2 Day Kaikoura Whale and Dolphin Tour from Christchurch
Christchurch, New Zealand

2 Day Kaikoura Whale and Dolphin Tour from Christchurch

Outty Ranking 4848 hoursFrom $716
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Outty Ranking

48/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

Not yet rated

No traveler reviews have been published for this experience yet.

Quick answer

Is 2 Day Kaikoura Whale and Dolphin Tour from Christchurch worth booking?

2 Day Kaikoura Whale and Dolphin Tour from Christchurch is a 48-hour experience in Christchurch, New Zealand, from $716 per person. It scores 48 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
48 / 100
Rating
Not yet rated
Duration
48 hours
From
$716 per person

A great way to experience the best of Kaikoura's sealife! This two-day tour takes you north from Christchurch to the coastal town of Kaikoura; a bustling township with many cafes, restaurants and shops as well as incredible wildlife. Kaikoura is one of the only places in the world where whales and dolphins can be encountered every day! When you arrive, head out on a magical swimming encounter with Dusky Dolphins. On day 2, experience the world-famous Kaikoura Whale Watch tour before heading down the scenic coast back to Christchurch. This is an Independent coach tour, where you travel on a combination of touring coaches and sightseeing services with commentary and/or point to point coaches which may not have commentary. You will be with different people on each part of the tour and different drivers. You have free time to explore on your own and are free to choose where and when to eat, meals are not included unless specified.

What you get

    About this experience

    A great way to experience the best of Kaikoura's sealife! This two-day tour takes you north from Christchurch to the coastal town of Kaikoura; a bustling township with many cafes, restaurants and shops as well as incredible wildlife. Kaikoura is one of the only places in the world where whales and dolphins can be encountered every day! When you arrive, head out on a magical swimming encounter with Dusky Dolphins. On day 2, experience the world-famous Kaikoura Whale Watch tour before heading down the scenic coast back to Christchurch. This is an Independent coach tour, where you travel on a combination of touring coaches and sightseeing services with commentary and/or point to point coaches which may not have commentary. You will be with different people on each part of the tour and different drivers. You have free time to explore on your own and are free to choose where and when to eat, meals are not included unless specified.

    What's included

    Included

    • 1 nights accommodation at a Premium Motel
    • Experienced coach drivers
    • Whale Watch Kaikoura tour
    • Coach transport from Christchurch to Kaikoura and return
    • Dolphin Encounter Kaikoura Swim with the Dolphins

    Not included

    • Pre and post tour accommodation
    • Travel insurance. We recommend travel insurance for all tours
    • Meals unless specified
    • Gratuities

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Christchurch

    07:00 Outside Christchurch Bus Interchange on Lichfield Street, near Colombo Street. Check-in 15 minutes before scheduled departure time and report to the coach driver.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    07:00 Outside Christchurch Bus Interchange on Lichfield Street, near Colombo Street. Check-in 15 minutes before scheduled departure time and report to the coach driver.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 3 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Discover New Zealand

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    2 Day Kaikoura Whale and Dolphin Tour from Christchurch, photo 22 Day Kaikoura Whale and Dolphin Tour from Christchurch, photo 32 Day Kaikoura Whale and Dolphin Tour from Christchurch, photo 42 Day Kaikoura Whale and Dolphin Tour from Christchurch, photo 52 Day Kaikoura Whale and Dolphin Tour from Christchurch, photo 62 Day Kaikoura Whale and Dolphin Tour from Christchurch, photo 7

    Good to know

    Duration
    48 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $716 to $1,355
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    0
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Discover New Zealand, who run 11 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 50.9.

    See everything Discover New Zealand runs

    Why this scores 48

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)78
    Review evidence (18% weight)0
    Booking momentum (14% weight)0
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)50
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    2 Day Kaikoura Whale and Dolphin Tour from Christchurch: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Christchurch.

    How much does 2 Day Kaikoura Whale and Dolphin Tour from Christchurch cost?

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    Prices start at $716 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Christchurch usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does 2 Day Kaikoura Whale and Dolphin Tour from Christchurch take?

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    Plan for about 48 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Christchurch is not rushed.

    Is 2 Day Kaikoura Whale and Dolphin Tour from Christchurch worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 48 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (0/5 across 0 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Christchurch, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule 2 Day Kaikoura Whale and Dolphin Tour from Christchurch?

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    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is 2 Day Kaikoura Whale and Dolphin Tour from Christchurch suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 48-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book 2 Day Kaikoura Whale and Dolphin Tour from Christchurch?

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    Around 0 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Christchurch can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

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    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Christchurch and add a light layer if any part of the 48-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does 2 Day Kaikoura Whale and Dolphin Tour from Christchurch start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Christchurch within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Christchurch?

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    On Outty we rank every Christchurch experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip, Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch, Lord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Christchurch?

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    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Christchurch?

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    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in 2 Day Kaikoura Whale and Dolphin Tour from Christchurch?

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    Included: 1 nights accommodation at a Premium Motel; Experienced coach drivers; Whale Watch Kaikoura tour; Coach transport from Christchurch to Kaikoura and return; and Dolphin Encounter Kaikoura Swim with the Dolphins. Not included: Pre and post tour accommodation; Travel insurance. We recommend travel insurance for all tours; Meals unless specified; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for 2 Day Kaikoura Whale and Dolphin Tour from Christchurch?

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    07:00 Outside Christchurch Bus Interchange on Lichfield Street, near Colombo Street. Check-in 15 minutes before scheduled departure time and report to the coach driver. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is 2 Day Kaikoura Whale and Dolphin Tour from Christchurch offered in?

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    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for 2 Day Kaikoura Whale and Dolphin Tour from Christchurch?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is 2 Day Kaikoura Whale and Dolphin Tour from Christchurch wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; and Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to 2 Day Kaikoura Whale and Dolphin Tour from Christchurch if the weather is bad?

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    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Christchurch. Standard cancellation terms apply.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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