
2 Day Kaikoura Whale and Dolphin Tour from Christchurch
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






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 runsWhy this scores 48
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
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.
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