Kaikoura Whale Watch Tour from Christchurch including TranzCoastal Rail Journey

Christchurch, New Zealand

Spend the day getting close to nature on this Kaikoura Whale Watching tour from Christchurch. Travel by road through the rolling hill country of North Canterbury, enjoying the beauty of its rural pastoral scenes, to Kaikoura where mountains meet sea (approx 3-hours by coach). Kaikoura is world renowned for the variety of marine mammals which can be seen, not least of all the giant sperm whales and the acrobatic Dusky Dolphins.

On arrival in Kaikoura you will be transferred to a whale watch tour by boat. On the tour you may view the giant sperm whale and often other whale species, dolphins, seals and the Royal Albatross. Following the tour, lunch has been arranged at the Craypot Cafe and Bar. There will be the opportunity this afternoon to visit a seal colony where fur seals may be viewed at close quarters .

Return to Christchurch by train, the TranzCoastal is one of the world's most scenic train journeys. See wildlife and stunning rugged coastline in the comfort of your train carriage.

On returning to Christchurch  a stop will be made at a North Canterbury vineyard where a wine tasting has been arranged before returning to your Christchurch hotel.

USD $291.28

Review by: JOE P	November 2010
Wonderful day & extremely well managed by the tour company when everything went south. Everyone was accommodated and nothing was lost. I cannot say enough for the tour company personnel and the way they handled everything...especially the driver, Chris. DON'T MISS THIS ONE!!!

Review by: Lesley S, United Kingdom	March 2010
We only had a short stay in NZ so wanted to see as much as we could. Guide on bus was very informative, the whale watch was good - professional, good safety briefing and equipment and we saw whales and dolphins. The train trip back enabled us to see more of the countryside. Pickups from hotel were good. Best to do 1 way coach and 1 way train.

Review by: Patricia R, Australia	October 2008
The care by our tour director/bus driver was excellent. We loved our trip to Kaikoura by bus and the morning tea/loo stop. Our meal at Kaikoura was 5 star and we really enjoyed the day. here was only one thing that let the day down a bit. his was nothing to do with the company or TranzScenic railway. The attitude of some of the staff of the "WhaleWatch" crew at Kaikoura left a little to be desired. .I think they just need to improve on their inter-personal and customer service skills. My mother said "good morning" to two of the crew and had absolutely no response and they were a little rude. Other than that, I would definitely recommend Viator to anyone and will use Viator again. Thank you.

Review by: Anonymous, Canada	October 2008
Train component was cancelled due to track damage, and we didn't see any whales despite substituting airplane for boat. But scenery was wonderful and tour guide was entertaining, despite driving too fast. Also, I thought it was a mistake for him to meet us on main street of Kaikoura instead of picking us up where we had lunch.

Review by: June S, Australia	October 2008
Itinerary different to that printed so rather a "mystery trip". Coach travel very pleasant with excellent driver. Whale watching boat trip exceeded 5 stars. Would have loved more time at winery.