Whale Watching!

An Awe Inspiring Experience!

There is quite a variety of whales seen in New Zealand waters including

• Orca,

• Brydes

• Pilot

• Minke

• Sei,

• Humpback

• and very rarely, the Blue Whale

These are all likely to be seasonal. The Sperm Whale resides in New Zealand waters year round.

Of course as these are creatures of the sea free to roam, no specific numbers or views of specific species can be guaranteed. Some operators will issue a certificate for a return trip, if you are unfortunate enough not to see any whales or dolphins on your tour.

NOTE

Weather conditions can sometimes mean cancellation of tours.This is a regulated activity and companies can only take a limited number of people on any one day. In some areas in the popular months I would suggest it is wise to book early if possible, to ensure you are not disappointed.
There are several locations around New Zealand where Whale watching day tours are offered. Kaikoura is probably the most reliable as the huge sperm whales are in the area all year. In this area the whales live close to land due to the very favourable conditions they look for. Orcas and Humpback whales are seasonal.

• Sperm whales – seen all year in New Zealand waters

• Orca whales – (December – March)

• Humpback whales – (June – July)

Locations for Whale Watching

NORTH ISLAND

BAY of ISLANDS

There is a marine mammal and discovery tour that leaves from Paihia. This tour will give you the opportunity to see a range of whales and swim with dolphins. You can also do a combo with the Hole in the Rock trip, and learn about the Kiwi recovery programme on Moturua Island. If you do not see any whale or dolphin activity you will be issued with a certificate to do the trip again free, that is valid for your lifetime!

AUCKLAND

The Dolphin Explorer has tours where you can combine swimming with dolphins and whale watching. The tour operators will search for the most exciting whale and dolphin activity on the water that day, with a success rate of dolphin sightings 90% and whale sightings 75%. A day out on the beautiful Hauraki Gulf dotted with over 50 islands will also give you the opportunity to view a range of marine and birdlife.

There are also combination tours

• Whale watching/ Sailing

• Swimming with Dolphins / Sailing

If you are into sailing this is a great opportunity to try your skills on the waters where New Zealand’s America’s cup sailors train and have won!

WHAKATANE

Bay of Plenty has huge pods of dolphins seen and whale watching and swimming with the dolphins are 3-4 hour tours covering the bay. Other wildlife possibly seen will include seals, penguins and ocean birdlife.

The season for seeing whales in this area is November – April.

SOUTH ISLAND

MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS

Here you can take a tour that will give you the opportunity to see dusky dolphins, Hector dolphins – only found in New Zealand, orca (killer whales), and New Zealand fur seals. The tour also includes a guided walk on Motuara Island – a special reserve. A boat trip on the Marlborough Sounds is a very beautiful trip regardless of the wild and marine life you should experience.

KAIKOURA

Kaikoura is the most famous, best known whale watch location in New Zealand. This is where the sperm whale, found in few other places in the world, is found. As the conditions are well suited, sperm whales can be seen close to shore and year round. Orca can be sighted December – March, Humpback whales – June –July.

Along with the whales you should be fortunate to see common, dusky and Hector dolphins. All are found in the area, making Kaikoura a reliable place for whale watching.

There are Kaikoura tours which combine swimming with dolphins and seals. You may also see giant albatross, cormorants and other native marine birds.

NOTE - The Kaikoura Dolphin Encounter warns that due to the regulations on numbers, it is best to book early especially over the summer months when tourist numbers are high.

For a different combo experience you can do your whale watching from a helicopter.

AKAROA-CHRISTCHURCH

The Akaroa Dolphin Experience will give you the opportunity to view a wide variety of marine life including hector dolphins which are only found in New Zealand waters, and the world’s smallest penguin – the blue penguin. This trip may also include swimming with dolphins.

Click for more information on Swimming with Dolphins

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