Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch
Overview
Available languages
11 hours
Mobile ticket
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 To Expect
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
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 excluding Lunch
Whale watch by boat, excludes lunch
Pickup included
Tour including Lunch
Whale watch by boat, includes lunch at a local restaurant
Pickup included
Reviews
187 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Whale Watching
Ian P,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00We decided some time ago that we had to do this trip when we visited Christchurch and the only question was whether I could drive it myself or make the booking with the tour company. I am glad I chose the latter because it is a long way up to Kaikoura and the main road is not fast. Our driver, Carmen, was excellent and she guided us all the way, with helpful tips about where to wait, what to see and where to go etc. It was a beautiful day and we did see whales, albeit not those that breach, and overall it was well worth the trip.
Absolutely Pefect
Danica G,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a wonderful day, our driver/guide Stephanie was a lovely and interesting lady who made sure the drive was comfortable and lots of knowledge about the local area. We got really lucky on our boat, we saw two species of whale and three species of dolphin and then on the way back Stephanie took us to see a fur seal colony with loads of babies!!! An amazing experience.
Lovely whale watching g
Victoria N,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00We were so lucky. Our whale jumped out of the water twice and we saw lots of dolphins. It was fabulous
Fabulous day trip.
Chris C,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A brilliant trip from start to finish. We were picked up from our hotel on time. Our driver, Pete, was very friendly and welcoming. He gave good commentary along the way to Kaikoura. The whale boat trip was amazing, we saw Sperm Whales, fur seals, albatross, and a massive pod of dusky dolphins. Truly wonderful! On way back to Christchurch Pete stopped to show us loads of basking fur seals, a great photo opportunity. A most glorious day out and would highly recommend this trip.
Moby Dick Sightings
Evan H,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch was excellent. Stephanie, our guide/driver picked us up at our motel. She was an excellent driver, provided good communication and helped with our lunch. Top notch. The whale watch tour was perfect. We saw 3 sperm whales, spent about 20 minutes with a humpback whale and watched a pod of about 100 dusky dolphins. The guides on the boat were excellent. They did everything to ensure guests had a great experience. I was a little concerned with the group size initially. But it wasn't a problem and affect the experience. People could move around the boat while viewing the animals and generally there was lots of time with each sighting Great experience. Well worth it.
Sensational
Tastjames,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Andrew was a charming and informative guide as soon as we met. He clearly explained the format of the day which was fabulous. We were guided at each step and short stop times were made clear. Andrew was knowledgeable about all things Kiwi and kept us well-informed during the journey there and back. We were delighted to see hump back whales, albatross and dusky dolphins. Before lunch we were shown a stunning viewpoint and after lunch we were shown some seals basking on rocks - such a treat. A total must ; everything was spot on.
My parents loved the...
BLOSSOM F,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00My parents loved the experience. Probably needed a sea sickness tablets but they got great pictures!
Several experiences with Leisure all 100%!
flyinbanana1,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did several experiences with Leisure Tours and everything was 5 star. I am in the tourism industry also so I have a bit of insight when it comes to travel. I am absolutely amazed on how these guys manage so many moving parts seemlesly. The communication started with Janferie who was always avalible anytime I asked a question before or during my tour. I don’t know if Janferie ever sleeps. Lizzy also was very helpful and was also a great resource. Both were extremely supportive,friendly and patient. All of our drivers / tour guides also were top notch. Kevin set the tone as our first host and was informative and fun. Next up was Lee who dealt with our large group for 10 hours and had to deal with all sorts of road construction but still kept us on time. Grahm was with us for a day and tossed out great little tidbits and was a fun and funny guy. Scotty was a rockstar who hosted us on a 3 hour tour of Christchurch narrating the whole time. He gave us a great oversight on The City and the area along with his own entertaining personal stories. Thank you Leisure and hope to see you again sometime. area
Great whale watching experience
Karen K,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful experience. We had a beautiful day and saw 2 whales, both of them fluked. We also saw 2 rare Hector's dolphins. The commentary aboard the boat was really helpful and entertaining. Highly recommended.
Great day out if you want to spot wildlife.
Catherine V,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fabulous trip and well worth the long drive as scenery is beautiful. The cruise was great and we saw sperm whales, dolphins, seals and albatross. It was a bit choppy so go prepared if you are prone to sea sickness (the Gin.Gins available at the wharf are excellent as a prevention). Our guide got us on boat first so we had pick of the seats on the boat. The seal colony was also lovely with lots of pups. There’s plenty of places for lunch - we booked but wouldn’t do it again as there’s lots of time to order food. Take along the beach at lunchtime if you like seabirds. I think the winery only happens if cruise is cancelled due to bad weather - didn’t need it anyway.
From NZ$370.00
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Operated by Leisure Tours