Get 10% off on the app with promo code APP10

Scan to download
Currency
  • SGDSingapore Dollar
  • AUDAustralian Dollar
  • EUREuro
  • GBPPound Sterling
  • INRIndian Rupees
  • IDRIndonesian Rupiah
  • JPYJapanese Yen
  • HKDHong Kong Dollar
  • MYRMalaysian Ringgit
  • TWDNew Taiwan Dollar
  • THBThai Baht
  • PHPPhilippine Peso
  • USDU.S Dollar
  • NZDNew Zealand Dollar
  • VNDVietnamese Dong
  • KRWKorean Won
  • AEDEmirati Dirham
  • CNYChinese Yuan
  • CADCanadian Dollar
  • CHFSwiss Franc
Language
  • 한국어
  • 日本語
  • English
  • Bahasa Indonesia
  • Tiếng Việt
  • ไทย
  • 简体中文

Kaikōura Whale Watch Tour from Christchurch - Small Group

4.4

Kaikōura Whale Watch Tour from Christchurch - Small Group

4.4
Next available dates
Wed
24 Jun
Thu
25 Jun
Fri
26 Jun
Sat
27 Jun
Mon
29 Jun
Tue
30 Jun
Wed
1 Jul
Bestseller

Kaikoura Day Trip From Christchurch (Small group & Carbon Neutral)

Duration: 9 hours
Instant confirmation
Free cancellation
Lunch plus snacks Scenic Mercedes Sprinter or similar Pickup included

From
MYR 912.58

For KrisFlyer members only

Highlights

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.


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.

Itinerary

  • Christchurch(Pass by)

    Admission Ticket Free
    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)

    Admission Ticket Free
    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

    15 minsAdmission Ticket Free
    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

    30 minsAdmission Ticket Free
    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

    4 hoursAdmission 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

    30 minsAdmission Ticket Free
    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

    30 minsAdmission Ticket Free
    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.

What's included

INCLUDED

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

Customer reviews

4.4

11 verified reviews
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

Additional information

Must Know
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Good To Know
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

Location

Provider

Cheeky Kea Tours

Earn or redeem miles on your bookings

From

MYR 912.58

or use 28,503 KrisFlyer miles
Why Pelago?
  • Trusted by millions of travellers
  • Choose from 200,000+ activities
  • Earn KrisFlyer miles with every booking
  • A Singapore Airlines company
Get 10% off on the app with promo code APP10
Scan to download
© 2026 Encounters Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved. Travel agent license: TA03351support@pelago.co
Currency
  • SGDSingapore Dollar
  • AUDAustralian Dollar
  • EUREuro
  • GBPPound Sterling
  • INRIndian Rupees
  • IDRIndonesian Rupiah
  • JPYJapanese Yen
  • HKDHong Kong Dollar
  • MYRMalaysian Ringgit
  • TWDNew Taiwan Dollar
  • THBThai Baht
  • PHPPhilippine Peso
  • USDU.S Dollar
  • NZDNew Zealand Dollar
  • VNDVietnamese Dong
  • KRWKorean Won
  • AEDEmirati Dirham
  • CNYChinese Yuan
  • CADCanadian Dollar
  • CHFSwiss Franc
Language
  • 한국어
  • 日本語
  • English
  • Bahasa Indonesia
  • Tiếng Việt
  • ไทย
  • 简体中文