Day 1: Christchurch
Travel by coach through the rolling hill country of North Canterbury, enjoying the beauty of its pastoral scenes, to Kaikoura where mountains meet sea (a journey of approximately three hours by coach). Kaikoura is world-renowned for the variety of marine mammals which can be seen, not least of all the giant sperm whales and the acrobatic dusky dolphins.
On arrival in Kaikoura you will be transferred to a whale-watching tour by boat. This afternoon is free for you to explore Kaikoura.
Overnight: 5-star accommodation at The Anchor Inn (or similar). Kaikoura’s newest motel on the waterfront, opened in November 1997, offers 15 architecturally designed motel units, all fully self-contained. The motel is centrally located within the township on the waterfront and most rooms enjoy mountain or sea views.
Day 2: Kaikoura
This morning join a swim-with-dolphins cruise. You will be fully equipped with wetsuit, mask, snorkel and flippers in order to swim in the sea with dusky dolphins. There will be an opportunity during the day to visit a seal colony where fur seals may be viewed at close quarters.
Returning to Christchurch this afternoon, a stop is made at a North Canterbury vineyard where a wine tasting has been arranged for your pleasure.
- Fur seal colony viewing
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Swim with Dolphins
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- North Canterbury wine tasting if time permits
- Live commentary on board
- Overnight accommodation
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- Whale watch tour by boat
- Food and drinks, unless specified
Behold the grandeur of whales and float alongside dolphins. This is an enchanting night-long treat for enthusiasts eager to become intimate with the wild. Trek from Christchurch to Kaikoura, where your encounter with whales awaits. Repose in this quaint seaside town for a night, before joining the ‘Swim with Dolphins’ voyage. Plunge into the sea for a swim adjacent to these extraordinary creatures. A sea-life adventure that stands unrivaled.
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
- Please note, infants under 3 years of age may not join the cruises but may travel on the light aircraft tours
- Children must be aged 8 years and over to swim with Dolphins.
- Customers must declare any pre-existing medical conditions. A basic level of fitness is required. Customers will be floating in the open ocean and will be required to swim to and from the boat - distances up to 50 meters (150 feet) at a time.
- 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 due to whale sightings or weather conditions the boat offers a partial refund, this refund will be passed on to our customers.
- If whale watch is undertaken by light aircraft and no whales are seen, no refund applies.
- Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark
- If time allows we will stop at a North Canterbury vineyard for a wine tasting!
- Maximum - One Medium size bag/suitcase per person (max 20kg each)
If you cancel at least 7 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
