Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch
4
Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch
By Leisure Tours
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About
The Hikurangi Trench, just offshore from the town of Kaikoura, draws sperm whales throughout the year and blue whales, pilot whales, humpback whales, right whales, orcas, and dolphins in season. Look for these majestic creatures from a boat with the help of specialist guides on this memorable day trip. Besides transfers, your tour includes a seal colony visit and a wine tasting (time permitting): Upgrade to add a restaurant lunch.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 20 per group
Duration: 11h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Live guide: English
More
Highlights
- Look for sperm whales year-round and other whales in season from Kaikoura
- Spot other marine life, such as albatrosses, with the help of dedicated guides
- See New Zealand fur seals at a colony and taste wine at a local vineyard
- Tour includes hotel transfers: Upgrade for a package with a restaurant lunch
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Live commentary on board
- Whale watching tour by boat
- Lunch (if option is selected)
- Fur seal colony viewing
- North Canterbury vineyard visit and wine tasting (time permitting)
What's not included- Gratuities
- Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.Hotel pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.
- Wheelchair accessible
- Pushchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Infant seats available
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 2950CLT08- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travellers can participate
- 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 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.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travellers
- If you cancel at least 7 days in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
- If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee.
- If you cancel within 2 days of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 2950CLT08
From
$365.00
per adult
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Hambos20130 contributionsArthur’s pass with Leisure toursScott was a great driver and guide full of information and enthusiasm for the area. Would recommend this full day tour well worthwhileWritten 14 February 2025
- Pathfinder6995370 contributionsExcellent tripA very interesting and informative trip well worth doing. If you get the chance do it you won't regret it. Good sightseeing trip as wellWritten 11 February 2025
- Michael D0 contributionsGreat way to take part of Alpinz trainGood way to take alpine train part way (2+ hours) toward the west coast. Beautiful scenery. Then off at Arthur’s pass into a minibus for ride back to Christchurch. Stops at waterfalls with steep hike and sheep farm to watch interesting shearing and herding by super friendly dog Toby. Guide Jude ran a tight ship and kept things moving.Written 9 February 2025
- Keith B0 contributionsA definite recommendation!A great day out seeing the sights Christchurch has to offer. Our driver/guide Kevin was extremely knowledgeable and informative. Answered many questions put to him by the crowd. We took in some great views and lovely gardens and learned of the effects of the 2010/11 earthquakes and subsequent rebuild of the city. A highly recommended tour.Written 8 February 2025
- Voyager2605390 contributionsWine in Christ churchTania Britton was ann amazing guide. Please tell her thanks for a wonderful time. She made it so great for all of us. Would take a tour with her anytime.Written 7 February 2025
- NorthStar7830670 contributionsA Once in a Lifetime ExperienceWe booked this trip with Leisure Tours and had Pete as I guide. We had so much fun and learned a great deal about NZ history from Pete along the way. The train ride was amazing. We did the Devils Punchbowl hike and also did the loop at Castle Hill on the way back to Christchurch. Our favorite part of the trip was visiting the Toby Hill sheep farm. It was so fun to see Toby the herding dog steering the sheep to our group for photos. The shearing demonstration was very informative and we got some great merino wool apparel from their shop. What an awesome way to spend a day learning about NZ. We would highly recommend Pete and the Leisure Tours team for your next tour.Written 6 February 2025
- Marsha O0 contributionsJonathon’s tourVery easy pickup at the cruise dock in Littleton Excellent tour guide (Jonathan) who grew up in the area and gave excellent perspective of Christchurch before and after the earthquake Loved seeing the animals in the wildlife reserveWritten 5 February 2025
- mikej980 contributionsNice Wine Tour on a Warm and Breezy DayWe had a very interesting day and turned lemons into lemonade! We were picked up at our hotel and my wife and I were the last of 7 guests so had to sit at the back of the van. The van’s ac was not working and it was a warm day so not the most pleasant ride to the first vineyard - about 45 minutes. As we pulled into Waipara Springs winery the van died - right in the middle of the lot! This is where we made lemonade! We had and enjoyable tasting and then were served a nice lunch. At that time our driver let us know that the company was sending a new van. So the group ordered 2 bottles of wine and we had a nice hour or so to enjoy them on this warm and breezy day! The new van arrived and we set off to our second winery - Georges Road. We had a nice tasting provided by the owner and I loved his tee shirt so much I bought one. At our third winery Torlese we had some nice wines but the port they make is so good. Unfortunately they can’t ship those wines! If you go hopefully you will have room in your bags for a bottle - we didn’t. We had a nice group on our tour and the weather and wines were enjoyable but the initial van was disappointing. The second one was much newer and comfortable- we would have given the tour 5 stars if they had sent that van first.Written 4 February 2025
- susanaR572GD0 contributionsI'd take this trian trip again!The train was very clean and it was a pleasant ride with great views. Our tour combined the train trip up and a coach return. It was a great way to see the big views and the closeup scenery.Written 3 February 2025
- Jacki R0 contributionsAlpine Jet Canyon SafariAmazing 🤩!! We did the Alpine Jet Canyon Safari. Pick- up was easy (free shuttle from cruise ship, get off first stop). Ed picked us up here where we did some sightseeing in Christchurch first and then made our way to Alpine Jet Thrills and Waimakariri Gorge. Ed driver/tour guide very friendly and knowledgeable of area, sites and jet boating. Views of gorge and Jet Boat experience I have no words to do it justice. Gorgeous scenery, delicious lunch and amazing experience for all provided by Paul and his wife. 🤩 🙌Written 2 February 2025
- Scenic5733250 contributionsGreat value for money and great experienceCarmen our guide was very friendly and welcoming. We had a great showing of dolphins. The food at the restaurant was tastyWritten 1 February 2025
- S4874KNdavem0 contributionsFun wine tasting in WaiparaOur driver, Jude, was friendly and helpful. Our van broke down at the first winery we visited. They sent a replacement van while we did our wine tasting and had lunch. We had no wasted time even though we had this mishap. The three wineries we visited had good wines and friendly staff. I was solo, but had fun with the other six “strangers” in our group!Written 31 January 2025
- S3451QAannikas0 contributionsOverallCarmen was a very good guide and chauffeur. The winerys was good, served many nice not pricey wines. I bought a couple of bottles. Very good trip. Not too far away from the city either.Written 30 January 2025
- 825debbiea0 contributionsExploring some wineriesThis was a beautiful afternoon to visit the wineries. Stephanie was our guide and she was so engaging and delightful to have for our tour. She was very knowledgable and wanted to make sure we had a great time. We went to some very nice wineries and had a wonderful day.Written 27 January 2025
- lauraste10 contributionsGood day!It was a good excursion! Our guide gave us a lot of background information about the earthquake and the city! The only thing we didn’t like so much was the wildlife reserve as it was too much like a zoo for us - but we saw kiwis, which was nice! At all we had a good day!Written 26 January 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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4.0
40 reviews
Excellent
22
Very good
7
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2
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4
Terrible
5
j0rdanb0x
Adelaide, Australia2 contributions
Mar 2023
Sally, the bus driver, was a font of knowledge and made the trip fun with her commentary. The journey is about 2.5 hours each way, so she made sure we had a comfort stop at a little cafe on the way. Stopping off for lunch on Moana Rd gave us the opportunity to look at local businesses and enjoy the cafe there. After the whale watching experience, she took us to see a great herd of seal pups playing on the rocks.
The whale watching was a good experience. We were bussed from the ticketing area to the Jetty where we boarded the boat and went out to sea. The crew were knowledgeable and on the trip, the equipment and process was explained to us, and there were informative videos and photos shown on a TV and explained by a crew member. We saw a sperm whale surface for a few minutes then dive again. We caught up with a huge pod (~150) of dolphins and also saw some rare and shy Hector's dolphins.
The whale watching was a good experience. We were bussed from the ticketing area to the Jetty where we boarded the boat and went out to sea. The crew were knowledgeable and on the trip, the equipment and process was explained to us, and there were informative videos and photos shown on a TV and explained by a crew member. We saw a sperm whale surface for a few minutes then dive again. We caught up with a huge pod (~150) of dolphins and also saw some rare and shy Hector's dolphins.
Written 14 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kiaora and thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review it's much appreciated. Such a great description that I'm sure will be helpful to others.
I'm so glad you enjoyed your day with Sally
Written 28 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Connie A
West Fargo, ND105 contributions
Jan 2024 • Solo
Highly recommend this adventure! The ride to and from Christchurch was awesome! Pete, our driver, made the ride so enjoyable as he shared information about the area. Pete ROCKS! Opted to have lunch included. This was a good choice as it was pre-ordered at a restaurant and a table saved for us to enjoy the meal. The town and restaurants were busy so I recommend this option. It gives you time to walk around and see some of the shops. The boat we took to watch whales was very comfortable and the staff did a great job of educating us on the sperm whales. We saw two whales that day but only one breached so we got a good look at the tail. Don't miss this adventure - especially with Pete!
Written 10 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kiaora Connie and thanks for leaving a review. I'm pleased to hear that you enjoyed your
tour with Pete!!
Written 18 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kelly Short
Anchorage, AK3 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
It was a lovely drive up from Christchurch, unfortunately when we arrived the weather did not cooperate with us. Our guide was great, he kept us all updated and informed. Everyone in our group appreciated how he took such good care of his passengers. Guests were offered a flight seeing trip rather than the boat. We had a nice lunch in Kaikoura and time to walk around and enjoy a little of the beautiful town. We also stopped at a Vinyard on the way back for wine tasting. Even with the disappointment of a canceled boat ride, it was a lovely experience. I would definitely book with them again.
Written 6 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kiaora Kelly and thanks for leaving a review. I'm very pleased to hear that you enjoyed your tour with Scotty
Written 14 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cindy T
10 contributions
Feb 2023
This tour was a mixed bag. Yes we saw ONE whale and some dolphins, but I would describe it as an hour of whale watching crammed into a 10 hour day.
This was our driver's (Tania) from Leisure Tours first time driving the van and it showed. She was unfamiliar with the vehicle, drove at an excessive speed for road conditions and talked incessantly about things no one had any interest in hearing. Ane then repeated herself several times.
Once we finally boarded the boat, the captain, intent on getting us to the one whale before he submerged ran the boat at an unsafe speed for the ocean conditions. I estimate roughly 30% of the passengers were vomiting within the first 5 minutes at sea. The young children on board looked terrified as did their parents.
Following the actual tour, we had lunch (planned) and then waited around another 2 hours until the dolphin tour people returned to dock. This got up back to our lodging in Christchurch 2+ hours late.
This was our driver's (Tania) from Leisure Tours first time driving the van and it showed. She was unfamiliar with the vehicle, drove at an excessive speed for road conditions and talked incessantly about things no one had any interest in hearing. Ane then repeated herself several times.
Once we finally boarded the boat, the captain, intent on getting us to the one whale before he submerged ran the boat at an unsafe speed for the ocean conditions. I estimate roughly 30% of the passengers were vomiting within the first 5 minutes at sea. The young children on board looked terrified as did their parents.
Following the actual tour, we had lunch (planned) and then waited around another 2 hours until the dolphin tour people returned to dock. This got up back to our lodging in Christchurch 2+ hours late.
Written 22 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to post your review.
Both our driver Tania and the ships Captain are both very experienced professional operators who have both been doing this job for many years. Tania has driven the tour vehicle you travelled in on numerous occasions and as a professional driver drives the tours at speeds suitable to the road conditions. On the day of travel all passengers were advised that there was a high likelihood of sea sickness and were given the option not to travel on the boat. You will see from other reviews on the same day from other experienced travelers that there are five star reviews for the same experience as yours.
Written 28 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Crawford
4 contributions
Brilliant experience, we saw two whales from a safe distance, which was cool and witnessed a pod of dolphins, which was amazing. My sea mad 8 year old was ecstatic. The captain was kind. She let my daughter listen to the sounds of the whales, such a unique experience.
I find it hard to hear the commentary and find them boring, but Mack did a great job. She was incredibly knowledgeable, naturally funny, and made the experience very enjoyable. This activity is a must do, and it's well worth the money.
I find it hard to hear the commentary and find them boring, but Mack did a great job. She was incredibly knowledgeable, naturally funny, and made the experience very enjoyable. This activity is a must do, and it's well worth the money.
Written 13 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kiaora and thanks for leaving a review. I'm pleased to hear that you enjoyed your
tour with us!
Written 18 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
alistairb
70 contributions
I have rated this trip for the sheer professionalism and high integrity of this company. We were warned that the sea had a big swell and people could take a refund .most decided to go .There was big swell and this triggered one of the passengers to have what was probably a fit .The crew dealt with matter with calm professionalism. We returned to harbour to off load the passenger .who was fine along with a few others who had been seasick .We then headed out again .once in deep water the sea was fine the sun shining .But sadly only a distant whale sighting .I had enjoyed the trip anyway .But then there was an announcement of an 80% refund for the disruption we had had .Not many tour companies are that decent .so well done Whale Watch
Written 23 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kiaora Alistair and thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I'm pleased to hear you enjoyed your day with us!
Written 24 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gail M
Chesterfield, UK91 contributions
Jan 2025 • Couples
We did this as a day trip from Christchurch. It was a long day and the whale viewing in that lasts about 10 minutes. However our driver Pete was great and so informative so made the drive easy. Also Billy on the boat was just a natural. We had to wait about an hour and a half for ‘our’ whale to surface but he kept us amused the whole time and again was hugely informative. We had a beautiful day but it was still very chilly hanging about on the deck so take layers and something water proof in case of splashes.
We also visited a winery on the way back which was really good and a perfect end to the day. The service was door to door and we were a lovely size group of 7 total ( many more on the boat obviously). All in all we had an enjoyable day, met some great people and would recommend.
We also visited a winery on the way back which was really good and a perfect end to the day. The service was door to door and we were a lovely size group of 7 total ( many more on the boat obviously). All in all we had an enjoyable day, met some great people and would recommend.
Written 6 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the review and pleased you had a great and enjoyable day.
Written 10 February 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
GWP
London, UK19 contributions
We had a fantastic experience with the whale watching team recently. They were fantastic from start to finish. We managed to site two sperm whales and around 300 dolphins.
The educational facts and videos really helped understand these amazing animals and the vessel was great.
Would recommend.
The educational facts and videos really helped understand these amazing animals and the vessel was great.
Would recommend.
Written 3 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the review and pleased you had a great and enjoyable day.
Written 11 February 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Maťa K
7 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Thank you very much for this great experience! Everything was excellent, our guide picked us up at our accommodation, went to pick other passengers and travelled to Kaikoura with one stop for toulet and we ecen had time to go to Kaikoura lookout for the great view of the town. The guide took care of the tickets in the shop and we headed by bus to our boat. The sail was great and we managed to see the spermwhale male for a few minutes! Afterwards, we headed for lunch, had an hour for it, so we recommend to opt for the option without reserved lunch as it was not needed (we did in case we would be in hurry and no free spots in the restaurants) and you can choose from various restaurants by yourself. On our way back from Kaikoura we stopped for the great viewpoint of local fur seal colony and saw lots of them (the pups too) and many seabirds nesting. That was a great experience and we are very thankful for showing us the place! Also, the thorough information on NZ and Christchurch from our guide! Much appreciated, every single detail of the day!
Written 12 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to write such a detailed review for your Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour. I'm really pleased that you had a great time throughout your day and with your driver/guide as well. I'll be sure to pass on your kind words to him. Kaikoura is an amazing location in New Zealand, particularly for those who want to learn about about New Zealand's unique marine life including Sperm Whales, Dusky Dolphins, New Zealand Fur Seals, Albatross, and more. I'm happy that you enjoyed every detail of this tour and got to see so much of our native wildlife.
Thanks again and I hope you get to visit New Zealand again soon.
Written 15 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kirsty B
1 contribution
Jan 2024 • Solo
I don’t know how this trip went as I wasn’t picked up for it.
I wanted to go on the 2nd feb but company changed date to 1st feb (fine) and in a later message changed the pick-up time to slightly earlier (also fine). Both messages confirmed they would pick me up from hotel.
5 minutes before pickup time I went to wait for them. I thought right outside hotel doors would be an obvious place. It was 7am so the street was virtually empty. They didn’t come at the given time. I continued to wait, messaged them via trip advisor many times and rang their office number. No one answered. I waited some more and then gave up after still not hearing back from company. Overall I waited right outside my hotel doors for around 50 minutes.
I didn’t hear from them again. They didn’t even apologise. I requested a refund through trip advisor and received it.
For sake of transparency, this is my second posting of my review as I felt I could have been clearer in my first one.
I wanted to go on the 2nd feb but company changed date to 1st feb (fine) and in a later message changed the pick-up time to slightly earlier (also fine). Both messages confirmed they would pick me up from hotel.
5 minutes before pickup time I went to wait for them. I thought right outside hotel doors would be an obvious place. It was 7am so the street was virtually empty. They didn’t come at the given time. I continued to wait, messaged them via trip advisor many times and rang their office number. No one answered. I waited some more and then gave up after still not hearing back from company. Overall I waited right outside my hotel doors for around 50 minutes.
I didn’t hear from them again. They didn’t even apologise. I requested a refund through trip advisor and received it.
For sake of transparency, this is my second posting of my review as I felt I could have been clearer in my first one.
Written 10 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kirsty booked this tour via a third party online travel agent, Viator / Tripadvisor for travel on the 2nd February. At the time of booking the tour for the 2nd February had not achieved minimum numbers so some alternative dates were suggested to ascertain whether Kirsty was available, should minimum numbers not be achieved and the 1st February was selected as an alternative date. This was all done sometime prior to the travel date. Subsequently minimum numbers were achieved for the 2nd February and the booking defaulted to the original travel date. Kristy could have travelled on the 2nd, however, a refund request had been made and the cost of the tour was refunded. There appears to have been some genuine confusion and if this originated at our end by suggesting alternative dates we do apologise.
Written 11 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The Operator told me the tour is cancelled, but I don’t get any email from TripAdvisor, and don’t know how to get refund
Written 7 December 2018
Hi,
I am planning to take up this tour on 28th May, Will there be whales during this time?
Thanks.
Written 17 May 2018
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.