Kaikoura Day Trip From Christchurch with Whale Watch (Small Group & Carbon Neutral)

Kaikoura – A small coastal gem that’s often overlooked, but a "must-see" spot in New Zealand. With panoramic views of turquoise waters and snow-capped mountains, Kaikoura spells serenity. Join us on a journey with our friendly and knowledgeable guides as we leave the Garden City and travel to where the mountains meet the sea. Kaikoura offers the ultimate experience for marine life encounters, coastal walks, and delicious local food.

On this day tour, we’ll encourage you to relax and embrace the natural beauty of Kaikoura. Known as a surfer’s paradise, the town is surrounded by an abundance of wildlife, and as we approach, you’ll get a chance to spot seals and other creatures. The breathtaking contrast between the bright blue Pacific Ocean and the rugged Kaikoura Ranges makes for those perfect Instagram shots and an experience like no other.

The highlight of the tour is the unforgettable whale watching experience.
"Whale Watch is New Zealand’s only vessel-based whale watching company offering up-close encounters with the world’s largest toothed predator, the Giant Sperm Whale, in their natural environment year-round. With a 95% success rate, we guarantee an 80% refund if your tour doesn’t spot a whale. On average, you'll see 1-2 whales per tour, with sightings of other incredible species like Blue, Fin, Humpback, and Minke whales, as well as dolphins, orcas, and seals."

You’ll travel comfortably in one of our modern, well-equipped Mercedes Sprinter vehicles. Our passionate, knowledgeable tour guides will make the journey come alive, ensuring you have an unforgettable time.

Memories, smiles, and endless photos await you on this amazing adventure!

Highlights:

• Picture-perfect scenery
• Wildlife sightings
• Wine tasting (time permitting)
• Whale watching

Itinerary:

Christchurch: We’ll kick things off by departing from the Garden City and heading north toward Kaikoura, with your guide pointing out notable sights along the way.

Cheviot (15 min): Our first stop is in Cheviot, a quaint town nestled on one of New Zealand’s most scenic coastal routes. Take a moment to stretch your legs and enjoy the surrounding beauty before we continue our journey through Hundalee Hills, where you might catch sight of surfers and seals.

Kaikoura (4 hrs): Once we arrive in Kaikoura, you’ll enjoy lunch before we embark on the highly anticipated whale-watching tour. On the catamaran, you’ll have the chance to spot giant sperm whales, and with a little luck, maybe even orcas! After the tour, we’ll pick you up from the reception and head back to the city.

If Time Allows: Waipara: If time permits, we’ll make a quick stop at the Waipara wine region, famous for its lush vineyards and picturesque countryside. Here, you can sample a selection of locally produced wines. Not a wine fan? No problem! We’ll also have beer available as an option.

Christchurch: After an action-packed day filled with stunning views, exciting wildlife encounters, and unforgettable experiences, relax as we head back to Christchurch.

Please Note: This tour is focused on whale watching, so there will be no time for local walks or shopping. We will make occasional stops for toilet breaks.

IMPORTANT: The whale watching add-on is in high demand and tends to sell out quickly. Please keep an eye on your inbox for updates or any changes to your tour.

Inclusions:

• Small group tour
• Carbon neutral
• Fish and chips lunch
• Bottled water
• Kiwi snacks
• Wi-Fi and USB charging
• Wine tasting (time permitting)
• Whale watching experience
• Commentary from your guide

At Cheeky Kea Travel, we believe it’s the little things that make our tours stand out – from secret stops to wildlife sightings, specially designed vehicles, and complimentary refreshments, we’ll make sure you have a memorable experience.

See More, Do More, Spend Less.