Male sperm whales feed year-round along the deep Kaikōura Canyon, which plunges from 30 m to over 2,000 m only one kilometre from shore. Whale Watch Kaikōura reports a 95 % sighting success rate with an 80 % refund if no whales are seen. Aerial tours are also available. Watching only — no swim-with.

About This Spot

Best Months to Visit

See Sperm Whale in Kaikōura (South Island, New Zealand). Best months: January, February, March (up to 95% sighting chance). Watching. Plan your wildlife trip with Fauneya.

January: 95%
February: 95%
March: 95%
April: 95%
May: 95%
October: 95%
November: 95%
December: 95%
June: 90%
July: 90%
August: 90%
September: 90%

Practical Information

Location: Kaikōura (South Island, New Zealand)
Coordinates: -42.4000, 173.6800
Effort: day trip
Accessibility: Easy
Observation mode: Watching