Live wave and wind for the Kaikōura coast — the conditions the boats sail on.
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Live wave and wind for the Kaikōura coast — the same conditions that decide whether the whale-watch and fishing boats sail. Forecasts move through the day; check again before you go.
Boats sail on the sea, not the schedule
The open coast east of the peninsula, where the whale-watch and dolphin boats work. Calmest first thing; the afternoon sea breeze builds the chop.
Very rough — dangerous for small craft
| Day | Waves | Wind | Looks like |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 11 Jul | 1.7 m · 6 ft | 3 mph NW (offshore) | Rough — exposed, dangerous water; many small boats stay in |
| Sun 12 Jul | 1.4 m · 4 ft | 2 mph NNE (cross-shore) | Building — getting lumpy out there; small boats take care |
| Mon 13 Jul | 1.1 m · 4 ft | 3 mph WNW (offshore) | Building — getting lumpy out there; small boats take care |
| Tue 14 Jul | 1.4 m · 5 ft | 3 mph N (cross-shore) | Building — getting lumpy out there; small boats take care |
| Wed 15 Jul | 0.7 m · 2 ft | 3 mph NNW (cross-shore) | Workable — manageable for small boats; keep an eye on the wind |
The harbour and boat-ramp side, more sheltered from a northerly but exposed to a southerly swell.
Very rough — dangerous for small craft
| Day | Waves | Wind | Looks like |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 11 Jul | 1.7 m · 6 ft | 3 mph NW (cross-shore) | Rough — exposed, dangerous water; many small boats stay in |
| Sun 12 Jul | 1.4 m · 4 ft | 2 mph NNE (offshore) | Building — getting lumpy out there; small boats take care |
| Mon 13 Jul | 1.1 m · 4 ft | 3 mph WNW (cross-shore) | Building — getting lumpy out there; small boats take care |
A forecast is not the sea itself
Forecast updated 10 July at 10:27. Weather and marine data by Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0).
| Tue 14 Jul | 1.4 m · 5 ft | 3 mph N (offshore) | Building — getting lumpy out there; small boats take care |
| Wed 15 Jul | 0.7 m · 2 ft | 3 mph NNW (offshore) | Workable — manageable for small boats; keep an eye on the wind |