Is it possible to get sightings of whales from the coastline around kaikoura. We will be short on time in the area and also neither of us are keen on the sea sickness possibility. All weneedreally is a tick box sighting.

No. Because they feed in the deep waters of the Kaikoura Canyon. You have to catch a boat out to see them. If you are not keen on getting seasick, then forget it. Because this is definitely a possibility. I've been on at least 15 boat-based whale watch trips, and I've never been as sick as on this one out of Kaikoura (and I'd taken seasickness medication). And the first time I signed up for it, the trip was cancelled due to rough seas.

You are less likely to get sick on the dolphin swim as, generally, they don't go as far out to sea. But the boat ride can still be rough.

Will you settle for seals? Lots of seals can be seen right along the coast and even in the parking lot of the Kaikoura Peninsula walkway.