From Christchurch: Kaikoura Day Tour - Whale Watching Flight Included

Depart Christchurch
and head north to Kaikoura

Leave from your chosen pickup point in Christchurch and travel north to Kaikoura in a Mercedes Sprinter (or similar) equipped with Wi-Fi and USB charging. Along the way, your guide shares stories about central Christchurch and the wider Canterbury region in English.

Take a 15-minute break at Cheviot, the first stop. The journey then continues past the Hundalee Hills along the coast, where you may spot local wildlife such as surfers and seals.

Look for whales from the sky on a scenic flight

In Kaikoura, join your pre-booked 30-minute whale watching flight with Wings Over Whales (about 1 hour including check-in). From a window seat in a high-winged aircraft, look for giant sperm whales up to 18 m long swimming in the deep waters of the Kaikoura Canyon.

The flight lets you see the whole whale, a view that is hard to get from a boat. Keep an eye out for dusky dolphins, other whale species and seabirds flying below.

Visit Gore Bay and Cathedral Cliffs on the way back

On the return to Christchurch, stop at Gore Bay and the Cathedral Cliffs viewpoint for about 5 minutes each to take photos. Time permitting, visit a family-run winery in Waipara, a wine region surrounded by vineyards and green hills, to taste local wines. Beer and non-alcoholic drinks are also available.

The tour ends back in Christchurch at your drop-off point. Lunch, bottled water and New Zealand snacks are included.

※ Wildlife such as whales, dolphins and seals live in the wild, so sightings are not guaranteed.
※ This itinerary focuses on the whale watching flight, so there is no time for walking around or shopping in Kaikoura.
※ The Waipara winery visit and tasting take place only if time permits.
※ The itinerary may change depending on local conditions.