Sea Conditions

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

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.

Rough — exposed, dangerous water; many small boats stay in

Waves: 1.6 m · 5 ft
Swell: 9s from the S
Wind: 2 mph from the NNW — cross-shore
Sea temperature: 12.1°C — cold water: get in slowly and know your limits

Next few days

Day	Waves	Wind	Looks like
Fri 19 Jun	1.7 m · 6 ft	2 mph NNW (cross-shore)	Rough — exposed, dangerous water; many small boats stay in
Sat 20 Jun	1.7 m · 6 ft	6 mph NNE (cross-shore)	Rough — exposed, dangerous water; many small boats stay in
Sun 21 Jun	0.9 m · 3 ft	3 mph ESE (onshore)	Workable — manageable for small boats; keep an eye on the wind
Mon 22 Jun	1.5 m · 5 ft	5 mph ENE (cross-shore)	Rough — exposed, dangerous water; many small boats stay in
Tue 23 Jun	1.4 m · 5 ft	2 mph SW (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.

Rough — exposed, dangerous water; many small boats stay in

Waves: 1.6 m · 5 ft
Swell: 9s from the S
Wind: 2 mph from the NNW — offshore
Sea temperature: 12.1°C — cold water: get in slowly and know your limits

Next few days

Day	Waves	Wind	Looks like
Fri 19 Jun	1.7 m · 6 ft	2 mph NNW (offshore)	Rough — exposed, dangerous water; many small boats stay in
Sat 20 Jun	1.7 m · 6 ft	6 mph NNE (offshore)	Rough — exposed, dangerous water; many small boats stay in
Sun 21 Jun	0.9 m · 3 ft	3 mph ESE (cross-shore)	Workable — manageable for small boats; keep an eye on the wind
Mon 22 Jun	1.5 m · 5 ft	5 mph ENE (offshore)	Rough — exposed, dangerous water; many small boats stay in
Tue 23 Jun

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 18 June at 21:30. Weather and marine data by Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0).