booking
Bev
May 2025Verified booking
Kirsten
Apr 2025Verified booking
Mike
Apr 2025Verified booking
Andrea
May 2025Verified booking
Refund hasn't been processed by Headout, even though they were informed the day after the trip.
Sharon
May 2025Verified booking
ARNAUD
May 2025Verified booking
We've loved the tour itself (my wife, uncle, aunt and other 3 kids). But the tour was canceled at the last minute for my 4 year old son and myself (captain's decision not to let him aboard, independant of our decision) I was told that I would get a refund. I've tried to contact Headout to explain and get the refund. But I haven't heard back from them. Despite their telling me that it would take at most 2 days...
Louisa
Apr 2025Verified booking
Andrew
Apr 2025Verified booking
The boat is good. A few good jokes we're made. I wish there was more information about both the whales and other marine life given. I thought the infographic with the sky towers too show depth was amazing haha
John
Feb 2025Verified booking
A great day out, very enthusiastic team. All very well organised. We got to see 4 sperm whales up close., dusky dolphins and Hectors dolphins, including a newly born, and albatros.
Mette
Feb 2025Verified booking
Spierenburg
Feb 2025Verified booking
Mirte
Dec 2024Verified booking
Award-winning whale watch day trip with seamless transfers from Christchurch!
- Great for: Christchurch travelers wanting a complete, hassle‑free day trip that combines wildlife viewing with scenic rural drives and cultural stops.
- Everything you get: Round-trip hotel transfers, an award-winning whale watch tour with live animation sequences, a visit to a fur seal colony, and a vineyard stop for wine tasting.
- Why choose this: Enjoy a fully curated Kaikoura adventure where every detail is handled so you can focus on nature, culture, and unforgettable scenic experiences.
Award-winning whale watch day trip with seamless transfers from Christchurch!
- Great for: Christchurch travelers wanting a complete, hassle‑free day trip that combines wildlife viewing with scenic rural drives and cultural stops.
- Everything you get: Round-trip hotel transfers, an award-winning whale watch tour with live animation sequences, a visit to a fur seal colony, and a vineyard stop for wine tasting.
- Why choose this: Enjoy a fully curated Kaikoura adventure where every detail is handled so you can focus on nature, culture, and unforgettable scenic experiences.
Inclusions
- Full-day trip to Kaikoura from Christchurch
- Round-trip hotel transfers in AC coach from Christchurch
- English-speaking guide
- Kaikoura whale-watching tour by boat
- Fur seal colony viewing
- Vineyard visit and wine tasting (if time permits)
Exclusions
- Lunch (available to purchase onsite)
- Tip: Watch for the "blow" (puff of air) before whales come to the surface. It's your cue to snap pics! The blow is V-shaped for sperm whales and heart-shaped for humpbacks.
- This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- While there is no lunch provided, the tour will stop at a cafe where you can purchase lunch.
- Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible.
- This trip accommodates 35 participants.
- Wineries close at 5pm daily and on some holidays as well. In such cases, a stop may not be possible.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 7 days before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
How do we collect reviews?
Snapshots from our guests
4.1
16 ratings
6
7
2
0
1
What our guests say
Headout Guest
Nov 2024Verified booking
Jude our driver and tour guide was excellent. The Boat Crew was wonderful, boat was clean and we were successful in finding the magnificent Sperm whale, Moby. We also encountered a lot of Duskies. A wonderful time spent on the ocean!!
Headout Guest
Nov 2024Verified booking
We booked this and it was amazing! Our trip guide, Pete, was absolutely INCREDIBLE and really made the drive up and back enjoyable. The whale watching park was great as well. We saw dophi s, albatross and a sperm whale. We would definitely recommend for others.
Headout Guest
Nov 2024Verified booking
I had a wonderful day, we could see a lots of dolphins, seals and an impressive sperm whale. And the landscape is also really beautiful. Pete was an excellent guide. He was funny and we learned a lot.
Headout Guest
Nov 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Nov 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Nov 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Nov 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Nov 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Nov 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Nov 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Nov 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Nov 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Nov 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Nov 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Nov 2024Verified booking
Ho
Jan 2025Verified booking
Terrible experience with Headout. No response to my refund request. Poor tour arrangement—overbooked cruise, delayed departure, and no marine life seen. Avoid!
Flexible flight options for thrilling aerial whale encounters.
- Great for: Adventurers and photographers looking for a tailored flight experience over Kaikoura’s marine world, with options from quick viewings to mountain landings.
- Everything you get: A guided whale-watching flight with live commentary and window seats. Choose Classic (30 min), Extended (40 min) for extra sightings, or Top ‘n’ Tail (60 min) with a scenic mountain landing.
- Why choose this: Maximize your viewing time and customize your aerial adventure over whales and stunning landscapes.
Flexible flight options for thrilling aerial whale encounters.
- Great for: Adventurers and photographers looking for a tailored flight experience over Kaikoura’s marine world, with options from quick viewings to mountain landings.
- Everything you get: A guided whale-watching flight with live commentary and window seats. Choose Classic (30 min), Extended (40 min) for extra sightings, or Top ‘n’ Tail (60 min) with a scenic mountain landing.
- Why choose this: Maximize your viewing time and customize your aerial adventure over whales and stunning landscapes.
Inclusions
- 30/40/60-minute Kaikoura whale-watching helicopter flight (based on option selected)
- Live commentary from pilot
- Headset with microphone for the helicopter flight
- Alpine landing on Kaikoura Seaward Ranges (if option selected)
- Tip: Keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins – they sometimes join the whale-watching party.
- This experience is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
- For the helicopter flight, the maximum permitted passenger weight is 136 kg (300 lbs).
- Flights may be affected by weather conditions and the need to meet minimum passenger numbers.
- For safety and compliance with aircraft specifications, weight restrictions apply to all passengers. The pilot has the authority to determine passenger seating based on the helicopter's weight and balance parameters.
- This experience requires a minimum of 2 guests and will have a maximum of 6 guests.
- Guests will receive a headset equipped with a microphone, enabling direct communication with the pilot.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Paddle with seals in their natural habitat for an intimate wildlife experience!
- Great for: Active travelers and families wanting a safe, hands-on marine wildlife experience without barriers.
- Everything you get: A 3-hour guided kayak tour with full gear, safety briefing, expert naturalist guide, and guaranteed seal encounters. Upgrades include tandem kayaks for families or sunset paddling.
- Why choose this: Intimate, low-impact adventure where seals swim right up to your kayak for a natural, respectful wildlife encounter that's more intimate than any boat tour can offer.
Paddle with seals in their natural habitat for an intimate wildlife experience!
- Great for: Active travelers and families wanting a safe, hands-on marine wildlife experience without barriers.
- Everything you get: A 3-hour guided kayak tour with full gear, safety briefing, expert naturalist guide, and guaranteed seal encounters. Upgrades include tandem kayaks for families or sunset paddling.
- Why choose this: Intimate, low-impact adventure where seals swim right up to your kayak for a natural, respectful wildlife encounter that's more intimate than any boat tour can offer.
Inclusions
- 3-hour whale-watching kayaking experience in Kaikoura
- All kayaking equipment (paddle jackets, wet shoes, spray skirts, dry pants, gloves, and hats over the winter months)
- English-speaking guide and instructor
- Family-friendly kayaking with 1 guide for each family (if option selected)
- Sunset hours kayaking (if option selected)
- Tip: Even if you're not a morning person, join the 8:30am tour for the best interactions with marine life.
- The guided family kayaking tour requires a minimum of 2 guests.
- This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
- Guests in this sea kayaking tour should understand that adventure activities carry inherent risks. These risks may include property damage, personal injury, weather-related illness, drowning, death, and environmental factors such as sunburn, dehydration, hyperthermia, and exhaustion.
- The sunset kayaking experience will accommodate a maximum of 24 guests.
- This is a weather-dependent activity. Cancellations due to poor weather result in rescheduling or a full refund.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.