Albatross Encounter
Albatross Encounter
5
Boat ToursEco ToursNature & Wildlife ToursPhotography Tours
7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Full view
About
Kaikoura is one of the best places in the world to see a variety of albatross close to shore! Get up close and personal to the largest wingspan in the world - the wandering albatross. Scenic boat tours to visit the majestic pelagic birds that frequent the Kaikoura coastline.
Kaikoura, New Zealand
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Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023
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Albatross Encounter
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5.0
208 reviews
Excellent
189
Very good
15
Average
2
Poor
2
Terrible
0
TheOldMacs
Canberra, Australia356 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
What an adventure - a chance to see so many of these majestic birds at one time. The weather was fine and the seas slight. Once the boat came to a stop and the burley was deployed it was like a magnet to various seabirds, the best of all being the different species of albatross. To watch them come in gliding above the waves was spectacular as they don't seem to expend much energy. Their wingspan is colossal and up close they look so beautiful. Along with the albatross there were shearwaters, petrels, seals and dolphins. Gary, the skipper, was very knowledgeable about all the birds we saw on the trip and made it more meaningful.
Written 15 October 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.
Loved reading your review - so evocative - thank you so much! The albatross really are sensational aren't they! We are so lucky to have them so close. Delighted that Gary's interp made for a great experience for you and thanks for joining us aboard! :-)
Written 18 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Blincs
Auckland, New Zealand149 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
We had a spectacular Albatross EWncounter cruise, with Kate as our skipper. The weather was perfect, there were only four guests on the boat which gave us all space to move about and take phortographs.
We cme across some Dusky Dolphins on the way out to sea and then we started seeing larger birds like the Wandering Albatross Mollymawk and other biortds. Once Kate threw some food overboard, it was all on for anythiung with wings.
Such an amazing experience and for an hour or so, we were able to watch the varying behaviour patterns of the birds. From aggression to fight for the food, to gentle preening between two birds, and washing their beaks and feathers after they had eaten.
On the return journey Kate took us towards the coast and we encountered some Hector dolphines who were happy to play and dart around the boat, entertaining us for a good time. I was surprised how small these dolphines are.
I can't recommend this experience strongly enough and will definitely do another trip next year when we return to Kaikoura.
We cme across some Dusky Dolphins on the way out to sea and then we started seeing larger birds like the Wandering Albatross Mollymawk and other biortds. Once Kate threw some food overboard, it was all on for anythiung with wings.
Such an amazing experience and for an hour or so, we were able to watch the varying behaviour patterns of the birds. From aggression to fight for the food, to gentle preening between two birds, and washing their beaks and feathers after they had eaten.
On the return journey Kate took us towards the coast and we encountered some Hector dolphines who were happy to play and dart around the boat, entertaining us for a good time. I was surprised how small these dolphines are.
I can't recommend this experience strongly enough and will definitely do another trip next year when we return to Kaikoura.
Written 13 June 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.
Thanks so much for taking the time to post your review! Sounds like you had a great time on the water with Kate! Thanks for joining us aboard! :-)
Written 21 June 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MARY
4 contributions
Mar 2023
The albatross encounter was a completely outstanding experience which allowed us the privilege of viewing the most amazing array of albatrosses and petrels at a proximity we would never have believed was possible.
Our skipper Tracy was fantastic - knowledgeable and passionate to share her vast knowledge which further enhanced the experience.
The whole experience was so well organised and we had the added bonus of seeing Hectors dolphins on the return journey
Thank you so much for memoroes that will last forever
Our skipper Tracy was fantastic - knowledgeable and passionate to share her vast knowledge which further enhanced the experience.
The whole experience was so well organised and we had the added bonus of seeing Hectors dolphins on the return journey
Thank you so much for memoroes that will last forever
Written 8 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.
Loved reading your review thank you! It was our absolute pleasure to welcome you aboard and we are so glad you had such a great tour! :-)
Written 3 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
WNHD
Macclesfield, England, United Kingdom75 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Excellent trip despite the challenging weather conditions. Our skipper Gary was incredibly skilful, knowledgeable, helpful. Saw many types of albatrosses and petrels. High quality company. Good value for money of which some goes to a foundation supporting albatross conservation.
Written 5 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.
Glad you enjoyed the tour despite the weather! Sometimes the wind can bring in some extra sightings though :-)
Thank you for taking the time to post a review we appreciate it!
Written 3 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
rebecca100
new york, new york156 contributions
Feb 2023
The Albatross Encounter was a real highlight of our New Zealand experience thus far! We saw so many incredible birds and dolphins came and played next to our boat. Our skipper, Gary, was so personable and made it an even more special experience. Highly recommend this tour!
Written 25 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.
Thanks so much for your review & recommendation Rebecca! We are thrilled your experience with us was a highlight for you! :-)
Written 3 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bozena Summers
1 contribution
Feb 2023
We went for 6am pelagic trip with Albatross Encounter, only because our 9am trip on the previous day had to be cancelled due to cancelation of our ferry from Wellington. The trip was a disappointment! We started the trip in the dark and had to wait for over an hour before we could properly see and photograph the birds. This trip should not take place so early in the morning, but it seems as if the company is trying to squeeze as many trips as possible to maximize their profit. We stopped three times to bait the birds, but after the last encounter, the skipper dumped the remining bait, although it was still an hour left to our trip. We then headed for the coast at the speed that did not allow to photograph flying seabirds. More effort should have been spent searching for albatrosses etc., instead we looked at the gulls and cormorants that can be readily seen from the shore. The skipper was a poor communicator, did not align the boat for best viewing and photography and the boat was too small for 12 people to get the full experience.
Written 21 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.
Very sad to read your review.
Our sunrise tour is a real favourite with both guests and crew; we operate our early deaprtures as sea conditions are often calmer earlier in the day and we find heading out after the local fishing boats typically ensures great pelagic activity. We do appreciate it isn't everyone's preference and we are sorry you weren't able to make your first choice of departure the previous day.
Written 3 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hannah G
Wagga Wagga, Australia76 contributions
Jan 2023 • Friends
I have never had so much fun throwing up.
To be clear, I did suffer a tiny bit of sea-sickness, and the above comment is a reflection only of that. Everything else was brilliant.
Our skipper Gary was knowledgeable and welcoming, and clearly passionate to share his knowledge and love of albatross. We were a small group and he was kind enough to call us by name and take an interest in what had brought us all to the tour.
I’m a keen birdwatcher, but keen to learn more about seabirds. This tour was a great opportunity to see some up close and to get a feel for what a pelagic expedition might be like, but at the same time, it doesn’t market itself as one and can easily be enjoyed by beginners and family groups who just want to try something different.
The company was easy to deal with and easy to book, and when we checked in they gave us the advice that it was choppy out to sea and might be best to take precautions. We hadn’t been able to get to a pharmacy because we arrived in town after it had shut, but not to worry, they were able to sell us a suitable product. I mean, not strong enough for me obviously, but that’s not their fault.
As a small group, you get the chance to move about the boat and have a good chat to the guide if you want to. My friend was keen to see some dolphins and it was greatly appreciated that Gary made a short stop to make that happen - a nice touch.
If you’re into photographing birds, this is a great trip. I got some great shots, but was amazed I didn’t need to rely on my telephoto lens. A more suitable wide angle lens would have yielded some other cool shots of the birds in groups close to the boat. Just a reason to go again, which I 100% would.
To be clear, I did suffer a tiny bit of sea-sickness, and the above comment is a reflection only of that. Everything else was brilliant.
Our skipper Gary was knowledgeable and welcoming, and clearly passionate to share his knowledge and love of albatross. We were a small group and he was kind enough to call us by name and take an interest in what had brought us all to the tour.
I’m a keen birdwatcher, but keen to learn more about seabirds. This tour was a great opportunity to see some up close and to get a feel for what a pelagic expedition might be like, but at the same time, it doesn’t market itself as one and can easily be enjoyed by beginners and family groups who just want to try something different.
The company was easy to deal with and easy to book, and when we checked in they gave us the advice that it was choppy out to sea and might be best to take precautions. We hadn’t been able to get to a pharmacy because we arrived in town after it had shut, but not to worry, they were able to sell us a suitable product. I mean, not strong enough for me obviously, but that’s not their fault.
As a small group, you get the chance to move about the boat and have a good chat to the guide if you want to. My friend was keen to see some dolphins and it was greatly appreciated that Gary made a short stop to make that happen - a nice touch.
If you’re into photographing birds, this is a great trip. I got some great shots, but was amazed I didn’t need to rely on my telephoto lens. A more suitable wide angle lens would have yielded some other cool shots of the birds in groups close to the boat. Just a reason to go again, which I 100% would.
Written 9 January 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.
Thanks for your review, we are thrilled you enjoyed your tour! Gary is as much part of the experience as the albatross for sure. It is amazing being so up close and personal with these majestic birds isn't it?! :-)
Written 30 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Suzanne T
9 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
Our Skipper Kate gave us an unforgettable experience seeing the many sea birds, including albatross, petrels, dusky, and Hector's dolphin. Go!
Written 2 January 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.
Thanks Suzanne sounds like an epic tour! :-)
Written 30 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rovers09
Preston121 contributions
Nov 2022
The whale watching trips are undoubtedly the more popular but - especially if you've done whale trips previously - the albatross encounter is a great way to get up close to these huge marine birds. Be prepared for the boat to bounce around a bit, particularly if its been windy/there's a decent swell, but no problem if you like being on boats and felt safe as houses. The skipper not only focuses on Albatross but also looks out for other wildlife and on our trip we saw multiple bird species, two species of dolphin and seals.
Written 7 December 2022
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 taking the time to post a review. We're delighted you enjoyed your trip - it's pretty special up close with the albatross isn't it! :-)
Written 16 December 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jolu T
30 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
Seeing albatross up close like this is the most fantastic experience whether you’re an eager bird watcher or just want a boating experience in Kaikōura with wildlife mixed in! The boat only holds 12 so it’s a great intimate experience with these prehistoric looking birds feeding only metres from the boat and soaring alongside you. The skipper is really knowledgeable and we saw so many different sea birds. You’re also super likely to see dusky dolphins, seals and even whales on this tour which is an amazing bonus. We saw a 300 strong pod of dolphins which was amazing! If you’re heading to Kaikōura, this experience is a must!
Written 6 December 2022
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 so much for your review sounds like you had a great trip out with us! We appreciate you choosing to join us aboard! :-)
Written 7 December 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dudley44
Wellington, New Zealand20 contributions
I’m a wildlife photographer considering a trip to Kaikoura primarily to photo Albortross in July but flexible when is the best month to see them with your tour please
AndyMcGonegal
Saffron Walden, UK796 contributions
Hi we visited Kaikoura in March and had a lovely time. The albatross encounter was wonderful and would give you great photo opportunities; however, the one negative factor was the choppy water that we found quite nauseating (although I'm not normally a seasickness sufferer). Given that March is early Autumn, I'm guessing that sea conditions in July would be more challenging.
KiwiBrit1937
Christchurch, New Zealand2 contributions
Hi, will it be possible to see albatross end of September/early October? We have some overseas guests in Canterbury for a short time who are very interested in the Albatross Encounter. Thanks for replying.
Valerie
Dolphin Encounter Kaikoura
Kaikoura, New Zealand1 contribution
Hi Valerie
Thank you for your enquiry. Yes absolutely subject to weather we are scheduled to run our Albatross Encounter twice daily at 9am and 1pm. Whilst we can't guarantee albatross sighting, we are very fortunate to have had a success rate of over 97% on our tours. We'd love to welcome your guests aboard! :-)
Kind regards, Helene
Customer Service Manager
Reeveer
Matamata, New Zealand5 contributions
We are staying at top 10 van park, no car, 5 people.
How to get to seafood BBq?
What else from there
Dolphin Encounter Kaikoura
Kaikoura, New Zealand1 contribution
The seafood BBQ caravan is located on Fyffe Quay which is roughly a 30 minute walk from the Top 10 Holiday Park on the way to the Seal Colony (5 minute walk up from BBQ at the end of the peninsula). You should be able to pick up a map at the park reception or the i-site in the town centre to help locate. There is also a great walk around the end of the peninsula, starting at the seal colony, that take roughly 2.5 - 3 hours that loops back around into town. This is shown on the town map that you can pick up at the i-site which you pass on on the way to the BBQ.