3 Day Kaikoura Sealife and Coastal Pacific Train Tour from Christchurch

Available 01 October to 30 April.
Seals, dolphins and whales - what more could you want in a three-day break! Head north from Christchurch to the coastal town of Kaikoura. Kaikoura township is bustling with many cafes, restaurants and shops but the main reason for visiting is the wildlife. Your tour includes a magical swimming encounter with Dusky Dolphins, the world-famous Kaikoura Whale Watch tour and a half-day kayaking tour before heading home on the scenic Coastal Pacific Train.

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.

Itinerary

Day 1: Christchurch to Kaikoura and Swimming with the Dolphins

Stop At: Kaikoura, Kaikoura, Canterbury Region, South Island
Christchurch to Kaikoura by Intercity Coach. The drive north from Christchurch to Kaikoura takes you through some fine rolling farmland and North Canterbury's major wine region, the Waipara Valley. Crossing the Hawkswood Range you descend towards the spectacular Kaikoura coastline where the road hugs the ocean as it winds its way the remaining few kilometres to the township.
Duration: 4 hours

Stop At: Encounter Kaikoura (Dolphin Encounter), 96 Esplanade, Kaikōura 7300, New Zealand
Dolphin Encounter, Swimming with the Dolphins. Experience a magical swimming encounter with dusky dolphins off the coast of Kaikoura. You’ll be taken out in the catamaran and have the chance to swim in the water with these wild mammals in a completely natural environment. The dusky dolphin inhabits the waters around Kaikoura for most of the year - making it one of the only places in the world where dolphins can be encountered every day.
Duration: 3 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Accommodation in a Premium Kaikoura Motel

Day 2: Spend a day exploring Kaikoura and the famous Kaikoura Whale Watch

Stop At: Whale Watch Kaikoura, Whaleway Station Road, Kaikōura 7340, New Zealand
Whale Watch Kaikoura offer a once-in-a-lifetime, up close encounter with the Giant Sperm Whale. You are also likely to encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, Dusky Dolphins and Albatross. Depending on the season you may also see Pilot, Blue and Southern Right Whales as well as migrating Humpbacks. Often Orcas can be spotted here and the world's smallest dolphin, the Hectors, occasionally make an appearance. Cruise in style on modern catamarans, specifically designed for whale watching - Featuring large passenger cabins and outside viewing decks.
Duration: 4 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Accommodation in a Premium Kaikoura Motel

Day 3: Sea Kayaking Kaikoura then return to Christchurch on the Coastal Pacific Train

Stop At: Seal Kayak Kaikoura, 18 Beach Road, Kaikōura 7300, New Zealand
Experience the excitement of watching Fur Seals ducking, weaving and diving around your kayak. Paddle gently along with them as they swim around the Kaikoura Peninsula hunting for their favourite feed of Octopus. Keep your distance while dinner is devoured in front of you, then duck for cover as hundreds of Pelagic (ocean-going) birds swoop in to clean up the left-overs. Continue your journey around the reefs of Kaikoura to search for other marine mammals such as Dusky Dolphins and Blue Penguins. Suitable for all abilities.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: TranzAlpine: Scenic Train Christchurch - Greymouth, Troup Drive, Addington, Addington, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Coastal Pacific Train: Kaikoura to Christchurch.
The Coastal Pacific train journey travels between the delightful port of Picton and Christchurch, the South Island's largest city. This journey is a scenic feast of New Zealand, with the Kaikoura mountain ranges on one side of your train and the rugged Pacific Ocean coastline on the other.
Cross over the wonderful North Canterbury countryside to the city of Christchurch.
Duration: 5 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.