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English
Kaikoura Whale Watching Tours
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION9 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Minivan
Timeline
Map
START POINT
Whale Watch Kaikoura
Board your cruise at Whale Watch Kaikoura, setting the day for an exciting adventure ahead.
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Kaikoura
Tickets included
Board a catamaran for a thrilling whale-watching adventure—keep an eye out for sperm whales and orcas!
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Whale Watch Kaikoura
Guaranteed sighting of at least one whale or 80% refund!
- Great for: Wildlife lovers and families seeking a safe, educational cruise with a 95% success rate in spotting majestic whales in their natural environment.
- Everything you get: A 2.5-hour cruise on a modern catamaran with air-conditioned cabins, outdoor decks, and expert commentary. Includes a “World of Whales” presentation. Upgrade for VIP priority boarding, premium seating, and captain’s deck access.
- Why choose this: Risk-free experience with guaranteed sightings and eco-conscious operations.
Guaranteed sighting of at least one whale or 80% refund!
- Great for: Wildlife lovers and families seeking a safe, educational cruise with a 95% success rate in spotting majestic whales in their natural environment.
- Everything you get: A 2.5-hour cruise on a modern catamaran with air-conditioned cabins, outdoor decks, and expert commentary. Includes a “World of Whales” presentation. Upgrade for VIP priority boarding, premium seating, and captain’s deck access.
- Why choose this: Risk-free experience with guaranteed sightings and eco-conscious operations.
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.
Sustainable whale viewing from a high-wing aircraft with clear views!
- Great for: Eco‑conscious travelers and families seeking expansive, high‑altitude whale sighting opportunities over vast distances.
- Everything you get: Choose between a 30‑minute flight or a 45‑minute flight with an added mountain tour; both include a guaranteed window seat, live pilot commentary, and full safety equipment.
- Why choose this: You'll get an unobstructed, sustainable aerial perspective that maximizes your chances to spot marine giants and Kaikoura from above.
Sustainable whale viewing from a high-wing aircraft with clear views!
- Great for: Eco‑conscious travelers and families seeking expansive, high‑altitude whale sighting opportunities over vast distances.
- Everything you get: Choose between a 30‑minute flight or a 45‑minute flight with an added mountain tour; both include a guaranteed window seat, live pilot commentary, and full safety equipment.
- Why choose this: You'll get an unobstructed, sustainable aerial perspective that maximizes your chances to spot marine giants and Kaikoura from above.
Inclusions
- 30 or 45-minute Kaikoura whale-watching flight (based on option selected)
- Scenic mountain tour over Kaikoura Ranges (if option selected)
- 15-min pre-flight information and safety briefing
- Life jacket and safety equipment
- Tip: Bring polarized sunglasses to help reduce glare on the water's surface, making it easier to spot whales and other marine life beneath the surface.
- Each adult can accompany only 1 infant under 3 years old.
- Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted for guests over the weight of 135kg (297.62lb).
- This experience is wheelchair accessible.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Flexible flight options for thrilling aerial whale encounters.
- Great for: Adventurers and photographers looking for a tailored flight experience over Kaikoura’s marine world, with options from quick viewings to mountain landings.
- Everything you get: A guided whale-watching flight with live commentary and window seats. Choose Classic (30 min), Extended (40 min) for extra sightings, or Top ‘n’ Tail (60 min) with a scenic mountain landing.
- Why choose this: Maximize your viewing time and customize your aerial adventure over whales and stunning landscapes.
Flexible flight options for thrilling aerial whale encounters.
- Great for: Adventurers and photographers looking for a tailored flight experience over Kaikoura’s marine world, with options from quick viewings to mountain landings.
- Everything you get: A guided whale-watching flight with live commentary and window seats. Choose Classic (30 min), Extended (40 min) for extra sightings, or Top ‘n’ Tail (60 min) with a scenic mountain landing.
- Why choose this: Maximize your viewing time and customize your aerial adventure over whales and stunning landscapes.
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.
Award-winning whale watch day trip with seamless transfers from Christchurch!
- Great for: Christchurch travelers wanting a complete, hassle‑free day trip that combines wildlife viewing with scenic rural drives and cultural stops.
- Everything you get: Round-trip hotel transfers, an award-winning whale watch tour with live animation sequences, a visit to a fur seal colony, and a vineyard stop for wine tasting.
- Why choose this: Enjoy a fully curated Kaikoura adventure where every detail is handled so you can focus on nature, culture, and unforgettable scenic experiences.
Award-winning whale watch day trip with seamless transfers from Christchurch!
- Great for: Christchurch travelers wanting a complete, hassle‑free day trip that combines wildlife viewing with scenic rural drives and cultural stops.
- Everything you get: Round-trip hotel transfers, an award-winning whale watch tour with live animation sequences, a visit to a fur seal colony, and a vineyard stop for wine tasting.
- Why choose this: Enjoy a fully curated Kaikoura adventure where every detail is handled so you can focus on nature, culture, and unforgettable scenic experiences.
Inclusions
- Full-day trip to Kaikoura from Christchurch
- Round-trip hotel transfers in AC coach from Christchurch
- English-speaking guide
- Kaikoura whale-watching tour by boat
- Fur seal colony viewing
- Vineyard visit and wine tasting (if time permits)
Exclusions
- Lunch (available to purchase onsite)
- 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.
- While there is no lunch provided, the tour will stop at a cafe where you can purchase lunch.
- 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.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION9 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Minivan
Timeline
Map
START POINT
Christchurch, New Zealand
Kick off your journey in the Garden City with its blend of urban cool and sprawling green spaces. Christchurch offers a snapshot of New Zealand's renewal, from its earthquake revival to its art and culture scenes.
Passes by
Canterbury Region
Waipara Valley
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Cheviot
A coastal gem, Cheviot is perfect for stretching your legs and grabbing a bite before heading further. Known for stunning surf beaches, it's also where you might spot seals and birds native to the region.
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Kaikoura
1 activities
Tickets included
Arrive in Kaikoura and treat yourself to lunch at a local fish and chips shop, where the seafood is as fresh as it gets. Then, board a catamaran for a thrilling whale-watching adventure—keep an eye out for sperm whales and orcas!
Things to do
1. Fish and Chips
Lunch
Savor freshly caught seafood at a local fish and chips shop—perfectly crispy, with ocean views to match.
2. Kaikoura Whale Watching
Included in price
Hop aboard a catamaran and venture into the Pacific Ocean, where you’ll have the chance to spot majestic sperm whales, playful dolphins, and, if you're lucky, even orcas!
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Christchurch, New Zealand
All-inclusive, eco-friendly tour with wildlife, culture, and cuisine.
- Great for: Christchurch visitors wanting a relaxed, fully guided journey that blends wildlife encounters with scenic stops.
- Everything you get: Round-trip minivan transport from Christchurch, coastal stops at Cheviot, a local guide, a fish & chips lunch, snacks, Wi-Fi, bottled water, and USB charging. With a bonus wine tasting in Waipara if time allows.
- Why choose this: A stress-free day trip without the hassle of planning transportation, meals, and activities so that you can enjoy Kaikoura’s marine life and local flavors.
All-inclusive, eco-friendly tour with wildlife, culture, and cuisine.
- Great for: Christchurch visitors wanting a relaxed, fully guided journey that blends wildlife encounters with scenic stops.
- Everything you get: Round-trip minivan transport from Christchurch, coastal stops at Cheviot, a local guide, a fish & chips lunch, snacks, Wi-Fi, bottled water, and USB charging. With a bonus wine tasting in Waipara if time allows.
- Why choose this: A stress-free day trip without the hassle of planning transportation, meals, and activities so that you can enjoy Kaikoura’s marine life and local flavors.
Inclusions
- Full-day tour to Kaikoura
- Round-trip transfers from MP Christchurch Bus Interchange by luxury minivan
- English-speaking guide
- Small group of up to 16 people
- Whale-watching cruise
- Lunch at Kaikoura fish and chip shop
- Wine-tasting at Waipara
- Kiwi snacks
- Bottled water
- WiFi, USB charging ports on minivan
- Tip: Watch for a whale's diving sequence: back arching, frequent spouts, then head lifting. This 3-minute pattern signals the moment to photograph its tail fluke.
- This experience is not accessible by wheelchair.
- Your guide dogs are welcome on this experience.
- Nobody likes a crowd. A single group has a maximum of 16 people.
- Alcoholic beverages will not be served to guests under the age of 18 years.
- If you have specific dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, let us know at the time of booking.
- This experience is weather-dependent. You can reschedule or receive a full refund if it's canceled due to inclement weather.
- This experience requires a minimum number of participants. If the minimum is not met and the experience is canceled, you can reschedule or receive a full refund.
- 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 for an intimate wildlife experience!
- Great for: Active travelers and families wanting a safe, hands-on marine wildlife experience without barriers.
- Everything you get: A 3-hour guided kayak tour with full gear, safety briefing, expert naturalist guide, and guaranteed seal encounters. Upgrades include tandem kayaks for families or sunset paddling.
- Why choose this: Intimate, low-impact adventure where seals swim right up to your kayak for a natural, respectful wildlife encounter that's more intimate than any boat tour can offer.
Paddle with seals in their natural habitat for an intimate wildlife experience!
- Great for: Active travelers and families wanting a safe, hands-on marine wildlife experience without barriers.
- Everything you get: A 3-hour guided kayak tour with full gear, safety briefing, expert naturalist guide, and guaranteed seal encounters. Upgrades include tandem kayaks for families or sunset paddling.
- Why choose this: Intimate, low-impact adventure where seals swim right up to your kayak for a natural, respectful wildlife encounter that's more intimate than any boat tour can offer.
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.
KaikouraKaikoura Tours