Kaikoura Whale and Dolphin Overnight Tour from Christchurch
Traveler rating
4.2/5
Based on 9 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Kaikoura Whale and Dolphin Overnight Tour from Christchurch worth booking?
Kaikoura Whale and Dolphin Overnight Tour from Christchurch is a 48-hour experience in Christchurch, New Zealand, from $745 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 9 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 144 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 61 / 100
- Rating
- 4.2/5 (9)
- Duration
- 48 hours
- From
- $745 per person
Watch whales and swim with dolphins. This is a overnight delight for all those who wish to get close to nature. Journey from Christchurch to Kaikoura, where you will take a whale watch tour. Overnight in this tiny coasta
What you get
- Fur seal colony viewing
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Swim with Dolphins
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Live commentary on board
- Overnight accommodation
About this experience
Watch whales and swim with dolphins. This is a overnight delight for all those who wish to get close to nature. Journey from Christchurch to Kaikoura, where you will take a whale watch tour. Overnight in this tiny coastal town, before joining your Swim with Dolphins cruise. Dive into the oceans and swim next to these amazing mammals. A marine experience unmatched by any other.
What's included
Included
- Fur seal colony viewing
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Swim with Dolphins
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Live commentary on board
- Overnight accommodation
- GST (Goods and Services Tax
- Whale watch tour by boat
Not included
- Food and drinks, unless specified
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Overnight Option Single Supp.
Single Supplement: Full overnight tour for Kaikoura Whale Watch & Dolphin Swim with single supplement included. Pickup included
Overnight Option in Twin Room
Twin Room: Includes a full overnight Kaikoura Whale Watch & Dolphin Swim tour option in a double/twin room. Rates based on 2 persons. Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 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 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Leisure Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
- Please note, infants under 3 years of age may not join the cruises but may travel on the light aircraft tours
- Children must be aged 8 years and over to swim with Dolphins.
- Customers must declare any pre-existing medical conditions. A basic level of fitness is required. Customers will be floating in the open ocean and will be required to swim to and from the boat - distances up to 50 meters (150 feet) at a time.
- Once the tour has commenced only the unused portion of the tour will be refunded should the boats not sail or the planes not fly.
- If due to whale sightings or weather conditions the boat offers a partial refund, this refund will be passed on to our customers.
- If whale watch is undertaken by light aircraft and no whales are seen, no refund applies.
- Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark
- If time allows we will stop at a North Canterbury vineyard for a wine tasting!
- Maximum - One Medium size bag/suitcase per person (max 20kg each)
- Transfer from Kaikoura back to Christchurch may be by intercity coach if minimum numbers not met
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 9 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
9 verified traveler reviews for Kaikoura Whale and Dolphin Overnight Tour from Christchurch. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
You don't need this middleman. Do your own bookings and make happier memories!
This company is nothing more than an intermediary that adds ZERO value to your experience. Rather, they are pretty incompetent when it comes to setting up an itinerary for you. We wanted an overnight stay at Kaikoura and came across this tour. Told them over phone that in our group of 3, two do not swim. For reasons they alone know, they made no note of it and booked 3 swim tickets with the tour operator. They did not inform us either that there were swim and watch options with different ticket prices. We learnt of this option only once we got to the tour centre and spoke to the front desk there. The only option we had was to use the "swim" tickets on a "watch" tour as that's what Leisure Tours had got for us. And no, we do not get our money back for having paid for the pricier "swim" tickets. Taking it up with these guys later, they said - but you booked a "swim" tour, failing to realize or acknowledge that they did not offer the watch option. They also refused to accept that I had informed them about the swimming abilities/preferences of my group. And also that since we went ahead with the tour, there was no change or refund they would be offering. How exactly did they expect us to not go ahead with the tour when we reached Kaikoura, I fail to understand. It was well within their means to book different tickets for members of our group but they just did not go beyond their scripted offering/pay heed to the customer's needs. Those looking for a good experience, with a bit more of research (and learnings from customers like myself), will realise that one does not need these guys to book a good experience. In fact, one would be better off doing it by themselves if they are willing to drive on their own than getting mixed up with these mediocre tour companies. Rent a good vehicle, go on your schedule. It will be heaps more comfortable than their 12 seater vans. There are a handful of tour companies running these cruises and some good hotels to stay in Kaikoura. Go ahead and book them yourself - don't rely on these guys. This is not a criticism of the tour company, but a broad recommendation to travellers. Do your own research, DO NOT trust Leisure Tours to look at it from a your perspective. They are just incapable of that. They are in it only for the money and have no value for your experience.
Response from the operator: Pradeep Kodandaram booked himself, his wife Seeta Bodke and their son Aatrey Iyengar aged 9 for our overnight Kaikoura Experience on our website. The tour included one nights accommodation in Kaikoura with the Dolphin Swimming Experience on day one and the Whale Watching Experience on day two. Unfortunately, on check in for the Dolphin Swimming it was discovered that nobody in the family could swim. The family were then changed to Dolphin Watching only, however, as there was no opportunity for Dolphin Encounter to now sell these dolphin swimming seats the family could not be refunded for the price difference between to the two activities. At the conclusion of the two day tour Pradeep Kodandaram again asked for a refund and was politely advised that this was not possible as we had been charged in full for the dolphin swimming experience by Dolphin Encounter and he was sent documentary evidence of these charges. At no time were we advised that none of the family could swim, had we been so advised the booking would have been adjusted and a price reduction made. Instead Pradeep Kodandaram simply refuses to acknowledge his own incompetence and hence the review. Please see all of the other great reviews for this product and decide for yourself.
via Tripadvisor
Awesome Guide! pretty good whale watching
Pete is an Absolutely fantastic guide from Leisure Tours. Super informative. Had so much great information during the drive to and from whale boat (2 hours each way). He really took excellent care of us and and made sure we had a blast. The whale watching (not leisure tours) was pretty good. We drove around for a while while they tracked a whale. He finally came up for a few minutes and then dove. Certainly not the most exciting whale watching I’ve ever done. But that’s what Sperm whales do. Impressive location. Great crew on the boat - also very informative.
Response from the operator: Thanks for the review and pleased you had a great and enjoyable day.
via Viator
Very friendly tour guide, helping , punctual and ever smiling
Our visit to Kaikora for whale watching was cancelled due to bad weather by guide Tania was so considerate, jolly and sincere that in the evening way back to Christchrch we stopped for seal watching and went to Georges Road Wines and enjoyed wine tasting . Full 5 stars for efficient, friendly and punctual staff .
Response from the operator: Kiaora and thank you for leaving a review. I am pleased to hear that you enjoyed your tour with Tania!
via Tripadvisor
Not as advertised
I was quite disappointed with this experience overall as I don't feel the description matched the reality. Although parts of the trip like the dolphin watching were as amazing as described, the description far oversold the experience. I understand that many things are presented as possibilities not guarantees but I missed out on many of the things I was looking forward to. There was no seal colony viewing, no winery stop, no hotel drop-off, no ocean view from my room. I didn’t mind getting the public bus back but it was definitely more inconvenient than the advertised drop off. It felt like the whole experience was an attempt to patch together activities that the company aren't used to combining. I feel like this package should not be offered if it is not manageable. After weeks of backpacking and looking forward to my overnight break with some luxury, I was sadly disappointed.
Response from the operator: Ciara - It is always disappointing to get poor reviews especially when they are as disingenuous as this one. You, a single traveller, joined our two day overnight tour on the 4th December and travelled with our tour guide to Kaikoura doing the Dolphin Swimming on the 4th, overnight accommodation in Kaikoura, in sea front accommodation that night and then did the Whale Watch the next day and returned to Christchurch by coach later that day. All included in the tour price and everything that was described in the product description was provided as advertised. You state that there was no seal colony viewing, this was done on both boats trips plus there is a seal colony which in adjacent to the township and in walking distance from your hotel. The accommodation is waterfront and we do not and never have guaranteed rooms with an ocean view. You were picked up and dropped off at your hotel accommodation as advertised. With regard to the winery, as advertised this is a stop that is done if time is permitting, this is normally only when the whale watch boat cancels and the whale watching is done by air. Finally, the return to Christchurch by coach was not a public bus. We have carried hundreds of passengers on this tour over the past 30 plus years and I invite you to see all of the other fantastic reviews.
via Viator
Solid Trip
Entire experience was fantastic! Swimming with dolphins was amazing and very well organized, transport was hassle free and straight forward, and the whale watching tour was peaceful. Highly recommend for anyone looking to get a lot out of Kaikōura in a short amount of time.
Response from the operator: Kiaora Chris and thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review it's very much appreciated. I'm glad you enjoyed your tour.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 48 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 144h before
- Minimum age to book
- 14+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $745 to $1095
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Leisure Tours, who run 33 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 57.6.
See everything Leisure Tours runsWhy this scores 61
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Kaikoura Whale and Dolphin Overnight Tour from Christchurch: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Christchurch.
How much does Kaikoura Whale and Dolphin Overnight Tour from Christchurch cost?
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Prices start at $745 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 Kaikoura Whale and Dolphin Overnight 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 Kaikoura Whale and Dolphin Overnight Tour from Christchurch worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 9 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Christchurch, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Kaikoura Whale and Dolphin Overnight Tour from Christchurch?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 144 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Kaikoura Whale and Dolphin Overnight Tour from Christchurch suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 14. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 48-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Kaikoura Whale and Dolphin Overnight Tour from Christchurch?
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Around 3 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 Kaikoura Whale and Dolphin Overnight 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, Lord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch, Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier 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.
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