Not to miss–whale watching
Wonderful opportunity to view whales, dolphins, and sea birds with a excellent guide that accommodated our various transportation needs
Kaikōura Day Tour with Whale Watching & One-Way Coastal Pacific Train
- 12 hours
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Highlights
- Travel aboard the Coastal Pacific, one of New Zealand's most scenic rail journeys (Octoberu2013April).
- Spectacular coastal rail journey where mountains meet the Pacific Ocean.
- 2.5-hour whale watching cruise in the deep offshore waters of Kaiku014dura.
- Encounter sperm whales, dolphins, seals, and abundant seabird life.
- Visit a local fur seal colony along the rugged Kaiku014dura coastline.
- Enjoy free time in the scenic seaside township of Kaiku014dura.
Tour Overview
Experience two of New Zealand's most iconic attractions in one unforgettable day. Travel north aboard the scenic Coastal Pacific train before joining a world-famous whale watching cruise in Kaikōura. Operates October to April.
Experience two of New Zealand's most iconic attractions in one unforgettable day. Travel north aboard the Coastal Pacific scenic train, renowned for its breathtaking coastal views, before joining a world-famous whale watching cruise in Kaikōura. Kaikōura is internationally renowned for its rich marine environment, where deep ocean waters attract a diverse range of wildlife year-round.
What to Expect
Your day begins with pick-up from your central Christchurch accommodation from approximately 6:15am. You will be transferred to Christchurch Railway Station to board the Coastal Pacific train, departing at 7:00am.
Relax and enjoy the journey north as the train travels through rural Canterbury before following the dramatic Pacific coastline. Along the way, admire stunning ocean views, rugged beaches, rolling farmland, and the spectacular Kaikōura Ranges rising sharply from the sea.
Upon arrival in Kaikōura, board your whale watching vessel for a 2.5-hour cruise into deep offshore waters. These nutrient-rich waters support an incredible diversity of marine life, including sperm whales, dolphins, seals, albatross, and other seabirds. While sightings cannot be guaranteed, Kaikōura offers some of the highest chances of whale encounters in the world.
After your cruise, enjoy free time in Kaikōura to explore the township, browse local shops, or relax at one of the town’s cafés and eateries (own expense).
Before departing, visit a nearby fur seal colony, where New Zealand fur seals can often be seen resting and playing among the rocky shoreline.
Begin your return journey to Christchurch by road, arriving at approximately 6:30pm with drop-off at a central city location.
Included
- One-way Coastal Pacific train journey (Christchurch to Kaiku014dura)
- Return transport to Christchurch by coach
- Whale watching cruise
- Expert marine commentary
- Visit to fur seal colony
- Free time in Kaiku014dura township
Not Included
- Meals and beverages
- Personal expenses
Optional Upgrades
Lunch add-on: Adult $35 / Child $25
Meeting & Pickup
Please advise where you are staying in Christchurch, and we'll arrange a suitable pickup from a central city location
Additional Information
Coastal Pacific train operates seasonally from October to April only.
Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed as all encounters occur in a natural marine environment.
Dress warmly in layers; conditions on the water can be cold and changeable.
Comfortable walking shoes recommended.
Tours operate sea conditions permitting.
Rail schedules and tour timings may vary due to operational requirements.
Guest reviews
Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 4 verified travellers
5.0
4 reviews
Didn’t see the whale but still a nice trip
The trip was well scheduled. We chose to take the scenic train ride. By the time we arrived at Kaikoura, we joined back our group for the rest of the day. Sadly we didn’t see the whale (some people at the front of the boat saw his tail), but we got a partial refund. Our guide was nice and friendly. It was a good trip.
A Great day trip from Christchurch, Trains, Boats, Wildlife and automobiles
This tour was booked by a travel agent so was initially unaware that they had chosen Christchurch Leisure Tours as the full day tour operator as the transfer from the hotel was with super shuttle. Super Shuttle failed to pick us up from the hotel at 6:00am and had to Uber to train station. The 2-1/2 hour ride on the Costal Pafic passes through some beautiful countryside including 30 minutes along the coast during which we saw dusky dolphin near shore. We were met by Carmen from Christchurch Leisure Tours who explained how the remained of the day would go. The 10:00 whale watching went off at 10:30 with growing winds. The high-speed catamaran was a smooth ride out to the canyons to the spot when a whale was last spotted. Spent around half an hour watching a sperm whale resting on the surface before a tail flip and diving for food. Boat then started a slow return to harbour. The remaining whale watching tours were cancel because of high seas. Carmen met us at our return and drove us to the town of Kaikoura for lunch at the Why Not Cafe. Try Whitebait for first time not bad, but the fish and chips were great. After lunch Carmen stopped just south of town to see a seal colony with baby seals that lives road-side. Soo Cute!! Left Kaikoura at 15:00 for the 2-1/2 hour drive back to Christchurch. The road follows close to the rail tracks for much of the way giving a different view and a chance to catch up on some lost sleep. We did not stop at a winery as it was after 17:00 and all wineries close by then. Carmen did an excellent job of guiding and driving us.
Great Whale and Dolphin Watching
Saw all the marine mammals we were expecting to see. Excellent boat ride. Guide was great. Probably could have been advised that we could get breakfast in the train but that would be the only thing I would add.
