Enjoy the ultimate bird watching and wildlife cruise just 15 minutes off the coast of Kaikoura. Take the opportunity to get up close and personal with a huge variety of seabirds including the majestic Albatross, in an intimate group of up to 13 people.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Reserve now & pay later: Reserve now & pay later to book your spot without any charges today. Learn more
Duration 2.5 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide: English

Highlights

Enjoy a 2.5-hour cruise along the picturesque Kaikoura Coast
Marvel at the greatest variety of seabirds and birdlife you'll find anywhere in the world
Watch the birds come in close for a unique feeding experience
Learn amazing new things from your experienced local guide

Full description

Enjoy this once in a lifetime bird watching experience just 15 minutes of the coast of Kaikoura. Within just a small area, meet one of the greatest varieties of seabirds and pelagic bird life you'll find anywhere in the world. Up to 12 species of albatross alone can be viewed at various times of the year. Equip yourself with your bird identification list, your expert local guide and driver will take you on a journey from the Port out into the open ocean. Enjoy the opportunity to watch the birds come in close to the boat for a unique feeding experience. Throughout the tour, your guide will take you to various different spots to ensure you see as many species as possible. As you make your way back to Kaikoura, come in close to the shore and marvel at the picturesque New Zealand coastline. If you’re lucky, you will have an opportunity to see beautiful fur seals basking in the sunshine.

Includes

2.5-hour wildlife cruise
Experienced local guide
Full species list and souvenir information pack to take home

Food and drink

Not suitable for

Children under 3 years

Covid-19 precautions

Safety measures in place

All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
Masks are optional but are strongly recommended while indoors

Traveler requirements

All participants who are over 12 years and 3 months old must present proof of full vaccination

Meeting point

Please come to the Encounter Kaikoura office to check in, 96 Esplanade, Kaikoura 7300, New Zealand

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Important information

Not allowed

Drones

Know before you go

Tour operation is subject to the weather, sea conditions, and wildlife behaviour
All tours are subject to having a minimum number of participants to go ahead; when any of these factors mean a tour cannot proceed a full refund will apply
Weather in New Zealand can be unpredictable. Make sure you come prepared with appropriate clothing for the weather including rain and wind jacket
There is the possibility of getting seasick during this cruise. If you are prone to seasickness ensure you take appropriate medication before departure; ‘Sea Legs’ and ginger tablets are available for purchase at the counter when you check in
Please arrive to check in at least 20 minutes before your scheduled departure

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 13 reviews

Review summary

Guide
4.6/5
Transportation
4.5/5
Value for money
4.3/5

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This experience was everything we hoped it would be and more. We saw lots of birds, many really close up. Our guide, Gary, was very knowledgeable and amazed us with immediate identification of all the birds we saw. The bonus was seeing lots of young seals on a rock and a very large pod of dolphins..We thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and would highly recommend it.

March 21, 2021

Amazing nice trip where we were only 8 guests on board. Bi had our children with 11,12 and 14 years and they think this trip was at least as exciting as the whale watching. We were very close to the big Albetrosser and the skipper had answers to all our questions. On the way back we also saw fur seals and dolphins, which was a great pleasure for the children of the drill.

February 20, 2020

Wonderful cruise! We saw plenty albatrosses, gulls and penguins too. Gary was a very knowledgeable person and answered all our queries.

December 29, 2021

Kaikoura: 2.5-hour Albatross Encounter and Wildlife Cruise

Kaikoura: 2.5-hour Albatross Encounter and Wildlife Cruise

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