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• You don't need this middleman. Do your own bookings and make happier memories!

  PradeepK,2025年5月1日

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  2.00

  This company is nothing more than an intermediary that adds ZERO value to your experience. Rather, they are pretty incompetent when it comes to setting up an itinerary for you. We wanted an overnight stay at Kaikoura and came across this tour. Told them over phone that in our group of 3, two do not swim. For reasons they alone know, they made no note of it and booked 3 swim tickets with the tour operator. They did not inform us either that there were swim and watch options with different ticket prices. We learnt of this option only once we got to the tour centre and spoke to the front desk there. The only option we had was to use the "swim" tickets on a "watch" tour as that's what Leisure Tours had got for us. And no, we do not get our money back for having paid for the pricier "swim" tickets. Taking it up with these guys later, they said - but you booked a "swim" tour, failing to realize or acknowledge that they did not offer the watch option. They also refused to accept that I had informed them about the swimming abilities/preferences of my group. And also that since we went ahead with the tour, there was no change or refund they would be offering. How exactly did they expect us to not go ahead with the tour when we reached Kaikoura, I fail to understand. It was well within their means to book different tickets for members of our group but they just did not go beyond their scripted offering/pay heed to the customer's needs. Those looking for a good experience, with a bit more of research (and learnings from customers like myself), will realise that one does not need these guys to book a good experience. In fact, one would be better off doing it by themselves if they are willing to drive on their own than getting mixed up with these mediocre tour companies. Rent a good vehicle, go on your schedule. It will be heaps more comfortable than their 12 seater vans. There are a handful of tour companies running these cruises and some good hotels to stay in Kaikoura. Go ahead and book them yourself - don't rely on these guys. This is not a criticism of the tour company, but a broad recommendation to travellers. Do your own research, DO NOT trust Leisure Tours to look at it from a your perspective. They are just incapable of that. They are in it only for the money and have no value for your experience.

• Awesome Guide! pretty good whale watching

  Andrew W,2025年2月5日

  - Review from Viator

  4.00

  Pete is an Absolutely fantastic guide from Leisure Tours. Super informative. Had so much great information during the drive to and from whale boat (2 hours each way). He really took excellent care of us and and made sure we had a blast. The whale watching (not leisure tours) was pretty good. We drove around for a while while they tracked a whale. He finally came up for a few minutes and then dove. Certainly not the most exciting whale watching I’ve ever done. But that’s what Sperm whales do. Impressive location. Great crew on the boat - also very informative.

• Very friendly tour guide, helping , punctual and ever smiling

  drgirdhar,2024年12月30日

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Our visit to Kaikora for whale watching was cancelled due to bad weather by guide Tania was so considerate, jolly and sincere that in the evening way back to Christchrch we stopped for seal watching and went to Georges Road Wines and enjoyed wine tasting . Full 5 stars for efficient, friendly and punctual staff .

  

  

• Not as advertised

  Ciara D,2024年12月13日

  - Review from Viator

  2.00

  I was quite disappointed with this experience overall as I don't feel the description matched the reality. Although parts of the trip like the dolphin watching were as amazing as described, the description far oversold the experience. I understand that many things are presented as possibilities not guarantees but I missed out on many of the things I was looking forward to. There was no seal colony viewing, no winery stop, no hotel drop-off, no ocean view from my room. I didn’t mind getting the public bus back but it was definitely more inconvenient than the advertised drop off. It felt like the whole experience was an attempt to patch together activities that the company aren't used to combining. I feel like this package should not be offered if it is not manageable. After weeks of backpacking and looking forward to my overnight break with some luxury, I was sadly disappointed.

• Solid Trip

  Chris F,2023年3月3日

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Entire experience was fantastic! Swimming with dolphins was amazing and very well organized, transport was hassle free and straight forward, and the whale watching tour was peaceful. Highly recommend for anyone looking to get a lot out of Kaikōura in a short amount of time.

• Stunning tour

  Meme2Bristol,2018年5月24日

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  We booked an early boat on a beautiful day. A very short bus ride to the boat which was extremely comfortable. The crew were very friendly and Informative. We were so lucky after a relatively short time we saw our first whale just basking in the water. We waited iand after sometime he decided to dive flipping his tale several times. Breathtaking. We then went on seeing dolphins and sea birds a truly magical day.

• Beautiful but sadly the sea got the better of me

  Charlottef23,2018年4月12日

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  I have always wanted to swim with dolphins and whilst travelling NZ, Kaikoura was the one place loads of people had recommended to do this. I was all geared up at 6am and ready, I'd taken sickness tablets for the boat ride. On the boat, we started to see the dolphins, jumping alongside, was amazing and i was so excited. BUT, as we were told to come in and gear up, i didnt feel too good. Sadly, i missed out on interacting with the dolphins and getting into the sea as my head remained in a bucket for the rest of the experience. I had an amazing time and would recommend it.

  

• It is an amazing and awesome trip to me...

  Yeong,2016年9月25日

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  It is an amazing and awesome trip to me and my wife. Strongly recommended

• One of the best experience I've had...

  Jeremy Tsz Yik K,2015年3月31日

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  One of the best experience I've had swimming with dolphins. Highly recommended. I was initially worried about being cold in the water, but the wetsuits were extremely warm.