Kaikoura

Whale-Watching

Whale Watch Kaikoura. Whale Watch is owned by the Ngai Tahu iwi (tribe). Since arriving in the Kaikoura area in AD 850, Ngai Tahu, the predominant South Island Maori iwi, claims to have lived and worked based on a philosophy of sustainable management and sensible use of natural resources. Having worked these waters since 1987, Whale Watch skippers can recognize individual whales and adjust operations, such as the boat's proximity to the whale, accordingly. Allow 3½ hours for the whole experience, 2¼ hours on the water. Various dolphins and seals and other species of whales may also be seen on any day.

Book in advance: 7 to 10 days November-April, three to four days at other times. Their sturdy catamarans are fully enclosed for sea travel, but once the whales are spotted you can go out on the deck for a closer view. Trips depend on the weather, and should your tour miss seeing a whale, which is rare, you will get an 80% refund. They can't accept children under three on the trip. Take motion-sickness pills if you suspect you'll need them: even in calm weather the sea around Kaikoura often has a sizable swell. Trips are subject to cancellation if the weather is bad. Whaleway Station, Whaleway Station Rd., Kaikoura, 7300. 03/319-6767 or 0800/655-121. reswhalewatch.co.nz. www.whalewatch.co.nz. NZ$145.

Wings over Whales. To get above the action, take a half-hour whale-viewing flight. A seven-seater Airvan or three-seater Cessna aircraft gives you a bird's-eye view of the giant sperm whales. The planes will drop to 150 meters to view the whales while the pilots give informative commentary. You'll also get a stunningly scenic flight over the famous Kaikoura coastline at the same time. They have a 98% success rate in spotting whales and the planes can often fly when it's too rough for the boats to go out. Kaikoura Airfield, State Hwy. 1, Kaikoura, 7374. 03/319-6580 or 0800/226-629. flywhales.co.nz. www.whales.co.nz. NZ$165. Children under 14, NZ$75.

More Sports and Outdoors

• Bird-Watching
• Hiking

• Swimming with Dolphins and Seals
• Whale-Watching