Kaikoura Whale Watch eyes Gold Coast

Kaikoura is joining forces with Australian marine park Sea World to open up whale watching opportunities on the Gold Coast.

The venture will open in May and operate daily from June to November during the annual humpback whale migration past the Gold Coast.

An Australian marine scientist said the joint venture could help to convince Japanese visitors of the importance of preserving the world's largest mammal.

Whale Watch Kaikoura would invest $5 million in the venture.