Kaikoura Whale Watch Tour from Christchurch

Kaikoura Whale Watch Tour from Christchurch - Small Group

By Cheeky Kea Tours

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Overview

Discover New Zealand's marine wildlife capital on this whale watching day tour from Christchurch to Kaikōura. Journey along a spectacular coastal route to witness giant sperm whales, humpbacks, dolphins, and seabirds in their natural habitat.

Travel through Canterbury with your expert Kiwi guide, stopping at Cheviot and Hundalee Hills where fur seals bask on rocks. Arrive in Kaikōura for fish and chips lunch in this coastal town recognized by Condé Nast Traveler.

Board your whale watching vessel with naturalist guides. The Kaikōura Canyon creates nutrient-rich waters attracting incredible marine diversity. Search for sperm whales, humpbacks, orcas, and dolphins using hydrophone tracking technology. When time permits, stop at Waipara wine region for tastings.

Travel carbon-neutral in a Mercedes Sprinter with WiFi and USB charging. With maximum 16 guests, enjoy personalized attention and lunch included on this ultimate whale watching experience.

Activity location

Cheviot
- Cheviot, New Zealand

Meeting/Redemption Point

Bus Interchange (Lichfield St)
- 8011, Christchurch, Canterbury Region, New Zealand

Check availability

Sorry this activity isn't available on Mon, Feb 2

Please choose a different date

What's included, what's not

Carbon-neutral tour—100% offset emissions
Bottled water and Kiwi snacks throughout the day
Fish and chips lunch (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free options available with advance notice)
Expert local guide with live commentary
Transportation in modern Mercedes Sprinter with WiFi & USB charging
Whale Watch Kaikoura cruise with naturalist guides
Wine tasting at Waipara family vineyard (time permitting, approx. 60% of tours)
Hotel pickup and drop-off from 15 central Christchurch locations
Small-group tour (maximum 16 guests)

Know before you book

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
We can accommodate dietary needs such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc. If you have dietary requirements. Please kindly indicate it to the special requirements at the time of booking
Alcohol will only be served to people 18 years and older
Travel time included in total duration

Activity itinerary

Christchurch (Pass by)

Your day begins with pickup from your central Christchurch accommodation. Meet your friendly Kiwi guide and fellow travellers in our comfortable Mercedes Sprinter. Settle in with complimentary WiFi and USB charging as we head north through the Garden City, with commentary on Christchurch's landmarks, earthquake recovery story, and Canterbury region highlights.

Canterbury Region (Pass by)

Travel north along State Highway 1, one of New Zealand's most spectacular coastal routes. Your guide shares insights into the Canterbury region's history, geology, and agricultural heritage as you pass through rolling farmland toward the Pacific coast. Watch the landscape transform as you approach the coastal areas.

Cheviot

Our first stop is in Cheviot, a hidden gem on one of New Zealand’s largest coastal routes. This is a perfect spot to stretch your legs and refuel. After our brief break, we’ll continue through the stunning Hundalee Hills, where you’ll have a chance to spot surfers and local wildlife, including seals! The scenic drive offers spectacular views all along the way.

Kaikoura

Arrive in Kaikōura, a small coastal town caught between the snowcapped Kaikōura Ranges and the turquoise waters of Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa (the Pacific Ocean). The town's name translates to "eat crayfish" in Māori, reflecting its rich marine bounty. Your guide takes you for an authentic Kiwi fish and chips lunch while sharing the town's fascinating history: the significance of the Kaikōura Peninsula as Te Taumanu-o-te-waka-a-Māui (the seat where Māui sat when he fished the North Island up from the ocean depths), the town's recovery from the 2016 magnitude 7.8 earthquake, and its 2023 recognition by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the world's most beautiful small towns. Please note there is no time for additional walks or local shopping at this stop.

Whale Watch Kaikoura

4h
Admission ticket included

Board your purpose-built whale watching vessel with expert naturalist guides who explain Kaikōura's unique marine ecosystem. The Kaikōura Canyon—a deep underwater trench just 1km offshore—creates nutrient-rich waters that attract an incredible diversity of marine life year-round. While on board, you will have the chance to spot marine wildlife, including Giant Sperm, Blue, Fin, Sei, Humpback, Minke, Pilot, Orca and Southern Right Whales, Common Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, Southern Right Whale Dolphins, Hector’s Dolphins, Dusky Dolphins, Elephant Seals and Leopard Seals. Bird species - such as Albatross, Petrels, and Shearwaters - may also be spotted. There is no doubt that this experience will be pretty special, and is one of our most popular day tours.

Waipara Hills

When timing permits, we stop at Waipara—a renowned wine region surrounded by lush vineyards and green hills. Here you can taste a selection of locally produced wines from a family-owned vineyard. The Waipara Valley is known for its excellent Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. Don't worry if wine's not your thing—beer and non-alcoholic options are also available. Note: this stop is strictly subject to timing on the day - refunds are not provided if we skip this stop.

Christchurch

Arrive back at your original Christchurch pickup location with unforgettable memories of New Zealand's marine wildlife, stunning coastal scenery, and authentic Kiwi hospitality. Your guide drops you at your hotel entrance.

Location

Activity location

Cheviot
- Cheviot, New Zealand

Meeting/Redemption Point

Bus Interchange (Lichfield St)
- 8011, Christchurch, Canterbury Region, New Zealand

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