Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch

    4.18
    128 reviews

    Leisure Tours

    Available languages

    English

    From NZD 350

    Leisure Tours

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    Overview

    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.

    Additional Info

    Wheelchair accessible

    Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

    Service animals allowed

    Public transportation options are available nearby

    Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

    Specialized infant seats are available

    Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

    Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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

    What‘s Included

    Fur seal colony viewing

    Whale watching tour by boat

    Air-conditioned vehicle

    North Canterbury vineyard visit and wine tasting (time permitting)

    Lunch (if option is selected)

    Live commentary on board

    Gratuities

    Options

    Tour including Lunch

    Whale watch by boat, includes lunch at a local restaurant
    Pickup included

    Tour excluding Lunch

    Whale watch by boat, excludes lunch
    Pickup included

    Reviews

    4.18

    128 reviews

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    • new experience of whale watching

      Josephine W
      4.0
      Jul 2024
      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.
    • Even better than I hoped!!

      Sarah M
      5.0
      Jul 2024
      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!
    • A great day out.

      nico d
      5.0
      Jul 2024
      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.
    • Nice journey

      Hazel Z
      5.0
      Jul 2024
      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.
    • Highly recommended

      Michelle W
      5.0
      May 2024
      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.

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