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New Zealand's original whale watch takes you into the Kaikoura Canyon, home to resident sperm whales, tracked by hydrophone, spotted on 95% of tours, and backed by an 80% refund if they don't show.
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Kaikoura has a secret weapon: a deep ocean canyon almost within sight of the beach, and giant sperm whales that live in it all year round. This isn't a migration-season gamble, the whales are residents, and this crew has been finding them longer than anyone. After a short transfer from the Whaleway Station Road office to South Bay Marina, you head out with the crew narrating and a hydrophone in the water, listening for the clicks of whales hunting below. Between sightings, keep watch for dusky dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and wandering albatross, with humpback, pilot, blue and southern right whales possible in season. Wildlife makes no promises, but this operator comes close: a 95% sighting success rate, and an 80% refund if the whales don't appear. Two hours forty-five of proper Southern Ocean drama.
1 Resident sperm whales year-round
2 Hydrophones listen for whales below
3 Dusky dolphins and albatross possible
4 95% sighting rate, 80% refund if not
5 New Zealand's original whale watch
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Verified reviews of the vetted operator who runs this tour on the ground.
The operator's track record
"Our skipper located two separate Sperm Whales. What amazing mammals. They are huge. So pleased to have experienced them up so close to appreciate their size. We also sighted a Hectors Dolphin, Northern Royal Albatross, Cape Petrels and many Shy Albatross including one which mugged a NZ Fur Seal for his fish."
Robert A.
Verified traveller
"We were fortunate to come across 2 sperm whales during our trip. Seeing them resting on the surface was pretty surreal and makes you appreciate how incredible they are! When they dived back down to hunt and their tails came out the water it was so magical. Such a privilege to see such an elusive, massive animal so up close!"
Chloe L.
Verified traveller
Verified traveller reviews · shown as excerpts.
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