Day Trips

From Christchurch: Kaikoura Whale Watching Small Group Tour with Lunch

Name: From Christchurch: Kaikoura Whale Watching Small Group Tour with Lunch
Start: 2024-11-13T09:00:00
End: 2024-11-13T18:00:00
Location: Christchurch Bus Interchange

People watching whales from a boat during a Kaikoura whale watching tour

Whale breaching in Kaikoura during a whale watching cruise

People during a wine tasting at Waipara Valley

Fish and chips for lunch during the Kaikoura whale watching tour

Spot whales and other marine life just off Kaikoura's coast on this small-group day trip from Christchurch, including wine tasting and lunch.

Highlights

Join a small group full-day tour from Christchurch to Kaikoura for whale-watching, with round-trip transfers included.
You’ll see sperm whales dive and surface between their deep-water sessions on a cruise, with a crew that knows the best spots to see them.
The tour also includes a stop at Waipara Valley vineyards to taste local wines or craft beers, followed by a fresh fish and chips lunch in Kaikoura.
See multiple whale species depending on the season - Orcas from December to March, and Humpbacks during their June-July migration.
Did you know? Despite its historical role as a whaling station, Kaikōura has become one of the world's foremost marine conservation centers.

Inclusions

Full-day tour to Kaikoura
Round-trip transfers from MP Christchurch Bus Interchange by luxury minivan
English-speaking guide
Small group of up to 16 people
Whale-watching cruise
Lunch at Kaikoura fish and chip shop
Wine-tasting at Waipara
Kiwi snacks
Bottled water
WiFi, USB charging ports on minivan

Itinerary

Cancellation policy

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Your experience

From Garden City to Whale Territory

Begin your day with a pickup from the MP Christchurch Bus Interchange, joining a small group of up to 16 travelers in a luxury minivan. The 2.5-hour journey north takes you through North Canterbury's countryside to the Waipara Valley, where you'll stop at a local vineyard. Here, sample distinctive New Zealand wines or opt for craft beers, getting to know your fellow travelers before continuing through the rolling hills to Cheviot for a brief rest stop. As you approach Kaikoura, watch the landscape transform as the 2,600-meter Seaward Kaikoura Range meets the Pacific Ocean.

Marine life encounters and coastal returns

After a fish and chips lunch in Kaikoura, board your whale-watching vessel for the main event. The boat takes you to deep-sea canyons just 15 minutes offshore, where Sperm Whales surface for 10-15 minutes between their 45-minute feeding dives. Learn to spot individual whales by their unique tail flukes while your guide explains how underwater currents create perfect feeding conditions. Depending on the season, you might see Orcas hunting in packs (December-March) or Humpbacks migrating north (June-July). The waters also host multiple dolphin species and New Zealand Fur Seals. Following your marine adventure, relax during the scenic coastal drive back to Christchurch, arriving back with photos and memories of these ocean giants.

Know before you go

What to bring

Bring waterproof clothes, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes for your trip.
Pack your meds – better to be prepared, just in case they’re not available onsite.
Bring local currency or your preferred payment method for meals, souvenirs, and extra delights not covered by the ticket.
Pack for a weather-ready kit; who knows when the skies might decide to be moody?

What's not allowed

Nobody likes a crowd. A single group has a maximum of 16 people.
Alcoholic beverages will not be served to guests under the age of 18 years.

Accessibility

This experience is not accessible by wheelchair.
Your guide dogs are welcome on this experience.

Additional Information

If you have specific dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, let us know at the time of booking.
This experience is weather-dependent. If it's canceled due to inclement weather, you can reschedule or receive a full refund.
This experience has a minimum participant requirement. If the minimum is not met and the experience is canceled, you can reschedule or receive a full refund.

My tickets

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
Please arrive at the meeting point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.
Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Meet your guide at Christchurch Bus Interchange.
Address: Corner of Lichfield St and, Colombo Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand.

Get directions to the meeting point