Kaikoura Full-Day Tour from Christchurch with Whale Cruise
Following a hotel pickup in Christchurch, settle in for a comfortable 2.5-hour scenic drive by coach. You’ll drive through the North Canterbury region of the South Island to Kaikoura, New Zealand’s prime whale-watching locale.
Climb aboard your boat and meet expert guides who explain the town’s whaling history and point out the area’s abundant marine life throughout your Kaikoura whale-watching cruise.
The Hikurangi Trench, located offshore, creates an upwelling that draws the showstopper attraction—mighty sperm whales, who live in Kaikoura’s waters year-round—as well as migrating blue whales, pilot whales, humpback whales, and southern right whales, depending on the season. Keep an eye out for orcas as well as Hector’s dolphins, the world's smallest and rarest dolphins. You’ll see plenty of sea birds, too.
Sate your appetite with lunch at a local restaurant (if option is selected) or buy your own meal. Relax with views of the imposing snow-capped peaks of the Kaikoura Range.
Then re-board the coach to witness New Zealand fur seals at a nearby colony. Stop for wine tasting (time permitting) at a North Canterbury vineyard en route to Christchurch, where your tour ends in the evening when your guide returns you to your hotel.
Good to Know
- 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 whale watch is undertaken by light aircraft and no whales are seen, no refund applies.
- If due to whale sightings or weather conditions the boat offers a partial refund, this refund will be passed on to our customers.
- 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
- 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.
Highlights
- Marvel at the scenery as you drive through North Canterburyy
- Learn about the marine mammals of Kaikoura and the town’s whaling industry history
- Includes pickup and drop off from central Christchurch hotels
- Avoid the hassle of self-driving and sit back and enjoy the views
Inclusions
- Fur seal colony viewing
- Whale watching tour by boat
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- North Canterbury vineyard visit and wine tasting (time permitting)
- Lunch (if option is selected)
- Live commentary on board
Exclusions
- Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
- A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 6 days before the activity start time.
- A 50% refund will apply if you cancel more than 48 hours before the activity start time.
- No refund is possible if you cancel less than 48 hours before the activity start time.
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