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From Christchurch: Kaikoura Whale Watching Small Group Tour with Lunch

Whale watching boat in Kaikoura with tourists observing a breaching whale.
Whale breaching in Kaikoura during a whale watching cruise
Rows of grapevines in a Waipara vineyard, New Zealand, with lush green foliage and distant hills.
Namsan Cable Car ascending with Seoul cityscape in the background.
    • Travel in a modern minivan designed for maximum comfort and connectivity, ensuring you stay relaxed and engaged from start to finish.
    • Experience thoughtful stops that allow you to explore Cheviot’s historic charm and capture breathtaking coastal vistas along the way.
    • Savor the flavors of authentic Kiwi cuisine with a freshly prepared fish and chips lunch, complemented by the option to indulge in local wines during an optional tasting stop.
    • The expert guide weaves fascinating local stories, providing insights into New Zealand’s unique history and the region’s recovery after the 2016 earthquake.
    • 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
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

  • How do we collect reviews?

    4.4
    22 ratings
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    Konstantina Gocheva

    Konstantina

    5/5

    Feb, 2025

    Cheeky Kea were amazing! The tour was very well time boxed. The guide accommodated all our requests. We even stopped for some dolphin and seal watching from the shore. Not only that, but they walked the extra mile by changing our pick up location last minute in order to accommodate some schedule disasters at our side. Our whale watching tour took longer but the guide waited patiently for us and even then we were back in Christchurch on time.
    Headout Guest

    Headout Guest

    5/5

    Nov, 2024

    We did two day tours out of Christchurch with Cheeky Kea, and they were awesome. Paul took us to Kaikoura, and showed us exactly what we'd hoped to see. Magical day. Diane took us to Mt Cook, and she was full of information and fun to talk with. Both tours felt personalized, and well worth the money.
    Headout Guest

    Headout Guest

    4/5

    Nov, 2024

    Headout Guest

    Headout Guest

    4/5

    Nov, 2024

    Headout Guest

    Headout Guest

    4/5

    Nov, 2024

  • Discover the magic of Kaikoura without the logistics hassle on this comprehensive day trip from Christchurch that combines spectacular whale watching with cultural immersion and local cuisine.

    Getting started

    Be ready for pickup from your Christchurch accommodation between 7 to 7:30am. Your guide will greet you and introduce you to your fellow travelers in your small group (maximum 12 people). Board the comfortable, climate-controlled minivan equipped with free Wi-Fi and USB charging ports.

    What to expect

    The approximately 2.5-hour drive to Kaikoura becomes part of the adventure as your guide shares fascinating stories about the region's history and landscape.

    • Stop at the historic town of Cheviot to stretch your legs and learn about early European settlement in the area. Take in breathtaking coastal views at specially selected photo stops along the route.
    • Upon arrival in Kaikoura, enjoy a brief orientation of the town, including its fascinating recovery story following the 2016 earthquake.
    • Experience the highlight of your day – a 2.5-hour whale-watching cruise with expert marine guides and a high likelihood of spotting magnificent sperm whales.
    • Refuel with a traditional Kiwi lunch of fresh fish and chips, sourced from local waters.
    • Explore Kaikoura's charming town center with free time to browse local shops and artisan galleries.
    • Optional wine tasting at a local vineyard on the return journey (additional cost). Relax on the return drive to Christchurch, arriving back at approximately 6:30pm.

    Wrapping up

    Your guide will return you to your Christchurch accommodation, equipped with recommendations for other activities during your stay and memories of an unforgettable day exploring New Zealand's marine wildlife capital.

  • 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.
    • 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

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