Kaikōura Day Tour From Christchurch With Whale Watch
Overview
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Although often overlooked, Kaikoura's small coastal town feel is an absolute "must-see" in New Zealand. Caught between the Kaikōura Ranges - which in the winter are snowcapped and a sight to behold - and the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean (Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa), this area is truly breathtaking.
Description
Itinerary:
- Christchurch - We start by leaving Ōtautahi Christchurch, also known as New Zealand's Garden City. As we head north towards Kaikōura, our knowledgeable guide will point out some of the central city highlights and facts about the wider Canterbury region.
- Cheviot (15 minutes) - Our first stop is in Cheviot, a hidden gem on one of New Zealand’s largest coastal routes. This is a perfect spot to stretch your legs and refuel. After our brief break, we’ll continue through the stunning Hundalee Hills, where you’ll have a chance to spot surfers and local wildlife, including seals! The scenic drive offers spectacular views all along the way.
- Kaikōura (4.5 hours) - The highlight of the tour! Upon arriving in Kaikōura, our guide will take you for a classic Kiwi fish and chip lunch, before we drop you at your pre-booked Whale Watch Tour. While on board, you will have the chance to spot marine wildlife, including Giant Sperm, Blue, Fin, Sei, Humpback, Minke, Pilot, Orca and Southern Right Whales, Common Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, Southern Right Whale Dolphins, Hector’s Dolphins, Dusky Dolphins, Elephant Seals and Leopard Seals. Bird species - such as Albatross, Petrels, and Shearwaters - may also be spotted. There is no doubt that this experience will be pretty special, and is one of our most popular day tours.
*Please note that this product is purely for those interested in Whale Watching. There will be no time for additional walks or local shopping unfortunately.
If Time Allows: Waipara - If time permits, we’ll stop at Waipara, a renowned wine region surrounded by lush vineyards and green hills. Here, you can taste a selection of locally produced wines from a family-owned vineyard. Don’t worry if wine’s not your thing! Beer and non-alcoholic options are available.
- Christchurch - After a fantastic day in Kaikōura, we’ll head back to the Garden City. Sit back and where you can relax after a day full of and reflect on a day full of stunning landscapes and wildlife sightings. With your camera roll full, this day will definitely be something to brag about!
Highlights and Inclusions:
- Small group size
- Carbon neutral tour of Kaikōura from Christchurch
- Picture-perfect scenery and panoramic views spanning the mountains to the sea
- Wildlife sightings
- Scenic lookouts
- Whale Watch Tour (approx 2 hours on water) with Whale Watch Kaikoura
- Wine tasting (time permitting)
- Fish and chip lunch, bottled water and Kiwi snacks
- Wi-Fi and USB charging
- Commentary
- 100% Kiwi experience
Meeting points
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Reviews
8 reviews
A very good trip. Would recommend.
O6887HNlisat,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00I really enjoyed my day, the scenery on the way was pretty and we had good information from our guide, Clive, who was great and attended to everyone's needs extremely well. The fish and chip lunch was fantastic and It was nice seeing the beautiful coastline and the seal colony which was fascinating. We were lucky that we got on the boat trip - due to the weather being windy - and it was amazing to see a sperm whale, dolphins and albatross! A really good day - thoroughly recommend!!
A very special tour! We saw whales, dolphins, and seals!
Pamela O,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a wonderful, experienced guide named Clive who went out of his way to make the trip wonderful for all of us. It was very windy, but our whale watching boat still went out. We were able to see Holey Moley the sperm whale and several dusky dolphins who swam close to the boat. It was pretty special. We took motion sickness medication so we were okay despite the waves (plan in advance). Clive also took us to a special place to see seals. There were many pups and it was adorable!! No tourists trying to invade their habitat, just seals allowed to grow and thrive in nature. New Zealand is truly a special place and we are thankful to be able to visit!
Making do in a rainstorm
Adriane L,,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00due to the terrible weather the whale watching was cancelled. Our brave and determined guide did her best to make the day worthwhile. She did her best but in the in the rain it is pretty difficult. 3 highlights-an extraordinary seal colony; great wine testing and out guide Diane. She taught us a great deal about life in New Zealand at a high level. Thank you Diane !
Great tour guide!
B8197RBlynnb,,Dec 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00So impressed with this tour to Kaikōura and our guide Jess. Even though the weather affected some of the trip, Jess found alternatives and we all still had a great day. Very informative and we saw lots of wildlife and amazing views. Highly recommend. My only regret is booking through a third party instead of booking directly.
Amazing guide (Clive). ...
Colleen D,,Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing guide (Clive). Lots of opportunities to see marine life of all kinds!! Saw seals, whales, dolphins, albatross, and more!
We had a great trip...
Laura K,,Jan 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great trip despite weather preventing us from taking the whale watching tour. Jess did an amazing job of making sure we all enjoyed our trip! The day could easily have been a bust but she sought out amazing wildlife to include baby seals.
Amazing day out, but the whales were hiding
margarethE6891LL,,Nov 3, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic day out. Beautiful trip from Christchurch to Kaikoura through the Canterbury plains and over the mountain roads. Stopping along the way to see the seals. Unfortunately, the boat was cancelled due to rough seas, so we were sent up in a flight that lasted 30 minutes. No whales were seen, but a large pod of Dolphins gave a fabulous display. We then had a lovely lunch at the King Tide eatery. On the travels back to Christchurch, we stopped for a fabulous wine tasting. Our guide June was amazing. Highly recommend the trip.
Dolpin Tour
David P,,Feb 14, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Diana did a good job touring us. She was open to stopping along the road if we saw wildlife. The dolphin tour was wonderful.
From A$339.37
Christchurch, New Zealand
- Free cancellation
Reserve Now & Pay Later - available
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