Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour: Discover Marine Life and Scenic Views

Embark on a thrilling whale-watching adventure in Kaikoura, New Zealand. Discover majestic Sperm Whales, playful dolphins, and adorable seals while enjoying stunning views of the Kaikoura Ranges. End the day with a scenic drive and a wine tasting experience.

Duration: 11 hours
Cancellation: 6 days learn more
Highlights
  • Kaikōra - Your day starts with pickup from your Christchurch hotel, then travel in a comfortable coach for about 2.5 hours to reach Kaikoura, taking a scenic road through the North Canterbury region.
What's Included
  • View fur seal colonies up close
  • Experience whale watching on a boat tour
  • Enjoy the comfort of air-conditioned vehicles
  • Explore North Canterbury vineyards with wine tasting (subject to availability)
  • Savor lunch (available with selected options)
  • Benefit from live commentary during the tour
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Experience the natural treasures of New Zealand on a whale-watching cruise from the picturesque town of Kaikoura. Look for the mighty Sperm Whales that live in these waters along with Dusky Dolphins, New Zealand Fur Seals and Seabirds. Admire breathtaking views of the snow-capped Kaikoura Ranges during your free time in Kaikoura’s township and visit a seal colony on land. Wrap up the day with a scenic drive back to Christchurch and a wine tasting at a vineyard in North Canterbury (time permitting). Your experienced guide shares informative commentary throughout the day on this fun and fascinating tour.

  • Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation, if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
  • Please note, infants under 3 years of age may not join the cruises but may travel on the light aircraft tours
  • Once the tour has commenced only the unused portion of the tour will be refunded should the boats not sail or the planes not fly.
  • If due to whale sightings or weather conditions the boat offers a partial refund, this refund will be passed on to our customers.
  • If whale watch is undertaken by light aircraft and no whales are seen, no refund applies.
  • A decision is made at 6:30am each day, based on local weather conditions, as to whether the tour will depart Christchurch or be canceled. If the tour is cancelled, clients are notified by 7:15am and no cancellation fees are charged. If the tour travels to Kaikoura and the whale watch cruises are canceled, whale watch plane tours are offered as an alternative. If clients do not wish to fly, or the plane tours are also canceled, a cash refund of NZD 120.00 per adult is given. Refund is issued on the day of the tour by the tour operator in Christchurch.
  • As the wineries close at 5pm daily and on selected public holidays, a stop may not be possible. On these occasions no refund is applicable.
Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

Customer Ratings
4.2
(129 Ratings)
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Sarah_m
Jul 6, 2024
Even better than I hoped!! - We had a great day with our guide Pete. He picked us up at our Airbnb and had lots of excellent knowledge to share about the history of New Zealand etc. The day was too choppy for the boat to go out, and the company was able to arrange for flights at the last minute, which meant Pete juggled way more than I would have ever expected, and he did so with patience and ease. He truly went above and beyond, including stopping along the roadside so we could get some great seal photos. It was an amazing day!
Review provided by Viator
Nico_d
Jul 5, 2024
A great day out. - We had a great trip with our driver Pete, who was very friendly and a safe driver, but who also told many interesting stories about geography, geology, biology and history. Saw one whale, maybe two. Went by plane instead of boat. Had hoped for more. However, there were many seals on the way back.
Review provided by Viator
Hazel_z
Jul 1, 2024
Nice journey - It was small group. Our driver, Scotty, is really kind and professional. We saw whales, dolphins, and fur seals, and had local wine tasting as described. It was a really nice experience.
Review provided by Viator
Michelle_w
May 21, 2024
Highly recommended - What a lovely experience!! The tour to Kaikoura was very well organized. It was a perfect day for a boat ride. We saw 2 whales, and lots of dolphins. On our ride back to Christchurch, we stopped to see the seals. I highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Sheila_h
Apr 28, 2024
Wonderfully memorable - The tour driver, Jude, was a joy. The stop to see the seals was a wonderful experience. The whale watching experience was amazing. We got to see a Sperm whale and watch it dive, showing us its fluke (tail). We would highly recommend
Review provided by Viator
Susan_f
Apr 7, 2024
Kaikoura Whale Watching from Christchurch - Amazing day out ! This tour option really suited us as we were not driving around NZ & wanted to use Christchurch as a base for some activities. Carmen our tour guide was so lovely and informative & due to the tour size that day it really felt like a few friends out for an adventure! We were picked up from our accommodation, made the tour in Kaikoura with plenty time to spare, when out on the water we were so happy to see a hump back whale and pods of dolphins...back to town for some lunch with time to wander the shops then off we set back to Christchurch with a stop for some seal spotting along the way! All in all a great day out...would recommend for those who want to leave the car behind or are not driving like us!
Review provided by Viator
Bballbum1642
Apr 1, 2024
Great staff, fun experience - We booked this and it was amazing! Our trip guide, Pete, was absolutely INCREDIBLE and really made the drive up and back enjoyable. The whale watching park was great as well. We saw dophi s, albatross and a sperm whale. We would definitely recommend for others.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alistairb1954
Mar 23, 2024
A Highly professional operation . - I have rated this trip for the sheer professionalism and high integrity of this company. We were warned that the sea had a big swell and people could take a refund .most decided to go .There was big swell and this triggered one of the passengers to have what was probably a fit .The crew dealt with matter with calm professionalism. We returned to harbour to off load the passenger .who was fine along with a few others who had been seasick .We then headed out again .once in deep water the sea was fine the sun shining .But sadly only a distant whale sighting .I had enjoyed the trip anyway .But then there was an announcement of an 80% refund for the disruption we had had .Not many tour companies are that decent .so well done Whale Watch
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Josephine_w
Jul 24, 2024
new experience of whale watching - though the cruise was canceled, it was fantastic to get on the plane. the tour guide is friendly and the wine tasting at the end was good too.
Review provided by Viator
Julie_n
Mar 29, 2024
Great driver, great scenery, no whales - Seeing dolphins,seals, the community. Flying over the ocean to see several beautiful sights. Driver answered our questions, gave us lots of info! No whales, but that can happen.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 9 guests
1 Adult
October 2024
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