Kaikoura Adventure: Whale Watching & Wildlife

Discover Kaikoura’s majestic whales and wildlife on a private day trip from Christchurch. Experience nature’s wonders and scenic beauty with Kiwi Adventures.

Duration: 9 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Kaikoura - Begin a delightful and scenic journey from Christchurch, taking about 2.5 to 3 hours each way. This route will guide you through the North Canterbury region of the South Island, leading to Kaikoura, a premier whale-watching spot in New Zealand.
    Kaikoura is globally famous for its whale-watching tours, especially the chance to see sperm…
What's Included
  • Private Vehicle
  • Coffee/Tea
  • Bottled Water
  • Specialized Guide
  • Professional Driver
  • Scenic Drive Travel time included
  • Clean and comfortable vehicle
  • Meet & Greet
What's Not Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Whale Watching Cruise Tickets no included, should be booked separately
Additional Information

Completely Customized Private Adventure!
Set off on an extraordinary trip to Kaikoura, famous for its exceptional whale-watching excursions, especially the rare chance to see sperm whales. Beyond the whale-watching adventure, there is the opportunity to discover dolphins, seals, and a variety of other wildlife. Additionally, enjoy the beautiful Kahutara…

Location
Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square
Cathedral Square
Outside Christchurch Central Library opposite Cathedral Church Christchurch
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(10 Ratings)
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1 star
Companion03141524516
Aug 9, 2025
Fantastic day in Kaikoura! - We took the Kaikoura Whale watching return trip from Christchurch. We feel the greatest experience we ever had on any tours! Thankful to the kind hospitality and profession service provided by trip guide Steve. We all enjoyed every bit of our trip. Major highlights were the Seal Colony, Marine life explore such as spotted few Whales & Dolphins. Thanks you Adam for organising Cruise tickets for us. Really happy with the service. Must visit place.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Harvihenderson
Jul 16, 2025
Kaikōura’s beauty is just speechless! - We had a wonderful day trip to Kaikōura, guided by the kind and knowledgeable Dave. One of the highlights was visiting the seal colony, which we found absolutely captivating. We also thoroughly enjoyed the whale watching cruise—an unforgettable experience in itself. Without a doubt, Kaikōura is a destination that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Getaway40871869305
Jul 15, 2025
Kaikoura given us unforgettable memories. Must visit place❤️ - Words are short to describe about the nature & beauty of Kaikoura. BIG fan of Seal Colony & off cause Whale Watching cruise. We had a memorable experience with trip guide Dave. Very professional with a full book of local knowledge. Absolutely lucky day with a beautiful sunny weather, spotted 5 whales and heaps of Dolphins and seals in water & laying on the shore😍 thanks Kiwi adventures tour team organising for us.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shubhamko3470re
Jun 17, 2025
Great Day Spent in Kiakoura 😍 - Everything for Kaikoura day tour was very well organized by Adam. Airport transfers and hotel pickup were provided as additional services. All transfers were punctual, as outlined in the itinerary. The guide was excellent—friendly, professional, and highly knowledgeable. The whale watching and dolphin encounter created a truly magical experience. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Compass41117587721
Jun 9, 2025
Huge whales in Kaikoura 🐋 - Excellent! What a lovely day in Kiakoura. The route was beautiful with many scenic stops. Paul was absolutely delight as a tour guide. Had a spectacular short coastal and captured few seals 🦭. We taken whale watching cruise tour where we spotted few dolphins & 3 whales. Must recommend to visit kiwi adventures tours for there smooth & professional service.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Quest52075854870
Apr 19, 2025
Absolutely Amazing! - Fabulous sunny day in Kaikoura. Road trip sceneries from Christchurch to Kaikoura was spectacular. Whale watching tour was amazing. Great fish and chips for lunch at local shop. I would I highly recommend this tour for visitors. Jass was good driver. Offer us to stop most scenic places to capture pictures.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Climber64926381837
Apr 19, 2025
Great time spent with friends! - We pre booked whale watching tour which was well organised. Was beautiful day on cruise. Get chance to close encounters with the giant sperm whale. Also lucky to see few dolphins, seals and the wandering albatross. Our tour guide Jass was really friendly and accommodating. Overall a long day tour from Christchurch to Kaikōura was amazing. Must Recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
John
Apr 17, 2025
Worth to explore ocean marine life - We thoroughly enjoyed the scenic drive from Christchurch to Kaikōura. Unfortunately, the whale-watching portion of the trip—which was the primary reason I booked it—was cancelled due to adverse weather conditions. However, our tour guide ensured the experience remained worthwhile by taking us to see seals and a large pod of dolphins passing through.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $177
up to 14 guests
4 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).