Kaikōura Day Tour From Christchurch With Dolphin Encounter
Overview
Kaikōura, whose name translates to ‘eat crayfish’ in English, is a small coastal town often overlooked by tourists. Caught between the Kaikōura Ranges - which in the winter are snowcapped and a sight to behold - and the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean (Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa), this area is truly breathtaking. Known for the wildlife who love to inhabit this part of Aotearoa’s east coast, the town experienced significant damage and seabed uplift following a magnitude 7.8 earthquake in 2016. Almost 10 years on, Kaikōura has come a long way; even being named one of the most beautiful small towns in the world by luxury travel bible, Conde Nast Traveler, in 2023.
You will be driven in comfort by our modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter (or similar) packed with the extras to make the trip that bit easier. Led by our fun, knowledgeable, and passionate tour guides, and including a Dolphin Encounter Tour (approximately 4 hours) this journey is one you will never forget.
What's Included
- Lunch
- Snacks Local kiwi snacks
- Bottled water
- WiFi on board
- All Fees and Taxes
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Dolphin Encounter Ticket (watching only)
Meeting and Pickup
For a smooth pick-up process please be waiting at your selected pick-up location at least 5 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time. Your vehicle may be delayed due to previous pickups. Please be patient and wait 10 minutes before calling the office. Our drivers cannot wait for late customers. No show / late customers will not be refunded. We only pick up from locations that have a pickup noted. Please make sure you have let us know your pickup location. For hotel pickups please be waiting at or Infront of reception.Please see pick up times below 07:55 Hotel Elms 08:03 Scenic Hotel Cotswold 8:08 Sudima City 08:10 Crowne Plaza 08:12 Novotel City 08:14 Distinction 08:17 Christchurch City Hotel 08:20 Christchurch Bus Interchange (Intercity stop) 08:24 Breakfree 08:27 Rydges Latimer 08:30 Urbanz 08:33 Fino 08:35 The George 08:40 Hotel Give 08:55 Commodore Christchurch Airport 09:00 Sudima Christchurch Airport
Christchurch Central City
Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Canterbury Region (pass by)
Cheviot
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Kaikoura
4 hours Admission Ticket Free
Gore Bay
5 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Cathedral Cliffs View Point
5 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Waipara Hills
30 minutes Admission Ticket Included
Christchurch
1 minute Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Alcohol only provided to people 18 years or older
- Missing time from the tour duration will be allotted for travel time
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (9)
Q: Will I get seasick on Kaikōura Day Tour From Christchurch With Dolphin Encounter?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
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Activity code: C-312127P27
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 1 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (9)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
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If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Lunch.
- Snacks. Local kiwi snacks.
- Bottled water.
- WiFi on board.
- All Fees and Taxes.
- Air-conditioned vehicle.
- Dolphin Encounter Ticket (watching only).
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 4. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Kaikōura Day Tour From Christchurch With Dolphin Encounter is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Kaikōura Day Tour From Christchurch With Dolphin Encounter will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Lunch
- SnacksLocal kiwi snacks
- Bottled water
- WiFi on board
- All Fees and Taxes
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Dolphin Encounter Ticket (watching only)
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Alcohol only provided to people 18 years or older
- Missing time from the tour duration will be allotted for travel time
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers
