Visit with the Whales in the comfort of a purpose built vessel, or go swimming with the Dolphins, or swim with the Seals as they frolic offshore. Kaikoura is the home of the award winning Whale Watch tours.

 Get up close and personal with our marine neighbours. Whale Watch Tours are typically 2 or 2 and a half hours on the water, with local transfers to and from the specialist wharf. Where the Tectonic Plates meet, and Ocean currents mingle by deep canyons and undersea ridges, an abundance of food is to be found in a relatively small area. Here is where you can meet the giant Sperm Whales just a few kilometres off shore. Other visitors you may see are Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, the Southern Right Whale, or occasionally an Orca pod.   

A  typical  tour  with  the  Whale  Watch crew  will  often  encounter  Dusky Dolphins,  groups  of  Fur  Seals,  and  the endangered  Wandering  Albatross.  If  the  boat  is  not  for  you,  you  may  want  to consider  watching  from  a  helicopter  or a  fixed  wing  aircraft.

If your preference is for something more interactive, perhaps the Swimming with Dolphins tours are more for you. All equipment is provided by the Swimming Tour Operator, (bring your own swimsuit!), along with appropriate safety training. Supervised by Licenced and Experienced Divers, you will take home memories you will hardly believe yourselves.

Just 2 and a half to 3 hours North of Christchurch, you travel across the Canterbury Plains, then through the foothills farming areas of North Canterbury, between the mountains and the sea, coming to the road around the sea coast before reaching Kaikoura. Seals can often be seen from the road, basking in the sunshine, on the rocks near and on the seashore.

After your Whale Watch or Swimming excursion, a late lunch followed by winetasting at a local winery (the closest winery to the sea anywhere in New Zealand, literally a stones throw) can top off a great afternoon. Once we leave the winery, sit back suitably relaxed and enjoy the journey back to Christchurch, (maybe a wee nap along the way).

The Whale Watch Tours are award winners and as such are very popular, so prebooking as far ahead as possible is recommended. If due to heavy bookings, only the afternoon sailings are available, we will restructure your day to suit the timings. Our drivers have the flexibility to change with circumstances, and the authority to do so.

**   SEE  YOU  THERE !!                                                                    ______________________________________________________________

Kaikoura Day Trip, including Whale Watch Cruise   Departs 8.00-8.30am, Returns 7.00-7.30pm              Tour Price NZ$325 per person ______________________________________________________________

Kaikoura Day Trip, incl Whale Watch Cruise & Lunch Departs 8.00-8.30am, Returns 7.00-7.30pm               Tour Price NZ$350 per person                                ______________________________________________________________

Kaikoura Day Trip, incl "Swim with Dolphins" Cruise Departs 8.00-8.30am, Returns 7.00-7.30pm               Tour Price NZ$325 per person.                               For the safety of both dolphins & humans, numbers of swimmers are restricted so early bookings are essential.     ______________________________________________________________

**  For PRIVATE & EXCLUSIVE TOURS, tailored to your interests and timeframe, please  CONTACT US  for more information and pricing. 

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Important Notice:                                                                           The Whale Watch Cruises are dependent on the weather and sea conditions, and on those few occasions when the cruise is cancelled (always for your safety & comfort) every effort will be made to arrange alternative (fixed wing) flights to view the whales should you wish. As Whale Watching is also dependent on the good will and mood of the whales themselves, no guarantee can be given, or responsibility taken, for the sighting or the non-sighting of the whales.

The Swimming with Dolphins activity is also dependent on sea conditions and the goodwill of the dolphins themselves, so no guarantee of a successful encounter can be given.

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Some of the Images courtesy Whale Watch Kaikoura, Thank you.  _____________________________________________________________

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