Kayaking in Kaikoura

Guaranteed whale sightings or 80% money back–marine magic with peace of mind!

• Great for families and wildlife enthusiasts wanting a comfortable, eco-friendly adventure with a 95% success rate of spotting sperm whales in their natural habitat.
• Everything you get: 2.5-hour cruise on a modern catamaran with air-conditioned viewing decks, expert live commentary, "World of the Whales" presentation, and the reassurance of an 80% refund if no whales are spotted.
• Why choose this: Experience the thrill of watching 15-meter-long sperm whales hunt in one of the world's only year-round whale-watching destinations, delivered with comfort and sustainability.
• Upgrades: Elevate your experience with the VIP Captain's Cabin–priority boarding, business-class seating, exclusive deck access, and personal insights from the captain.

Inclusions

• 3-hour whale-watching cruise in Kaikoura
• Full-tour English narration
• Access to outside decks
• Marine wildlife presentation
• Free Wi-Fi aboard the cruise
• Access to captain's cabin alongside captain and watchkeeper (if option selected)
• Small group of up to 12 people (if option selected)
• Priority boarding and transport (if option selected)
• Business-class seating (if option selected)
• Access to all other passenger areas (if option selected)
• Locally-made food boxes and cold drinks (if option selected)
• Exclusive viewing area on the top deck (if option selected)

• Requests to upgrade bookings after the tour check-in begins will not include a food pack.
• Children aged 3 years old and under are restricted from this experience.
• If you're booking seating in the VIP Captain's cabin, please make a note of any food allergies at the time of booking so these can be catered for accordingly.
• The schedule is subject to change. Factors such as weather, technical disruptions, marine mammal availability, and minimum passenger numbers may necessitate adjustments.
• Whale sightings are not guaranteed. However, if no whales are observed during the tour, 80% of the tour cost will be refunded. For clarity, 'whale' encompasses all species defined as such under the Marine Mammals Protection Regulations 1992, including baleen, sperm, beaked, killer, and pilot whales.
• For the safety of all passengers, including those using wheelchairs, the captain will assess sea conditions. If conditions are suitable, wheelchair access is provided. However, if conditions are deemed unsafe, mobility restrictions may be implemented.

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Ultimate aerial whale watching with multiple tour options – thrilling and exclusive!

• Great for adventure seekers and photography enthusiasts wanting a flexible whale-watching experience, with options from quick viewings to mountain landings.
• Everything you get: Aerial whale watching experience with expert pilot commentary, guaranteed window seat, views of sperm whales and other marine life, Kaikoura's coastline and mountains, and professional safety equipment.
• Why choose this: Experience the incomparable thrill of hovering directly above these ocean giants, capturing their full size and movements.
• Upgrades: Enhance your experience with the extended tour for more whale spotting time or the Top 'n' Tail tour for a mountain landing with 360° panoramic views.

Inclusions

• 30/40/60-minute Kaikoura whale-watching helicopter flight (based on option selected)
• Live commentary from pilot
• Headset with microphone for the helicopter flight
• Alpine landing on Kaikoura Seaward Ranges (if option selected)

• Tip: Keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins – they sometimes join the whale-watching party.
• This experience is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
• For the helicopter flight, the maximum permitted passenger weight is 136 kg (300 lbs).
• Flights may be affected by weather conditions and the need to meet minimum passenger numbers.
• For safety and compliance with aircraft specifications, weight restrictions apply to all passengers. The pilot has the authority to determine passenger seating based on the helicopter's weight and balance parameters.
• This experience requires a minimum of 2 guests and will have a maximum of 6 guests.
• Guests will receive a headset equipped with a microphone, enabling direct communication with the pilot.

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Paddle with seals in their natural habitat–intimate wildlife encounters guaranteed!

• Great for nature enthusiasts seeking an active, up-close marine wildlife experience without barriers.
• Everything you get: Guided kayaking tour with local naturalists, all necessary equipment (kayaks, paddles, life jackets, spray skirts), wetsuits, fur seal sightings, possible encounters with dolphins and penguins, and photo opportunities.
• Why choose this: Experience the thrill of having curious seals swim right up to your kayak for a natural, respectful wildlife encounter that's more intimate than any boat tour can offer.
• Upgrades: Choose from the standard wildlife tour, family-friendly guided kayaking, or romantic sunset kayaking tour for an experience based on your preferences.

Inclusions

• 3-hour whale-watching kayaking experience in Kaikoura
• All kayaking equipment (paddle jackets, wet shoes, spray skirts, dry pants, gloves, and hats over the winter months)
• English-speaking guide and instructor
• Family-friendly kayaking with 1 guide for each family (if option selected)
• Sunset hours kayaking (if option selected)

• Tip: Even if you're not a morning person, join the 8:30am tour for the best interactions with marine life.
• The guided family kayaking tour requires a minimum of 2 guests.
• This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
• Guests in this sea kayaking tour should understand that adventure activities carry inherent risks. These risks may include property damage, personal injury, weather-related illness, drowning, death, and environmental factors such as sunburn, dehydration, hyperthermia, and exhaustion.
• The sunset kayaking experience will accommodate a maximum of 24 guests.
• This is a weather-dependent activity. Cancellations due to poor weather result in rescheduling or a full refund.

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

• Escape to Kaikoura on a comfy day trip! Witness giant sperm whales, explore a lively seal colony, and indulge in Canterbury wines.
• Get round-trip hotel transfers from Christchurch, jump aboard a boat with an English-speaking guide, and learn about the town’s links to the Maori tribes.
• Spot whales breaching Kaikoura waters, look out for dolphins and humpbacks and watch an animated film picturing Kaikoura’s hidden fauna.
• Stretch your legs on your way back and stop by a vineyard to sip on some delicious fine wines and even meet the winemakers, all if time permits.

Inclusions

• 10-hour day trip to Kaikoura Whale Watch
• Round-trip hotel transfers in AC coach from Christchurch
• English-speaking guide
• Whale-watching tour by boat
• Fur seal colony viewing
• Vineyard visit and wine tasting (if time permits)

• Tip: Watch for the "blow" (puff of air) before whales come to the surface. It's your cue to snap pics! The blow is V-shaped for sperm whales and heart-shaped for humpbacks.
• This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
• Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.
• Transportation is wheelchair accessible.
• This trip accommodates 35 participants.
• Wineries close at 5pm daily and on some holidays as well. In such cases, a stop may not be possible.

• You can cancel these tickets up to 7 days before the experience begins and get a full refund.