Sea Conditions

Live wave and wind for the Kaikōura coast — the conditions the boats sail on.

About these tools

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

Whale-watch and fishing trips are often cancelled when the sea gets up — the standard local advice is to book the earliest morning slot and keep a backup plan for the afternoon.

Off the Kaikōura Peninsula

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.

Building — getting lumpy out there; small boats take care

Waves: 1.0 m · 3 ft
Swell: 8s from the S
Wind: 5 km/h from the NE — cross-shore
Sea temperature: 10.6°C — cold water: get in slowly and know your limits

Next few days

Day	Waves	Wind	Looks like
Tue, 25 Aug	1.0 m · 3 ft	10 km/h NNW (cross-shore)	Workable — manageable for small boats; keep an eye on the wind
Wed, 26 Aug	1.2 m · 4 ft	6 km/h NNW (offshore)	Building — getting lumpy out there; small boats take care
Thu, 27 Aug	2.1 m · 7 ft	16 km/h NE (cross-shore)	Rough — exposed, dangerous water; many small boats stay in
Fri, 28 Aug	2.2 m · 7 ft	5 km/h E (onshore)	Rough — exposed, dangerous water; many small boats stay in
Sat, 29 Aug	1.3 m · 4 ft	7 km/h ENE (cross-shore)	Building — getting lumpy out there; small boats take care

South Bay

The harbour and boat-ramp side, more sheltered from a northerly but exposed to a southerly swell.

Building — getting lumpy out there; small boats take care

Waves: 1.0 m · 3 ft
Swell: 8s from the S
Wind: 5 km/h from the NE — offshore
Sea temperature: 10.6°C — cold water: get in slowly and know your limits

Next few days

Day	Waves	Wind	Looks like
Tue, 25 Aug	1.0 m · 3 ft	10 km/h NNW (offshore)	Workable — manageable for small boats; keep an eye on the wind
Wed, 26 Aug	1.2 m · 4 ft	6 km/h NNW (cross-shore)	Building — getting lumpy out there; small boats take care
Thu, 27 Aug	2.1 m · 7 ft	16 km/h NE (offshore)	Rough — exposed, dangerous water; many small boats stay in

A forecast is not the sea itself

These are open-water model forecasts, not what the water is doing where you are — out here the weather turns fast and the water is cold year-round, with no lifeguards. Wear a life jacket, tell someone your plan and your return time, and if it looks wrong, stay in. In an emergency on the water call 111 and ask for the Coastguard.

Forecast updated 24 August at 1:51 pm. Weather and marine data by Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0).