Embark on an unforgettable whale watching adventure from Christchurch to Kaikōura, New Zealand's marine wildlife capital. Travel along a stunning coastal route to witness giant sperm whales, humpbacks, playful dolphins, and diverse seabirds in their natural Pacific habitat.
Journey through Canterbury with your passionate Kiwi guide, pausing at Cheviot and the dramatic Hundalee Hills to spot fur seals basking on coastal rocks. Arrive in Kaikōura - picturesque town nestled between snowcapped mountains and turquoise ocean - for an authentic fish and chips lunch.
Step aboard your whale watching vessel with expert naturalist guides. The Kaikōura Canyon, a deep underwater trench, creates nutrient-rich waters that attract remarkable marine diversity year-round. Search for resident sperm whales, migrating humpbacks, orcas, and five dolphin species using advanced hydrophone technology to track their underwater calls.
On your return journey, enjoy an optional wine tasting at a family-owned Waipara vineyard (note, this is strictly time permitting and not guaranteed).
Travel sustainably on this 100% carbon-neutral tour in a premium Mercedes Sprinter equipped with WiFi and USB charging. With just 16 guests maximum, experience personalized service throughout this comprehensive Kaikōura whale watching adventure.
View all 16 photos
From Christchurch: Kaikōura Day Tour with Whale Watching
4.7/5
Good(84 reviews)
From
€0.00
Sold out
Highlights
Enjoy fresh kiwi fish & chips lunch
Experience an optional Waipara wine tasting (not guaranteed, if time permits)
Search for sperm whales, humpbacks, orcas & dolphins on 2-hour cruise
Itinerary
Product details
Experience New Zealand's premier whale watching on this small-group tour. Spot giant sperm whales, humpbacks, and orcas during a 2-hour cruise. See fur seals, and enjoy classic Kiwi fish and chips.
Show less
What's included
Bottled water and authentic Kiwi snacks provided
Carbon-neutral tour—100% offset emissions through certified NZ forestry projects
Expert local Kiwi guide with live commentary throughout the day
Fish and chips lunch included (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free options with advance notice)
Hotel pickup and drop-off from 15 central Christchurch locations
Modern Mercedes Sprinter with air conditioning, WiFi, and USB charging
Small-group tour with maximum 16 guests for personalized attention
Whale Watch Kaikoura cruise (approx. 2 hours on water) with expert naturalist guides
Wine tasting at Waipara family vineyard (strictly time permitting, approx. 60% of tours; we do not refund if this part of the tour is skipped)
Eligibility
Adult: 15–99 years old
Child: 4–14 years old
Change & cancellation policies
If a cancellation request is submitted before 07:30, 1 day(s) prior to the date of use, no cancellation fee will be charged.
If a cancellation request is submitted after 07:30 1 day(s) before the date of use, a fee of 100% will be charged.
If a discount is applied, the cancellation fee will be calculated based on the original price before the discount and will not exceed the amount paid.
Partial refund is not available.
Important note
Please notify the activity provider of any dietary requirements prior to travelling
If you are prone to sea sickness, bring some anti-nausea pills with you
Items recommended to bring:
Comfortable clothes
Warm clothing
Good to know:
If you are prone to sea sickness, bring some anti-nausea pills with you
Please notify the activity provider of any dietary requirements prior to travelling
You may also like
Day tours
From Christchurch: Queenstown via Tekapo & Mt Cook Day Trip
4.6/5
(34 reviews)Duration: 13 hrs | English
Depart from Christchurch
5% off
EUR 175.96
FromEUR 167.16
Day tours
Christchurch round-trip + Aoraki / Mount Cook + Lake Tekapo + Church of the Good Shepherd + Lake Pukaki 1-day tour
5.0/5
(1 review) | 16 bookedDuration: 3.5 hrs | English
Depart from Christchurch
FromEUR 143.71
Day tours
Waipara Wine Tour from Christchurch - including Lunch & Tastings
4.5/5
(168 reviews) | 4 bookedDuration: 330 mins | English
Depart from Christchurch
FromEUR 97.55
Day tours
Christchurch: Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo Ticket
4.7/5
(94 reviews)Duration: 1 day | English
Depart from Christchurch
5% off
EUR 57.33
FromEUR 54.46
Day tours
Mount Cook Day tour from Christchurch to Queenstown
3.0/5
(2 reviews) | 1 bookedDuration: 11 hrs | English
Depart from Christchurch
FromEUR 197.64
Day tours
Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch
4.9/5
(196 reviews) | 20 bookedDuration: 13 hrs | English
Depart from Christchurch
FromEUR 141.18
Day tours
Christchurch + Aoraki / Mount Cook + Lake Tekapo + Good Shepherd Small Group Day Tour [From Christchurch to Queenstown
2 booked
Duration: 2.8 hrs | English
Depart from Christchurch
FromEUR 187.28
Day tours
From Tekapo: Small-Group, Carbon Neutral Mt Cook Day Tour
4.7/5
(9 reviews)Duration: 5 hrs | English
Depart from Lake Tekapo
5% off
EUR 138.28
FromEUR 131.36
Day tours
TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip
4.8/5
(237 reviews) | 8 bookedDuration: 10 hrs | English
Depart from Christchurch
FromEUR 232.03
Day tours
Discover Christchurch Sightseeing Tour
4.4/5
(26 reviews)Duration: 3 hrs | English
Depart from Christchurch
FromEUR 48.45
FAQ
Popular Day tours in Christchurch
Can I change or cancel my booking?
Please confirm the details on the product details page, as cancellation and change policies depend on the specific product
How can I get discounts?
We suggest keeping an eye on price changes, as prices can vary between working days and weekends as well as during peak and off-peak seasons. We also recommend using Trip Coins and Trip discounts for your purchases. For the latest discounts, visit Trip.com.
Trip.com Picks
Popular Christchurch Tours
Best Christchurch Experiences
Popular Products
Popular Activities
Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from ChristchurchChristchurch Join-in Tour Round-trip: City Sightseeing/Sheep Farm Tour with Lunch and Winery Day Tour IncludedCHC Christchurch International Airport: Manaia Lounge AccessChristchurch + Aoraki / Mount Cook + Lake Tekapo + Good Shepherd Small Group Day Tour [From Christchurch to QueenstownFrom Christchurch: Queenstown via Tekapo & Mt Cook Day TripChristchurch: 1/2-Day Scenic Highlights Small Group TourChristchurch round-trip + Aoraki / Mount Cook + Lake Tekapo + Church of the Good Shepherd + Lake Pukaki 1-day tourChristchurch: Helicopter Trial FlightMount Cook Day Tour from ChristchurchChristchurch: Orana Wildlife Park AdmissionGray Line Day Tour from Queenstown and Christchurch to Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo, New ZealandŌtautahi: Christchurch Small-Group Inner City Food Walking TourWaipara Wine Tour from Christchurch - including Lunch & TastingsChristchurch Hop-On Hop-Off TramFrom Christchurch: Full-Day Lord of the Rings Tour to Edoras
Christchurch Travel ServicesChristchurch Airport ServicesFood & Drink in ChristchurchBoat Experiences in ChristchurchChristchurch Travel Essentials in ChristchurchChristchurch Walking ToursChristchurch Day ToursWater Activities in ChristchurchChristchurch Connectivity SolutionsChristchurch Boat TicketsChristchurch Shopping DiscountsCultural Experiences in ChristchurchChristchurch Visa Application ServicesGuangzhou Spa & MassageSri Lanka SIM CardPhu Quoc Island SIM CardHainan SIM CardNaples Day ToursChina Bus TicketsChongqing Spa & MassageVietnam SIM CardShanghai Day ToursLaos SIM CardPrivate Forbidden City Tour with English Speaking GuideBus Shared Tranfer From Huanglongjiuzhai Railway Station to Jiuzhaigou|Tikect is availableTerracotta Army TicketsPrivate tour from Lijiang: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain + Glacier Park Cableway + Blue Moon Valley Gulong Gorge Skywalk Glass Bridge and Waterfall View Private Tour2026 Wisteria Story - Ashikaga Flower Park + Ibaraki Nemophila Fields 1-day Tour Including Admission Ticket 89 Show Pattaya TicketPattaya 6996 ShowThe Wake Up Club Adult Show Ticket Phuket Mutianyu Great Wall With English Speaking Driver Service