- Kaikōra - Travel by Coastal Pacific Train taking a scenic rail journey North to arrive into Kaikoura. As you cruise with expert local guides, learn about the town, its whaling history and its natural features. Not far offshore lies the Hikurangi Trench, which creates the upwelling that attracts an abundance of marine life.
While the giant sperm whales live here year-round, you might also see New Zealand fur seals, dusky dolphins and, depending on the season, migrating humpback whales, pilot whales, blue whales and southern right whales. Kaikoura’s waters also host the world’s largest dolphins—the orca–and the world’s smallest and rarest—Hector’s dolphins.
On the feathered side of life, Kaikoura has the largest concentration and variety of seabirds on mainland New Zealand, with 13 species of albatross, 14 varieties of petrels and 7 types of shearwaters.
After your whale-watching cruise, if option selected have the option to include the lunch in your tour at additional cost, or to purchase your own meal. Next we visit a nearby New Zealand fur seal colony where you can observe the seals at close quarters. If time allows we will stop at a North Canterbury vineyard for a wine tasting!
- Transport by air-conditioned coach or minivan
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Fur seal colony viewing
- One-way train journey
- Whale watching tour by boat
- North Canterbury vineyard visit and wine tasting
- Lunch (if option is selected)
- Live commentary on board
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks, unless specified
Embark on a whale-watching expedition in the serene waters of Kaikoura, nestled in the heartlands of New Zealand’s natural beauty. Watch for the majestic sperm whales that inhabit these waters, accompanied by dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, and various seabirds. Kickstart your day with a scenic train ride from Christchurch to Kaikoura in the early morning. Feast your eyes on the awe-inspiring sight of the snow-kissed Kaikoura Ranges and pay a visit to a fur seal colony on land. Round off your day with a delightful wine tasting session at a North Canterbury vineyard. Your knowledgeable guide will provide enlightening commentary throughout this enthralling and educational tour.
- 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
- 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.
- 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 canceled, 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.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
