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3 Day Kaikoura Sealife Tour from Christchurch Including Coastal Pacific Train
3 days
About this activity
Itinerary
Day 1: Christchurch to Kaikoura
Stop At: Kaikoura, Kaikoura, Canterbury Region, South Island
Christchurch to Kaikoura by Intercity Coach
The drive north from Christchurch to Kaikoura first takes you through some fine rolling farmland and North Canterbury's major wine region, the Waipara Valley. Crossing the Hawkswood Range you descend towards the spectacular Kaikoura coastline and the road hugs the ocean as it winds its way the remaining 15 kilometers to the township. Kaikoura Township is a bustling little place with many cafes, restaurants and shops but the main reason for visiting here is the wildlife.
Duration: 4 hours
Stop At: Dolphin Encounter, W End, Kaikoura 7300, New Zealand
olphin Encounter Swimming with the Dolphins
Experience a magical swimming encounter with dusky dolphins off the coast Kaikoura. You’ll be taken out in the catamaran and have the chance to swim in the water with these wild mammals in an completely natural environment. The dusky dolphin inhabits the waters around Kaikoura for most of the year - making it one of the only places in the world where dolphins can be encountered every day.
Duration: 3 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at the White Morph Hotel, Kaikoura. Set on the Esplanade in Kaikoura with commanding views of the ocean.
Day 2: Kaikoura for the day
Stop At: Whale Watch Kaikōura, Whaleway Station Rd, Kaikoura 7340, New Zealand
Whale Watch Kaikoura
Experience New Zealand's only marine based whale watching company. Whale Watch Kaikoura offer a once-in-a-lifetime, up close encounter with the giant Sperm Whale. You are also likely to encounter New Zealand fur seals, dusky dolphins and albatross. Depending on the season you may also see pilot, blue and southern right whales as well as migrating humpbacks. Often orcas can be spotted here and the world's smallest dolphin, the Hectors, occasionally make an appearance. Cruise in style on modern catamarans, specifically designed for whale watching - Featuring large passenger cabins and outside viewing decks. Passenger numbers for each tour are kept below the vessel carrying capacity to ensure your tour experience remains a personal one.
Duration: 4 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at the White Morph Hotel, Kaikoura. Set on the Esplanade in Kaikoura with commanding views of the ocean.
Day 3: Kayaking and Kaikoura to Christchurch
Stop At: Seal Kayak Kaikoura, 2 Beach Rd, Kaikoura 7300, New Zealand
Experience the excitement of watching Fur Seals ducking, weaving and diving around your kayak. Paddle gently along with them as they swim around the Kaikoura Peninsula hunting for their favourite feed of Octopus. Keep your distance while dinner is devoured in front of you, then duck for cover as hundreds of Pelagic (ocean-going) birds swoop in to clean up the left-overs. Continue your journey around the reefs of Kaikoura to search for other marine mammals such as Dusky Dolphins and Blue Penguins. Suitable for all abilities
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: TranzAlpine & Coastal Pacific, Troup Drive, Addington, Addington, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Coastal Pacific Train: Kaikoura to Christchurch
The Coastal Pacific train journey travels between the delightful port of Picton and Christchurch, the South Island's largest city. This journey is a scenic feast of New Zealand, with the Kaikoura mountain ranges on one side of your train and the rugged Pacific Ocean coastline on the other. The Coastal Pacific travels through 22 tunnels and crosses 175 bridges - one of them being New Zealand's only road-rail bridge. The Coastal Pacific includes an open-air viewing carriage where all your senses are awakened with the clean and fresh sea air.
This leg of the journey crosses over the wonderful North Canterbury countryside to the city of Christchurch. Christchurch is also known as the Garden City of New Zealand. Enjoy Christchurch’s many attractions which include Ferrymead Heritage Park, the International Antarctic Centre, Ko Tane Maori and Cultural Experience, Christchurch Casino, punting on the Avon River, the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, and so much more.
Duration: 5 hours
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
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Day 1: Christchurch to Kaikoura
Stop At: Kaikoura, Kaikoura, Canterbury Region, South Island
Christchurch to Kaikoura by Intercity Coach
The drive north from Christchurch to Kaikoura first takes you through some fine rolling farmland and North Canterbury's major wine region, the Waipara Valley. Crossing the Hawkswood Range you descend towards the spectacular Kaikoura coastline and the road hugs the ocean as it winds its way the remaining 15 kilometers to the township. Kaikoura Township is a bustling little place with many cafes, restaurants and shops but the main reason for visiting here is the wildlife.
Duration: 4 hours
Stop At: Dolphin Encounter, W End, Kaikoura 7300, New Zealand
olphin Encounter Swimming with the Dolphins
Experience a magical swimming encounter with dusky dolphins off the coast Kaikoura. You’ll be taken out in the catamaran and have the chance to swim in the water with these wild mammals in an completely natural environment. The dusky dolphin inhabits the waters around Kaikoura for most of the year - making it one of the only places in the world where dolphins can be encountered every day.
Duration: 3 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at the White Morph Hotel, Kaikoura. Set on the Esplanade in Kaikoura with commanding views of the ocean.
Day 2: Kaikoura for the day
Stop At: Whale Watch Kaikōura, Whaleway Station Rd, Kaikoura 7340, New Zealand
Whale Watch Kaikoura
Experience New Zealand's only marine based whale watching company. Whale Watch Kaikoura offer a once-in-a-lifetime, up close encounter with the giant Sperm Whale. You are also likely to encounter New Zealand fur seals, dusky dolphins and albatross. Depending on the season you may also see pilot, blue and southern right whales as well as migrating humpbacks. Often orcas can be spotted here and the world's smallest dolphin, the Hectors, occasionally make an appearance. Cruise in style on modern catamarans, specifically designed for whale watching - Featuring large passenger cabins and outside viewing decks. Passenger numbers for each tour are kept below the vessel carrying capacity to ensure your tour experience remains a personal one.
Duration: 4 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at the White Morph Hotel, Kaikoura. Set on the Esplanade in Kaikoura with commanding views of the ocean.
Day 3: Kayaking and Kaikoura to Christchurch
Stop At: Seal Kayak Kaikoura, 2 Beach Rd, Kaikoura 7300, New Zealand
Experience the excitement of watching Fur Seals ducking, weaving and diving around your kayak. Paddle gently along with them as they swim around the Kaikoura Peninsula hunting for their favourite feed of Octopus. Keep your distance while dinner is devoured in front of you, then duck for cover as hundreds of Pelagic (ocean-going) birds swoop in to clean up the left-overs. Continue your journey around the reefs of Kaikoura to search for other marine mammals such as Dusky Dolphins and Blue Penguins. Suitable for all abilities
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: TranzAlpine & Coastal Pacific, Troup Drive, Addington, Addington, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Coastal Pacific Train: Kaikoura to Christchurch
The Coastal Pacific train journey travels between the delightful port of Picton and Christchurch, the South Island's largest city. This journey is a scenic feast of New Zealand, with the Kaikoura mountain ranges on one side of your train and the rugged Pacific Ocean coastline on the other. The Coastal Pacific travels through 22 tunnels and crosses 175 bridges - one of them being New Zealand's only road-rail bridge. The Coastal Pacific includes an open-air viewing carriage where all your senses are awakened with the clean and fresh sea air.
This leg of the journey crosses over the wonderful North Canterbury countryside to the city of Christchurch. Christchurch is also known as the Garden City of New Zealand. Enjoy Christchurch’s many attractions which include Ferrymead Heritage Park, the International Antarctic Centre, Ko Tane Maori and Cultural Experience, Christchurch Casino, punting on the Avon River, the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, and so much more.
Duration: 5 hours
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
Included
- Accommodation included: 2 nights
- 2 nights accommodation at the White Morph Hotel, Kaikoura
- Experienced English-speaking coach drivers with some commentary on board.
- Pacific train journey from Kaikoura to Christchurch.
- Coach transport from Christchurch to Kaikoura. Coastal
- Whale Watch Kaikoura tour.
- Dolphin Encounter - Swim with the Dolphins in Kaikoura.
- Kaikoura kayaking half day experience.
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Use of Snorkelling equipment
- Entry/Admission - Dolphin Encounter
- Entry/Admission - Whale Watch Kaikōura
- Entry/Admission - Seal Kayak Kaikoura
- Entry/Admission - TranzAlpine & Coastal Pacific
Not included
- Tipping. Meals, snacks and drinks.
- Pre and post tour accommodation.
- Insurance not included. Travel insurance is recommended for all of our tours
Additional
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Infant seats available
- Most travelers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
Features
Tourism
95%
Cultural
65%
Aquatic
30%
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