Dolphin Encounter, Meal Included

From Christchurch: Kaikoura Day Tour With Dolphin Encounter

15 reviews

from $217 per person

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Duration: 10 hours
Meeting point: Christchurch pickup
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Meal: Meal included
Run by: Cheeky Kea Tours

Overview

This full-day trip from Christchurch, run by Cheeky Kea Tours, spends roughly ten hours taking you up the coast to Kaikoura and back, with a Dolphin Encounter cruise of about four hours as the centrepiece. You ride north in a Mercedes Sprinter or similar vehicle with Wi-Fi, USB charging and commentary along the way, stopping at Cheviot for a short break before reaching the Kaikoura Peninsula.

The name Kaikoura translates to eat crayfish, and the town sits pressed between the Kaikoura Ranges, snowcapped in winter, and the turquoise Pacific. The operator points out that this product is built around the dolphin experience, so there is no time set aside for extra walks or local shopping. After the boat trip, the return leg includes brief photo stops at Gore Bay and Cathedral Cliffs, and, if time allows, a wine tasting stop at Waipara where beer and non-alcoholic options are also available.

Lunch, bottled water and Kiwi snacks are included, as is hotel pickup from a long list of Christchurch accommodation options and the Bus Interchange on Lichfield Street. It suits travellers who want the dolphin encounter without organising their own transport, and who are happy with a full, structured day rather than independent time in town.

A tied up tour boat at the South Bay boat ramp, wet deck, late gold light on the Seaward Kaikoura Range behind.

What's Included

Included

Small group size
Carbon neutral tour of Kaikōura from Christchurch
Picture-perfect scenery and panoramic views spanning the mountains to the sea
Wildlife sightings
Scenic lookouts
Dolphin Encounter Tour (approximately 4 hours) with Dolphin Encounter Kaikōura
Wine tasting (time permitting)
Lunch, bottled water, and Kiwi snacks
Wi-Fi and USB charging
Commentary

Not Included

Tips

Small tour boat among leaping dusky dolphins off the Kaikoura coast with the Seaward Kaikoura Range behind.

Itinerary

Christchurch pickupChoose from the available hotel pickups or the Bus Interchange on Lichfield Street. The tour travels in a Mercedes Sprinter or similar vehicle.
Drive north, 1.5 hoursThe first leg heads north along the coastal route with onboard commentary.
Cheviot break, 10 minutesA short comfort stop at Cheviot before continuing on.
Van to Kaikoura, 1 hourThe second driving leg passes the Hundalee Hills on the way to the Kaikoura Peninsula.
Dolphin Encounter, 4 hoursThe main activity: a Dolphin Encounter Tour with Dolphin Encounter Kaikoura, approximately four hours on and around the water.
Gore Bay photo stop, 5 minutesA brief photo stop at Gore Bay on the return leg.
Cathedral Cliffs photo stop, 5 minutesAnother short stop at the Cathedral Cliffs viewpoint, then a 1.5 hour drive back toward Christchurch. A wine tasting stop at Waipara may be added if time permits, though where it falls in the day is not fixed.
Drop-off in ChristchurchReturn to the same set of hotels and the Bus Interchange on Lichfield Street.

What To Expect From The Tour

Here is what past travellers suggest you prepare for before booking this day trip.

Where this tour sits among 4 tours in Dolphin Swim And Watch Day Trips listed here (from-price per person, USD)

Dolphin Encounter, Meal Included (this tour)$217
10-Hour Swim, Meal Included$261
12-Hour Dolphin Swim Day Trip$283.14
Luxury Small Group, Meal Included$592.95

Bring seasickness remedies. There is a specific warning that anyone prone to seasickness should bring anti-nausea pills. You are out on the Pacific for roughly four hours as part of the dolphin cruise, so this is the single most useful thing to pack.
Wear sturdy footwear. Closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothes are on the official what-to-bring list. The day involves getting on and off a van and a boat, not long walks, since the tour has no spare time for additional strolling.
Food is covered. Lunch, bottled water and Kiwi snacks are included.

Wildlife beyond dolphins. Reviewers regularly mention seals seen close up along the coast, alongside dolphins described as playful and numerous. One reviewer also spotted albatross from the boat and saw a huge pod stretching into the distance.
Small group feel. Small group size is among the tour's features. One recent traveller said their group was small enough that break times were arranged around their requests, though group size will vary by departure.
Camera and power. The van has Wi-Fi and USB charging, which helps on a long drive. Drones are not allowed, and there is no alcohol permitted in the vehicle.

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Common issues. The wine tasting at Waipara is strictly time permitting, and at least one reviewer reported that it did not happen on their day despite being described as a potential activity, so treat it as a bonus rather than a certainty. The tour is blunt that this is a dolphin-focused product with no time for extra walks or shopping in Kaikoura. The dolphin cruise takes place on open water, so anyone prone to seasickness should come prepared, as advised. Tips are not included in the price.

Common Questions

Is Pickup From My Christchurch Hotel Included?

Yes, the tour offers a long list of Christchurch pickup points covering many central and airport hotels, plus the Bus Interchange on Lichfield Street. Drop-off returns you to the same set of locations.

What Is Included In The Price?

The price covers round-trip transport in a Mercedes Sprinter or similar, the approximately four hour Dolphin Encounter Tour with Dolphin Encounter Kaikoura, lunch, bottled water and Kiwi snacks, commentary, Wi-Fi and USB charging, and wine tasting at Waipara if time permits. Tips are not included.

How Long Is The Tour And The Dolphin Cruise?

The whole day runs about ten hours door to door. The dolphin portion with Dolphin Encounter Kaikoura lasts approximately four hours.

Will We Definitely Get The Wine Tasting?

No. The Waipara stop is included only if time permits, and the operator notes beer and non-alcoholic options exist if you do not drink wine. One reviewer reported the tasting did not run on their departure, so plan for it as a possible extra rather than a fixed stop.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Inside that window a refund is not stated, so cancel early if your plans change.

What Should I Bring?

Comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes and motion sickness prevention, with anti-nausea pills specifically recommended for the boat. Drones, alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and alcoholic drinks cannot be consumed in the vehicle.