Really enjoyed this trip, everything was well organised, from the booking, check in, the coach trip to the catamaran terminal. The day we were on the trip, they had advised there was a high risk of sea sickness due to the high winds/choppy water so at least you could prepare by taking medication in advance of the sailing. The staff were entertaining, engaging and really made the trip by providing advise if you were feeling unwell etc as to where the best seating would be and things to try. Very informative as to the whales seen in the area, lifespan, migration habits and the whales they had come to know. We were lucky enough to spot a sperm whale, who was at the surface long enough for everyone on the vessel to see. We subsequently found out the whale's name is Rangatira, a male, well known to them from the nicks/ shape of the tale. It really couldn't have been any better the staff really made this!

All touch points with the organization were first class. The VIP package made even more special and comfortable. Our guide was super enthusiastic and helpful.

This was a great experience and privilege to see a great creature of the deep in real life. The boat was top class for what it was doing. The disappointing part was the long delay in getting us from check in to the pier 10am to 11am - really unnecessary delay, no explanation or apology. The on board staff were fantastic and only for the desire of the experience we would have walked away - so in essence the organisers know you are adaptive audience and will put up with poor service because of why you are there. Great experience - pity about the organisation.

We went into the office, after checking out of our motel hoping to do the trip. We had to be back in ChCh by a certain time, so asked if we could pay, but drive to South Bay instead of taking the courtesy coach so that after the boat trip we could drive south from there. (we had parking available around the corner at a friends home). The lady behind the counter was very abrupt and said no, there is no parking at South Bay, which is not entirely correct. So sorry team, but you missed out 2 people booking tickets.

Unfortunately our tour was canceled due to the weather. The staff were friendly and getting a full refund because we were unable to rebook on another tour was easy and seamless. My only comment is that a text advisory or smartphone app that sends a notification that lets you know of the cancelation would be useful so you don’t have to turn up to be told it’s cancelled

Very well organised tour. Ran smoothly and to time. We were briefed that it was going to be a little rough and offered the option of pulling out of the tour. Luckily for us sea sickness is not an issue. The entire crew were friendly and full of knowledge and happy to share. We saw lots of bird life, seals , hector dolphins and best of all 2 whales. Had a fabulous morning and an experience to remember.

Thrilling to see Sperm Whales so close to the coast. Very professional staff and pilot very knowledgeable about fauna and area

We went out for a Whale watching trip with this company and were thoroughly impressed. The attention to detail was brilliant. There was a safety presentation to start before we headed off on a bus to the boat. Attention was given to those with children and people who might be seasick and advice on how to stop sea sickness which was very useful, I’d not heard advice given before and I’m sure that it helped people enjoy the trip more. The boat ride itself was fun with us crashing through the waves at high speed to the spot where we might find whales. We were lucky enough to see two Sperm whales and to watch them dive. We also saw Dolphins and Albatross which was a bonus. We were told about the species of whales and the reason there were so many whales in the area all year round. The young man who gave the commentary was very interesting and was happy to answer questions. At the end of the trip he gave a lovely speech about how we all represented our own country while visiting New Zealand and that we should leave it as we found it, it was quite a moving end to a great trip. Thank you for a fab day

My wife and I decided to try our luck with catching a glimpse of nature’s biggest mammal and it didn’t disappoint. We picked the 8.45am slot (midday and early afternoon already booked up) and sailed out the bay in search, we were warned before hand that it was choppy so took some tablets to counter it - that didn’t work! We were sick as dogs for most of the trip. However, the treatment by the staff was second to none, and we weren’t alone being sick! I’d say half the boat was. So, if your going and they warn you, heed the advice. The trip it’s self was awesome, highly factual and we got to see many animals on the tour. It took us 3 attempts to locate a whale but we finally did and was blessed with witnessing a sperm whale sat on the surface. Despite the sickness it was well worth it and I’d do it again for sure, just not on a choppy day!

Was warned of sickness warning with rough seas that morning but was fine. Took a while to find a whale but luckily got to see one right at the end. Comfortable seating inside the boat and plenty of room outside.

We may have been lucky but we had a fantastic experience with Whale Watch Kaikoura and saw 2 sperm whales, a pod of Hector dolphins with two babies, albatrosses, seals, and a blue shark! We didn’t want to leave!! As others have said - the sea is choppy so do take sea sickness tablets. We are prone to sea sickness and took medication prior to departure and fortunately felt fine and really enjoyed the experience. Crew were very knowledgeable, especially Jack who did most of the presenting.

This really was an incredible adventure! We knew the sea would be rough (28th Dec 4pm sailing) so we had taken medicine before we set off and thank goodness we did because then we could actually enjoy the trip! Our kids (aged 8) were called the ‘VIP’s’ on the boat by the crew! They were always making sure they felt ok and checking that they could see the whales! We really really appreciated the care they showed them and all the passengers!! We got to see 3 different whales and a fantastic whales tail! Our commentator for the cruise (I can’t remember his name but he had a whale tattoo on his leg and own a real whale tooth which he let our kids hold!) was absolutely brilliant- so many cool facts and identified all the whales for us. The captain, spotter and all the deck crew were fantastic too! Huge thanks for such an incredible adventure even in the rough seas!

This is the 2nd time I’ve been lucky enough to go whale watching In Kaikoura and returned wanting my husband to hopefully experience this amazing trip. Unfortunately our early morning boat was cancelled due to rough sea conditions as we were at the counter to check in. Obviously we were both incredibly disappointed but both of us understand that safety is paramount and this is Mother Nature and thus no ones fault. However, there was not an ounce of empathy or understanding shown to us or any other customer that I witnessed as they were told there trip had been cancelled. The staff attitude was very matter of fact and at the point of arrogant during some interactions I witnessed. I appreciate they deal with the public day in day out and have to cancel many tours but they need to remember for many this is a once in a life time opportunity. Maybe it was a lack of maturity over blatant disregard but I was honestly taken aback at their attitude as this is the opposite of my experience with all other tour operators and the people in general In NZ. We asked about options and were told about a plane option or ‘waiting list’ which involved us either hanging around or returning for the later boats to see if they would sail. If there were no shows we could take their place (in the que with anyone else on the waiting list). We were very close to getting our refund and leaving as we both felt so disheartened and frustrated at the way we had been treated but decided to hang on and see if the next boat left. Everything from this point was great. The next boat went out on a rough sea warning (no young children, reduced mobility, pregnant) and we and many other waiting list got a seat. The sea was abit rough but my husband and I were not sea sick (a few passengers were) we had 3 sightings of sperm whales which was great. The boat crew were informative, friendly and genuinely seemed to care about passengers having a positive experience. Our tour guy Hadlee deserves a special mention as he was super! A great day overall but tarnished by staff attitude we experienced initially.

Booked whale watch quite a way in advance. Unfortunately on the morning of our visit the weather meant it was cancelled. That isn't their fault and we were refunded straight away. A bit later went back to the gift shop and I heard a couple being offered a flight in lieu of the cancelled trip at the same cost. I queried why I hadn't been offered this and the response was you should've been but sorry the Lady who served you is new. By that time we couldn't sort a flight and therefore double disappointment for the kids. It's good there is this option but it should be offered to everyone.

Awesome spot in this Planet to meet sperm whales in a very respecful way. 4 boats operating, 3 at the same time, always keeping a safer distance to the sperm whales to breath and then dive. Excellent class onboard by local guides. If you feel sea scikness and have time in your visit, postpone your tour in 2-3 days. It's worthwhile to visit the spot in better sea state.