Kaikoura Day Tour with Whale Watching

Highlights

Travel to Kaikoura from Christchurch on a small-group full-day tour that includes a whale-watching cruise. Look for whales, dolphins, and other wildlife during the whale-watching cruise, and get great views of the Kaikoura Range and Pacific Ocean. You’ll also stop for a cafe lunch, visit a Waipara winery (if time allows), and go to viewpoints where you can spot New Zealand fur seals.

Summary

Travel to Kaikoura from Christchurch on a small-group full-day tour that includes a whale-watching cruise. Look for whales, dolphins, and other wildlife during the whale-watching cruise, and get great views of the Kaikoura Range and Pacific Ocean. You’ll also stop for a cafe lunch, visit a Waipara winery (if time allows), and go to viewpoints where you can spot New Zealand fur seals.

Tour info

Duration

10 hours - 11 hours

Why take this tour?

You'll depart Christchurch and travel through the beautiful rural pastoral scenes of North Canterbury to Kaikoura, where the mountains meet the sea. From there a Whale Watch cruise (or if cruise cancelled due to weather, a flight with Wings over Whales * ), will take you to look for the majestic Sperm Whales and Dusky Dolphin. Sightings may also include the Southern Right Whale, Humpback and Pilot Whales. ( Or you may consider a trip with the Dolphin Swim Encounter * ). After your cruise or flight, you'll enjoy a cafe lunch followed by a drive to a lookout with spectacular views of the peninsula and the Pacific Ocean. Here sightings can be made of the NZ Fur Seals. If time permits a stop at an award winning Waipara winery will be made where you can experience some local wines before returning to Christchurch. * Check for price variations.

What’s included?

All activities
Driver/guide
Live commentary on board
Whale Watch Cruise (or scenic flight if cruise cancelled - price may vary)
Lunch
Bottled water
Coffee and/or Tea
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Gratuities

Things to know

Before you book

Duration: 10-11 hours
Mobile tickets accepted

Covid Policy

Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Operator Website

Operated by:

Canterbury Trails - Day Tours

About operator:

Canterbury Trails focuses on small group guided tours of the South Island. We offer day tours from Christchuch to Akaroa NZ, Arthur's Pass with TranzAlpine train and Kaikoura Whale Watching. In addition we offer a 9 day Wilderness South Expedition Tour starting in Christchurch and finishing in Queenstown as well as a number of shorter guided trips in the Canterbury Region. We also specialise in putting together tailor made and bespoke tours working with our guests to ensure their interests and 'must see' places are included. See our web site for details.