Overnight Whale And Dolphin Package

Kaikoura Whale and Dolphin Overnight Tour from Christchurch

9 reviews

from $556.07 per person

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Duration: 2 days, 1 night
Meeting point: Christchurch
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 6 full days before
Run by: Leisure Tours

Overview

This two-day trip packs the two marine highlights Kaikoura is famous for into one overnight run out of Christchurch, with coach transport and a night of accommodation handled for you. Day one is the long drive north through North Canterbury hill country, roughly three hours by coach, followed by a whale-watching boat trip in search of sperm whales. The afternoon in town is free to explore.

Day two belongs to the dolphins. You are fitted with a wetsuit, mask, snorkel and flippers and taken out to swim with dusky dolphins in open water, and there is also a chance to view a fur seal colony up close. On the way back to Christchurch the coach aims to stop at a North Canterbury vineyard for a wine tasting if time allows.

The tour suits travellers who want Kaikoura's wildlife without organising a hire car or lodging themselves. It is a busy, shared itinerary with a maximum of 50 travellers, and the swim requires a basic level of fitness since you float in the open ocean and swim to and from the boat, up to 50 metres at a time. Reviews repeatedly single out the dolphin swim as the standout, with one traveller noting the wetsuits were warmer than expected.

Water level view of the open sea off Kaikoura, dolphins surfacing, backs and fins breaking the grey water, mist on mountains.

What's Included

Included

Air-conditioned vehicle
Live commentary on board
Overnight accommodation
Whale watch tour by boat
Fur seal colony viewing
Swim with Dolphins
Use of snorkelling equipment
GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Not Included

Food and drinks, unless specified

Itinerary

Coach to KaikouraTravel by air-conditioned coach from Christchurch through North Canterbury hill country to Kaikoura, approximately three hours. Live commentary runs on board.
Whale watch cruiseOn arrival you are transferred to a boat-based whale-watching tour targeting giant sperm whales.
Free afternoon and overnightThe afternoon is free to explore Kaikoura. Overnight accommodation is included, typically The Anchor Inn or similar on the waterfront.
Swim with dolphinsA morning cruise to swim with dusky dolphins, with wetsuit, mask, snorkel and flippers provided.
Seal colony viewingDuring the day there is an opportunity to visit a fur seal colony and view the seals at close quarters.
Vineyard stop and returnReturning to Christchurch in the afternoon, a stop at a North Canterbury vineyard for a wine tasting is made if time allows. The return transfer may be by intercity coach if minimum numbers are not met.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points are worth knowing before booking this one, since it mixes long coach legs with open-water swimming.

$556.07from, per person

2 days, 1 nightduration

4.2across 9 guest reviews

50guests at most

Fitness for swimming. The dolphin swim takes place in the open ocean and requires a basic level of fitness. You must be able to swim to and from the boat, distances up to 50 metres at a time, and any pre-existing medical conditions must be declared before you go.
Warm wetsuits. Full snorkel gear including a wetsuit is provided. One reviewer who worried about the cold found the wetsuits extremely warm, so cold water should not put swimmers off.
Bring your own food. Food and drinks are not included unless specified, so budget for meals in Christchurch and Kaikoura. A wine tasting on the return leg is arranged if time allows, but it is not guaranteed.

Tour boat off the Kaikoura coast at dusk with snowy Seaward Kaikoura Range behind, dolphins nearby.

Long coach rides. The drive each way takes about three hours through North Canterbury. Reviewers found the on-board commentary informative and the transport straightforward, which helps on the long legs.
Wildlife is wildlife. Sperm whales surface briefly and dive again, as one reviewer described, and sightings depend on conditions. If the whale-watching boat offers a partial refund due to sightings or weather, that refund is passed on, but a light-aircraft flight with no whales seen carries no refund.
Pack light. Luggage is limited to one medium bag or suitcase per person, maximum 20kg. The tour runs with up to 50 travellers, so expect a shared group feel rather than an intimate outing.

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Common issues. The tour depends on minimum numbers, and the transfer back to Christchurch may switch to an intercity coach if they are not met. Weather and wildlife are variable: the vineyard stop and seal colony viewing are possibilities rather than guarantees, and one reviewer reported missing both and an ocean-view room. Whales may only surface briefly. Cancellations less than two full days before departure receive no refund, and changes are not accepted within six full days of the start time.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

Round-trip coach transport from Christchurch, overnight accommodation, live commentary on board, a whale-watching boat tour, the swim-with-dolphins cruise with snorkel equipment, fur seal colony viewing, and GST (Goods and Services Tax). Food and drinks are not included unless specified.

Is Pickup Included?

No hotel pickup is stated. Round-trip coach transport from Christchurch is included, along with one night of accommodation in Kaikoura. Note that the return leg may be by intercity coach if minimum numbers are not met.

Can Children Join The Tour?

Children aged 8 and over can swim with the dolphins, and a child rate applies only when sharing with two paying adults. Infants under 3 may not join the cruises, though they may travel on the light aircraft tours. A minimum of two people per booking is required.

Is It Suitable For People With Limited Mobility?

The tour is not wheelchair accessible, though pushchairs are and collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated if a companion can assist with boarding and disembarking. The dolphin swim requires a basic level of fitness, including swimming up to 50 metres in open water.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

A full refund applies if you cancel at least 6 full days before the start time, and a 50% refund between 2 and 6 full days. Cancelling less than 2 full days before departure is non-refundable, and changes within 6 full days are not accepted. If the operator cancels for not meeting minimum numbers, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

What Should I Bring?

Bring money or a card for meals and drinks, since food is not included. Luggage is limited to one medium bag or suitcase per person at up to 20kg. Snorkelling gear and wetsuits are provided for the dolphin swim.