During these months we most commonly have the opportunity to view pods of orca as they pass by. 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. 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. Whens the best time of the day to go whale watching kaikoura whale watching best time of the day to go. Whale watching in kaikoura kaikoura is renowned for whale watching and is one of the few places in the world that these magnificent creatures can be seen year round with a 95% success rate. Whale watching in kaikoura will be a highlight of your trip to new zealand. From your catamaran boat youll get up close to whales, seals, and dolphins in the deep waters off shore, as well as albatross. 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. Next we will visit a fur seal colony before heading into kaikoura for some free time to explore and enjoy lunch at your leisure. 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. This rare magic continues just offshore where a deep undersea canyon combines with.
According to experts, the best time to see many species of migrating whales in kaikoura during the colder season is between june and august. The whales form loose pods, keeping several miles between each other, so viewing any more than 1 to 2 whales per trip is a real bonus. Capture the adventure and awe of new zealands rugged coastline with whale watch souvenirs and kiwiana gifts. There are many tours you can take in new zealand to learn about the maori and their culture and history, but this is. Whale watch kaikoura whale watching boat tours in kaikoura. Whale watching you can spot whales throughout new zealand, including aucklands beautiful hauraki gulf and the wonderful kaikoura. 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.
Whale watch flights whale watching in kaikoura will be a highlight of your trip to new zealand. Kaikoura is renowned as the whale watching capital of new zealand. When i was in middle school, my history teacher would take a group of kids on a new england trip that included whale watching. 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. Browse our collection of tshirts, hats, jackets and hoodies fit for the whole family. Whale watching in kaikoura is a very special activity. As kaikoura is one of the best places for whale watching and snorkeling, and in fact, for all forms of wildlife encounters such as swimming with dolphins, exploring the wildlife here is definitely on the top of the list of things to do for a kaikoura holiday there are two options available for whale watching. We hope you appreciate the 80% refund and that you are able to return to kaikoura some time soon as we would love to show you a sperm whale. So of course, we had to make sure we visited kaikoura while we were in. Fin whales can reach up to 24 meters in length second in size only to the blue whale.
Whale watching in kaikoura offers a uniquely accessible encounter with marine life in its natural habitat. Marine mammal spotlight dusky dolphins, 160 3 2019 not only do we have the sperm whale off our coastline all year round but kaikoura is also home to the resident dusky dolphin. Whale watching in kaikoura nz kaikoura whale watching. Visit whale watch kaikoura on your trip to kaikoura or new. The fin on their back gives them their name this fin is very easy to see and one of their predominant features. Auckland is privileged to witness whales at play in the beautiful hauraki gulf marine park. Whale and dolphin watching kaikoura best time to visit. Kaikoura is world famous for its sunsets and marine life, so what better way to experience this than by sea kayak. Whats the best time of the year to whale watch at kaikoura. On day two of the south island explorer kiwi trip, youll have the option to go aboard a catamaran to explore the krillrich waters off the coast. Admire breathtaking views of the snowcapped kaikoura ranges and visit a fur seal colony on land. The best way to see the magestic whales, dolphins and stunning mountains is by air. 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.
This full day tour includes a scenic tour from christchurch through the rolling hill country of north canterbury to kaikoura. Whale watch in kaikoura, whaleway station rd, kaikoura. Commonly asked questions about whale watching kaikoura. We have a 95% success rate so it is very unfortunate that your tour made it into that small 5%. 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. Look for the mighty sperm whales that live in these waters along with dolphins, new zealand fur seals and seabirds. 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. If youre in new zealand, i would highly recommend that you include it on your south island itinerary.
Whales different types of whales whale watch kaikoura. December also probably shows the most sightings simply because it is our peak holiday season and so more trips. December also probably shows the most sightings simply because it is our peak holiday season and. Clothing whale watch gift shop kaikoura, new zealand. Whale watch kaikoura kaikoura tour hasslefree tours. Steve dawson and liz slooten, both professors at otago university, started the sperm whale research programme in kaikoura in 1990. If you are planning a trip to new zealands south island, i would definitely consider a trip to kaikoura experience their whale watching tour if you can fit it in. Like other baleen whales, the fin whale also skims the surface and takes in huge volumes of water. Whale watch kaikoura all you need to know before you go. Kia ora thanks so much for sharing about your time with us, it sounds like you had a fantastic time as a family. Manage to spot some of new zealands rarest marine wildlife.
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. Giant sperm whales are the stars of the show and yearround residents. In early november which is the same for the entire summer season, the kaikoura whale watch tours depart at 7. I didnt get to go on that trip but i always wanted to go whale watching. Experience the magic of kaikoura whale watching with one of our tours. As a maoriowned company, whale watch cherishes the twin values of hospitality to visitors and reverence for the natural world. These whales have a life span of at least 80 years. In the afternoon you will board a catamaran with whale watch kaikoura and enjoy an upclose encounter with the giant sperm whale. Low stress, pretty and scenic small ocean town, high quality tour experience.
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. Well, we want to make sure that we see a whale when were out in kaikoura in november. 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. A kaikoura whalewatching cruise and dolphin swim are the highlights of this delightful 2day nature tour, roundtrip from christchurch. Kaikoura whales fly with garden city helicopters, christchurch to kaikoura for the ultimate whale watching experience ever. Every whale watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. New zealands only marine based whale watching company offering an exciting upclose encounter with giant. During the summer, usually from november until march, you may spot orcas passing by in pods between 6 12 whales. Whale watching at kaikoura my personal whale watching experience in kaikoura. 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. Kaikoura whale watching best time of the day to go. Isnt it so wonderful to see such beautiful marine life off the coast of such a beautiful town. Enjoy a breathtaking scenic whale flight, with stunning.
Whale watch kaikoura 2020 all you need to know before. Kaikoura is the whale watching capital of new zealand, every whale watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. Enjoy stunning scenic views of the coastline and see the mighty sperm whales in their natural environment. 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 is a special place of lush pastures and towering, snow covered peaks that fall to the sea. Kaikoura warrants at least one night if youre road tripping around new zealand. Whale watching in new zealand is predominantly centered around the areas of kaikoura and the hauraki gulf. Kaikoura is renowned for its amazing marine life, and youll discover why on this whale watching tour. Whale watch kaikoura is the only sea based whale watching tour provider in new zealand operating all twelve months of the year. 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. 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. Tripadvisor whale watching in kaikoura by boat provided. Whale watch kaikoura new zealand tourist attraction. Whale watch kaikoura marine experience in 90 secs youtube. Whale watch kaikoura is one of the most popular tourist attractions and ranked in the top 101 must dos in new zealand.
The team at whale watch kaikoura hopes the rest of your travels were fantastic with many lasting memories. 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. Kayaking nz view marine life kayaking with kaikoura kayaks. Whale watch kaikoura is one of the most popular tourist attractions in new zealand. The main focus of your tour is to locate and view the giant sperm whale. Find branded coasters, magnets, tea towels, new zealand themed beach towels, playing cards and more. Spot the local sperm whales, or watch as a pod of hundreds of dolphins playful swim along side your boat. 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. Experience the natural treasures of new zealand on a whalewatching cruise from the picturesque town of kaikoura. A typical whale watch tour may encounter new zealand fur seals, pods of dusky dolphins and the endangered wandering albatross. We average between 1 to 2 whale sightings per tour due to the length of time the whales can stay submerged.
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