Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch

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From NZD 365

4.2
135 reviews

Overview

Available languages

English

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 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

Operated by Leisure Tours

Reviews

4.2

135 reviews

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  • 100% recommend

    Anabel G,

    Jan 16, 2025

    5.0

    Incredible experience made even better by Carmen. She was a knowledgeable and friendly guide who gave us amazing tips, organised us really well and looked after us in every way. Whalewatching itself was great and we saw a whale. Very bumpy boat but we love that. Lunch was fab too with alot of good choices and well organised.

  • Fantastic trip with perfect guid!

    RONG C,

    Dec 31, 2024

    5.0

    Pete is an experienced guid. Our boat was cancelled due to the weather and he managed plane for us and we finally saw the whale! So lucky we are. If without him , if we go by our own, we won’t be able to get a chance to see the whale! Thank you Pete!

  • Great experience!

    Nathaniel W,

    Nov 8, 2024

    5.0

    Scotty was awesome! Knowledgeable, easy going and organized to keep us on time for an incredible experience. Would highly recommend!

  • Unforgettable Experience

    sokboey A,

    Oct 26, 2024

    5.0

    This day trip was absolutely unforgettable! The guide was knowledgeable and friendly, the itinerary was well-planned, and every stop was breathtaking. We managed to have close encounters with sea seals, dolphin and whale. The sea was not too rough. Highly recommend it for anyone looking to make the most of a single day!

  • Fun outing

    Julina K,

    Sep 21, 2024

    5.0

    As this is a weather and nature/wildlife dependent activity, there is never a 100% guarantee that you will see whales. So, do approach with an open mind. The alternative nature tour offered was equally rewarding. We got to watch several dolphin pods playing, swimming near the catamaran and jumping off the waters, seals, several varieties of sea birds, albatrosses running on the water’s edge to take flight and so on. So, I still had a fun day.

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