Every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. Typically you'll see 1-2 whales per tour.  Giant Sperm Whales are the stars of the show and year-round residents. A typical Whale Watch tour may encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, pods of Dusky Dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross. Depending on the season you may also see migrating Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales and Southern Right Whales. Kaikōura often hosts Orca especially during summer months. Kaikōura is also home to the world's smallest and rarest - the Hectors. Kaikōura also attracts the largest concentration and variety of seabirds on mainland New Zealand including 13 species of Albatross, 14 varieties of Petrels and 7 types of Shearwater. If your Whale Watch tour does not see a whale, The Operator will refund 80% of your fare.
Please note that during the months of Nov - Mar there is a rest period in place for viewing of the Dusky Dolphins between the hours of 11:30am to 1:30pm. This is mandatory for all vessels and has been put in place by the Department of Conservation, this restricts viewing of dolphins on tours during these times.