Booking fee
The booking fee includes the costs of booking your tickets such as charges for payment processing. It also covers the provision of our customer care center for processing your order, and all charges imposed by our suppliers.
* This tour requires at least one of the following per booking: Adult, Senior
Experience the natural treasures of New Zealand on a whale-watching cruise from the picturesque town of Kaikoura. Look for the mighty Sperm Whales that live in these waters along with Dusky Dolphins, New Zealand Fur Seals and Seabirds. Admire breathtaking views of the snow-capped Kaikoura Ranges during your free time in Kaikoura's township and visit a seal colony on land. Wrap up the day with a scenic drive back to Christchurch and a wine tasting at a vineyard in North Canterbury (time permitting). Your experienced guide shares informative commentary throughout the day on this fun and fascinating tour.
Fur seal colony viewing
Whale watching tour by boat
Air-conditioned vehicle
North Canterbury vineyard visit and wine tasting (time permitting)
Lunch (if option is selected)
Live commentary on board
Gratuities
Departure Point
Traveler pickup is offered
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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 canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Marion_H
12 Apr 2023
Unfortunately the whale watching trip was cancelled as there were no whales. We did see a seal colony. Graham our driver was great and very accommodating when we were unable to see the whales.
Fiona_R
17 Mar 2023
Seeing the dusky dolphins dancing on the water. Sally the driver and commentator was helpful and friendly
saranyaa2023
16 Mar 2023
Honestly this tour was so overpriced and all we did was waiting around. If the boat tour was gonna be at 1245 checkin and 1315 depart time on the bus , we could have at least done the winery tour around the waipara region before going over instead having a close 2h lunch. Poor planning and disappointed cause we booked thinking the boat tour will be approx 1030-1045 and have time for the winery experience. The whale watching company also had a mix up and was seated in the heat for a good 15 mins. Thou not the tour operator’s fault, the additional waiting time just didn’t help the situation
This tour in
Kaikoura
is organized by
Leisure Tours
We always double-check the availability with our local partners for each booking. Even though this is usually a swift process, it can take up to 24 hours. Once this process is completed you will receive your voucher or ticket by email. If our local partner is not able to confirm your booking we will offer you the best possible alternative. If the new date and/or time doesn’t fit your itinerary, we will reimburse the full amount paid.
How great that you want to share your experience! Your feedback helps other travelers to make a better choice.