Electronic spectra of two high spind⁸ nickel complexes, Ni(en)₃Cl₂.2H₂O and Ni(OAc)₂.4H₂O, are reported. Polarized spectra were measured at 298 K. Temperature dependent spectra were measured using unpolarized light down to 20 K. The spectra at 20 K are well resolved revealing the features of spin-forbidden transitions and vibrational fine structure on some of the bands. Some of the spectra are deconvoluted to separate out the overlapping bands. The assignments are made usingD₃ symmetry for Ni(en)₃Cl₂.2H₂O complex whileD₄ symmetry is used for Ni(OAc)₂.4H₂O. The energies of the spectroscopic states are calculated and compared with the observed transition energies. The distortion parameters are determined.