WhALE WATCH KAIKOURA trade MANUAL 2019

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whALE WATCH KAIKOURA
  trade MANUAL 2019

Product Info at a glance
Introduction:
• Whale Watch Kaikōura is located 2.5 hours north of Christchurch & 2 hours south of Picton.
• Whale Watch Kaikōura is able to view whales off the Kaikōura coastline all year round.
• Whale Watch Kaikōura is considered New Zealand’s ultimate marine life experience.

Key Points:
• Vessels crewed by skilled staff capable of providing an indigenous, scientific and local
interpretation making it a totally unique experience.
• 95 % success rate in sighting whales backed up by an 80% refund if the tour does not sight a
whale.
• Tours operate all year round along stunning coast environment with amazing mountains
backdrop.
• Award winning on board “World of the Whales” animation.

Highlights:
• Close encounters with the Giant Sperm Whales.
• A typical Whale Watch tour may encounter NZ Fur Seals, pods of Dusky Dolphins, and the
endangered Wandering Albatross.
• Dependent on the season you may also see migrating Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales &
Southern Right Whales, as well as Orca.

Facilities:
• Booking office with Whale Watch Gift Shop and Flukes Café (with indoor & outdoor seating).
• Plenty of parking for coaches, camper vans and cars.
• Luggage racks for safe storage of suitcases & back packs.

WiFi:
• Free WiFi available at our booking office, on our bus and our vessels

Contact Details:
Whaleway Station Road, Kaikōura 7300, New Zealand
Phone: 0800 655 121 (within NZ) OR +64 3 319 6767 (outside NZ)
Email: res@whalewatch.co.nz         Website: www.whalewatch.co.nz

FAQ'S
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes - There is a high demand for most of our trips, so we advise that you book your seat 7-10
days ahead of time during peak season (November-April) and 3-4 days ahead in the off-peak
season.

Am I guaranteed to see a whale?
No - But the chances are very high. We are proud of our record for whale sightings. In the
event that your tour does not see a whale, we will refund 80% of your fare.

What will I see?
Each tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. The Giant Sperm Whale is the star of
the show and is resident in the area all year round. In addition to the Sperm Whale, a number
of different species of whale have been sighted off our coastline, including Blues, Humpbacks,
Rights and Orca. As well as sighting whales, a typical trip will cruise by colonies of New
Zealand Fur Seals and perhaps take in groups of dolphins, depending on the season. In
addition to the marine mammals, Kaikōura has a wide variety of off-shore birds. These
include Albatross, Shearwaters, Petrels, Gulls, Penguins and Gannets.

What happens if the sea and weather conditions are not suitable?
Your safety and comfort are of paramount importance to us. If the conditions are not
suitable, we will cancel the tour. Passengers, who are travelling to join us on the day of their
tour, are advised to telephone the free phone number for a conditions update.

If my tour is cancelled, will I be transferred to the next one?
No - When a tour is cancelled, we will do our best to accommodate you on another one. You
do need to request this.

How long is the tour?
Time spent on the water is just over 2 hours. Including check-in time, safety briefing and bus
transfers you should allow 3 hours 15 minutes in total.

Special tours:
The company can arrange special tours for bird watching, large groups and special-needs
groups. Contact Customer Services for further assistance.

whale watching
Every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. 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 - and is home to the world's
smallest and rarest - the Hector's. Kaikōura also attracts the largest
concentration and variety of seabirds on mainland New Zealand including 14
species of Albatross, 14 varieties of Petrels and 7 types of Shearwater. If your
Whale Watch Kaikōura tour does not see a whale, we will refund 80% of your
fare.

Designed for whale watching, our modern catamarans are equipped with
engines that minimise underwater noise and toilets that never pollute the sea.
The main passenger cabin is enclosed and large outside decks offer great
viewing and photo opportunities. Spacious air-conditioned interiors are fitted
with comfortable seating while large plasma screens display our award-winning
marine wildlife animations.

Passenger numbers for each tour are kept well below our vessel carrying
capacity to ensure your tour experience remains a personal one.

Whale Watch vessels are crewed by a friendly team of Skippers and Guides very
experienced in interacting with the local Sperm Whales. They have expert
knowledge of Kaikōura's sea conditions and are fully trained in all aspects of
safety. Whale Watch staff constantly monitor the weather and respond
professionally to any changes. This may mean a tour is cancelled or safety
restrictions placed on children or passengers with medical problems. Passenger
comfort and safety are always our priority.

tour leader policy & charters
Tour Leader Policy
The following structure is based on confirmed numbers and also based on current rack rate

Number Pax in Group Tour Leader Discount
1 to 5 (incl) 20%     6 to 10 (incl) 30%            11 to 14 (incl) 50%      15 plus 100% 1 Free Seat

• One seat FOC for confirmed numbers above 15pax. This must be requested at the time the reservation is made.

• A tour leader, escort, guide and/or coach driver may book on a *stand-by basis at any time.

• During Peak Season (November - April) we recommend confirmed reservations be made for tour leaders, escorts,
guides and/or coach drivers, as there is a very high demand for our tour.

* Stand-by: If there is a spare seat available following all check-in procedures.

Exclusive Whale Watching Tour Charter

Exclusive tour charters are offered all year round but will be dependent on the availability of an entire vessel at the
time being requested.

Exclusive tour charter bookings can only be made directly with customer services staff.

Exclusive tour charters (unless otherwise agreed to by WWK) are only operated on standard WWK tour times.

Exclusive tour charter can for 1 - 48 passengers.

Standard booking and payment conditions apply.

The price for an Exclusive tour charter will be a set rate of NZ $7,050.00 incl GST (valid to the 30th Sept 2020)

Commission can apply to bookings made through an approved agent.

80% no whale sighting refund policy applies.

Standard group discounts or any other deals and promotions will not apply for Exclusive tour charters.

For clarity an Exclusive charter tour means: That an entire vessel (48 seats) is exclusively booked for a customer,
group, company or other and that no seats will be made available for purchase to the general public or any other
persons not listed for the charter.

WHALE WATCH - RATES
Trade Rates:
Adult: NZ$150.00 valid to the 30th September 2020
Child: NZ$60.00 valid to the 30th September 2020
Please note we do not take children under the age of 3yrs

Commission / Wholesale Rates:
Whale Watch operates a scale of commission levels ranging from 10% to 25%. Rates are negotiated
directly with the party concerned. Commission levels of 25% may be granted to a wholesaler once
we are satisfied they meet our criteria. Applications must be received in writing and we request:
- An understanding of the Distribution Network that would be used to sell the Whale Watch product
- The provision of a complete Company Profile

Once we have the above we take into consideration:
The ability to meet our agreed payment terms
All operational aspects
Any pre-existing business relationship and past performance
The likely volume of expected passengers
The inclusion of the Whale Watch product in advertising/promotional material
Any requirement, condition for marketing contribution
Focus on the company's target market

Payment Options:
Whale Watch can offer a range of payment options to meet your needs including:
Charge back voucher (to approved Inbound Operators in NZ & Australia only)
Cash OR Credit card
We are happy to discuss the options with you and tailor - where possible - a system that will suit
your requirements.

For more information and to set up specific procedures please contact:
Mrs Shelley Fissenden
Manager - Customer Services
DDI 64 3 319 7734
Email: shelley@whalewatch.co.nz

tour timetable
All year: 7.15am, 10.00am, 12.45pm—Please note that these are check-in times only - do
not ask your clients to come earlier than the times specified.

November, December, January, February and March: A further tour is scheduled at
3.30pm over the summer months.

VESSEL INFORMATION

Our fleet of catamarans carry a full range of safety equipment. Each vessel holds a
current Certificate of Survey and operates a Safe Ship Management Programme.

Whale Watch vessels are crewed by experienced teams familiar with local sea conditions
and well-versed in all safety procedures. All skippers hold appropriate marine
qualifications. All crew hold First Aid Certificates.

COMPANY STATEMENT – SAFETY
Whale Watch Kaikōura Ltd complies with all aspects of safety, as required by governing
bodies.
Maritime New Zealand
New Zealand Department of Conservation
Occupational Safety and Health Authority

cancellation policy
Our guest's safety and comfort is always our priority. We constantly monitor
sea conditions along the coastline and respond professionally to any changes.
 This may mean:

• Cancellation of a Tour
• Restrictions may be placed on passengers with medical or mobility problems
• The child age limit may be raised

If your clients present a pre-paid voucher this will either:

• Be transferred to another Whale Watch tour
• Be exchanged for a Whale Watch by Air tour - we will invoice at the agreed rate
for boat tours

They will be issued with a 'Verification of Cancellation' form and return to you
for a full refund. Please note that sometimes your clients may not present their
voucher at our counter when a tour is cancelled. Should they return to you -
requesting a refund - without the 'Verification of Cancellation' form please
contact us for verification.

Please note – bookings cancelled by passengers within 24 hours of tour
departure will be charged full fare rate unless under extenuating
circumstances.

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       Whale Watch Kaikoura is
 exciting to announce that as
  of the 1st December 2020 we
   will be welcoming a new
 member to our existing fleet,
         Te Ao Marama
23.9 meters in length.
Service Speed 30 knots.
16 month build time.
Multi-million dollar investment.

Total Passenger Capacity is 116 – Numbers not maximised for the
vessels size to maintain a quality viewing experience for
passengers.

Two cabin classes;
Ocean class with 104 seats (Main cabin) – Improved version of our
existing cabin experience.

Premium class with 12 seats (Top cabin) – new level of experience
with business class seating, limited numbers, located in with the
captain, option for light nibbles and cold drinks etc.

More information to come...

Key Contacts at WWK
Manager – Marketing & Sales:
Lisa Bond
lisab@whalewatch.co.nz
t ++64 3 3197721 f ++64 3 3195160

Manager – Customer Services:
Shelley Fissenden
shelley@whalewatch.co.nz
t ++64 3 3196767 f ++64 3 3196545

Territory Manager Greater China / SE Asia:
Elton Zhang
elton@whalewatch.co.nz
t ++64 3 9750505 f ++64 3 3195160

Territory Manager New Zealand:
Alex Cuff
alex@whalewatch.co.nz
t ++64 3 9750512 f ++64 3 3195160

Manager - Corporate Services:
Pip Gill
pip@whalewatch.co.nz
t ++64 3 3197725 f ++64 3 3195160

Postal Address:
P O Box 89, Kaikōura 7340, South Island, New Zealand.

Street Address:
Railway Station Road, Kaikōura 7300, South Island, New Zealand.

The whale Watch Story
Whale Watch was formed in 1987 at a time when Māori were casualties of
Kaikōura’s declining economy. At this time of difficulty, Ngāti Kuri leaders like
(The late) Bill Solomon believed the local Sperm Whales held the answer to the
unemployment problems of the Māori. They knew their ancestor Paikea had
journeyed to a new life in New Zealand on the back of the whale Tohorā. It
seemed appropriate for Paikea's descendants to again ride on the back of the
whale to a new life and prosperity.

And so it proved to be.

The Ngāti Kuri of Whale Watch mortgaged their houses to secure a loan to start
the business. In the early days passengers travelled aboard a 6.7 metre inflatable
vessel carrying 8 passengers at a time. In the first year of operation 3,000
passengers were carried. In time, the inflatable was replaced by a larger vessel
with an upper viewing deck until today the Whale Watch fleet numbers four
modern catamarans specially designed for whale watching, each holding 48
passengers. Now up to 100,000 passengers can be carried each year. The
expansion of the Whale Watch fleet required the building of an entire marina in
South Bay. It is from here that all whale watching tours now depart.

Due to the phenomenal success of Whale Watch, Kaikōura is now one of New
Zealand's leading eco-tourism destinations offering a diverse range of exciting
activities and experiences. The company has stimulated investment in new
accommodation, restaurants and an impressive array of cafes and galleries
filled with the work of local artists.

Paikea and Tohorā still form the symbolic centre of Whale Watch.

They represent the spiritual bond between the human world and the natural
world and speak of the possibilities that reveal themselves when the world of
nature is revered rather than exploited.

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            kaikoura at a glance
Kaikōura - At a glance
Located on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island, Kaikōura went from being a busy
whaling town to dedicating its energies and resources to marine life conservation. Here,
several different whale species can be seen at different times of the year, but almost always
the gigantic sperm whale can be observed. Curious dusky dolphins and lounging fur seals join a
variety of seabirds in rounding out the rich sea population.

Historic Kaikōura spreads across a rocky peninsula that intertwines with lush farmlands and
leads up to a protective mountain range. Explore the region on wheels, on foot, on horseback,
by boat or plane or jumping in for a swim with the dolphins. And since Kaikōura is Māori for
“meal of crayfish”, why not treat yourself to this popular local delicacy!

Kaikōura - Rich in history
Kaikōura has a rich history and culture. Māori heritage is reflected in the name, Kaikōura.
Tama ki Te Rangi arrived in the area many hundreds of years ago and was tired and hungry. He
found an abundance of crayfish and named the area "Te Ahi Kaikōura a Tama ki Te Rangi" - the
fire that cooked the crayfish of Tama ki Te Rangi.

European history can be traced back to 1770. Captain Cook first discovered the Kaikōura
peninsula, believing it to be an island. The first shore whaling station was established in 1843,
located near where Fyffe House still stands today. Other whaling stations soon followed, and at
one stage the industry employed over one hundred men in the Kaikōura district alone. Whale
numbers steadily declined after 1850 and the exportation of them became un-economic,
leading whalers to turn to alternative means of existence, such as farming. Whaling continued
sporadically until as recently as 1964 when the last of NZ' s whaling operations ceased.

Kaikōura means to eat crayfish
Kai – to eat & Kōura - crayfish

transport options
1. Day tour with Hasslefree Tours (no minimum numbers) www.hasslefree.co.nz

2. Day and overnight tours with Canterbury Leisure Tours www.leisuretours.co.nz

3. Coastal Pacific train journey with Coastal Pacific www.greatjourneysofnz.co.nz/coastal-pacific
 (Canterbury Leisure Tours also offer a Coastal Pacific option). The 2019/20 season begins on 27
September 2019.

4. Self-drive options with a range of providers offering rental cars, vans, campervans & motorhomes that
include:
Avis rentals – www.avis.co.nz               Apex rentals – www.apexrentals.co.nz
Budget rentals – www.budget.co.nz            Thrifty rentals – www.thrifty.co.nz
Hertz rentals – www.hertz.co.nz             Ace rentals – www.acerentalcars.co.nz
Maui rentals – www.maui.co.nz               Pacific Horizon rentals – www.pacifichorizon.co.nz
Britz rentals – www.britz.co.nz             Spaceship rentals – www.spaceshipsrentals.co.nz
Jucy rentals – www.jucy.co.nz               Apollo rentals – www.apollocamper.co.nz

5. Shuttle and Bus transfers:
Intercity Coachlines – www.intercity.co.nz
Kaikōura Shuttles and Taxis – www.kaikourashuttles.co.nz

6. We work with most key inbound operators for New Zealand and are an allied supplier member of the
New Zealand Inbound Tour Operators Council –www.tourismexportcouncil.org.nz

7. NZ Tour package options that include Whale Watching:
Kiwi Experience – www.kiwiexperience.co.nz
Stray – www.straytravel.com

The above list doesn’t represent all transport option available but gives a good cross section of what is on
offer and many of these options are available between Christchurch and Kaikōura along with Picton and
Kaikōura.

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              Destination Kaikoura -activities
Dolphin Encounter – In amongst the varied and vibrant sea life found off Kaikōura is the spectacular dusky
dolphin, one of the most delightfully exuberant characters of the Southern Ocean. www.dolphin.co.nz

Albatross Encounter – Kaikōura ’s best kept secret is its incredible diversity of pelagic (ocean going) birds.
Kaikōura is the albatross capital of the world with up to 14 different species visiting the area throughout the year
www.albatrossencounter.co.nz

Kaikōura Kayaks - Welcome to our magic little sea-side village of Kaikōura , where the marine life out numbers
the humans and the mountains meet the sea. www.kaikourakayaks.co.nz

Seal Swim Kaikōura – Snorkelling with wild New Zealand Fur Seals, in the shallow waters of the beautiful
Kaikōura Peninsula, truly is a unique experience. You won’t believe how curious, friendly and playful New
Zealand Fur Seals can be in the water. www.sealswimkaikoura.co.nz

Glenstrae 4 Wheel Adventures – Unforgettable guided off-road tours through native bush, with magnificent
views of the Kaikōura coast near Christchurch, New Zealand www.4wheeladventures.co.nz

Seal Kayak Kaikōura –Seal Kayak Kaikōura is the first kayak tour of its sort in Kaikōura . You’re going to love how
easy it is to kayak in and around our beautiful Kaikōura Peninsula. The ungainly paddle is replaced by pedal
power! www.sealkayakkaikoura.com/

Whale Watching by air options – There is the opportunity to view sperm whales and the Kaikōura coast from the
air while in Kaikōura , the following are the companies you can choose from:
* Wings Over Whales www.whales.co.nz
* Kaikōura Aero Club www.airkaikoura.co.nz
* South Pacific Helicopters www.southpacificwhales.co.nz
*Kaikōura Helicopters www.worldofwhales.co.nz

The Point Sheep Shearing - Taking place in an authentic Kiwi shearing shed you will get a taste of traditional
sheep shearing including information on wool types, sheep breeds, tools and the techniques & equipment of past.
www.pointbnb.co.nz/sheep-shearing

Llama Trekking - An experienced trekking guide accompanies all our Llama Treks. Your guide will take you
round your route, and will help you get the most out of the experience. www.llamatrekking.co.nz

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    Destination Kaikoura - Accommodation
The Fairways - Luxury 5 star Kaikōura accommodation offers 1 or 2 bedroom ensuites apartments and ensuite
studio rooms ideal for couples and families wanting a relaxing Kaikōura holiday retreat. www.thefairways.co.nz

Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses - 5 star luxury lodge accommodation 10 minutes north of Kaikōura with 5 luxury
suites and 5 distinctive tree houses Hapuku Lodge positions its guests to take full advantage of the Kaikōura
experience www.hapukulodge.com

Manakau Lodge - Manakau Lodge is a luxury rural retreat, offering the discerning traveller the finest in boutique
bed and breakfast lodge accommodation, and warm, friendly country hospitality. www.manakaulodge.co.nz

Bella Vista Motel Kaikōura - The accommodation has 18 units which are modern and clean. The motel has guest
laundry facilities, accessible units for disabled guests. They also cater for varying ranges of units from
tea/coffee making studios up to 1 bedroom Family units www.stayinkaikoura.co.nz

Kaikōura Gateway Motor Lodge - Kaikōura's Gateway Motor Lodge is just a few minutes’ walk from the
charming seaside town of Kaikōura, the busy hub of eco-tourism ventures and a thriving rural community
 www.kaikouragateway.co.nz

Lobster Inn Motor Lodge - Motel, Restaurant, Tavern and Holiday Park. One stop solution for all travellers
catering for domestic, overseas tourists, corporate and wholesale markets www.lobsterinn.co.nz

White Morph Motor Inn - Offers some of the best accommodation in Kaikōura including luxury spa rooms,
superior studios and standard studios. The central Kaikōura accommodation is all in the one place and has every
accommodation style for you to choose from. Located on the Kaikōura waterfront www.whitemorph.co.nz

Top 10 Holiday Park – We offer a range or quality, affordable Kaikōura accommodation options including motel
units, cabins, tent sites and camper van sites. www.kaikouratop10.co.nz

Kaikōura Quality Suites – Each of the 20 units are lavishly decorated, fully equipped and open onto either a
balcony or courtyard. Providing the guests with the ability to peacefully relax whilst either admiring the rugged
Seaward Kaikōura Mountains or gazing at the Pacific Ocean. www.kaikouraqualitysuites.co.nz

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          Destination Kaikoura - eating out
Kaikōura Indian Restaurant – A fine dining Indian Restaurant. Enjoy a burst of delightful curry flavours with
delicious naan breads. Servicing Authentic Indian food in Kaikōura we offer a friendly and romantic atmosphere
with an elegant setting. 17 Beach Road, Kaikōura.
+64-3-319-3099 or www.kaikouraindianfood.co.nz

Thai Siam Restaurant - Entrees, Thai Soups, Local Seafood, Fried Rice, Noodle Dishes, Curries, Thai Salads and
lots of other Main Dishes and Desserts. $12 Lunch specials are extremely popular, and the Green Curry is the best
this side of Thailand! Contact: +64 3 319 6992, address 54 Westend, Kaikōura

Hislops Café & Bar - Breakfast, lunch and dinner including organic meats and produce combined to provide you
with quality, sensational food to enjoy with your choice of delicious wines, beers, cocktails, juices, coffee or tea
www.hislops-wholefoods.co.nz

The Pier Hotel - The Pier's restaurant is rated one of the best seafood restaurants in the region. The Pier is also
proud to offer an extensive wine list featuring local wines of distinction www.thepierhotel.co.nz

Donegal House - Irish Bar & Restaurant Delicious, and substantial by anybody's standards, they are made of the
freshest foods, and can be accompanied by some of Marlborough's world-famous wines
 www.donegalhouse.co.nz

Rumbar Restaurant - A relaxed environment for your dining pleasure, featuring superb views of the Kaikōura
town ship, mountain and sea. Savour the local delicacy "Crayfish" www.lobsterinn.co.nz

The Whaler Restaurant & Bar - It has a large upstairs deck that captures the stunning sea and mountain views
and is a great place for a refreshing Monteith's beer. The tapas and Mains menu is designed with sharing in mind
presenting an interesting range of flavours and produce. www.thewhaler.co.nz

Zephyr Restaurant Kaikōura —Modern contemporary restaurant, featuring fresh, locally sourced, French
inspired cuisine - great vibe, great service, great location on West End - we look forward to welcoming you to
Zephyr Restaurant, Kaikōura. www.zephyrrestaurant.co.nz

Nins Bin - 20 minutes north if Kaikōura you find Nin's Bin a favourite stop for kiwis heading up the coast from
Christchurch to Kaikōura for many generations. The menu is simple - crayfish and mussels. Pair the freshness
(picked straight from the sea) with reasonable prices and unbelievable views (teal green ocean meets snow-
capped mountains) - and you'll want to stop for more than lunch.