KAIKOURA WHALE WATCH FIELD GUIDE
Kaikōura Plus: Two Days Where Snow‑tipped Mountains Meet the Whale‑strewn Sea
A relaxed, two‑day exploration of Kaikōura’s coastline and wildlife with time for photography, seals at Ohau Point and an optional whale‑watch boat trip.
Kaikōura Plus: Two Days Where Snow‑tipped Mountains Meet the Whale‑strewn Sea.
Join a leisurely overnight exploration of the Kaikōura coast—an intimate itinerary that lets mountains and ocean sit side by side while wildlife and photographic moments appear at every stop.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Seals at Ohau Point and a Whale‑Watch Option
Ohau Point provides reliable opportunities to watch and photograph New Zealand fur seals on the rocks, and the program includes the option to join a dedicated whale‑watch boat trip for an extended wildlife experience.
A Coast of Dramatic Contrasts
The route alternates between highway views and coastal side roads—Motunau Beach, river mouths and bays—so that alpine silhouettes and ocean horizons frequently frame the day’s light and photographs.
Time to Shoot: Sunrise, Sunset and the Little Details
The itinerary builds in dawns and dusks at the bay, opportunities to position tripods on the beach, and photography tuition on request so you can make the most of the changing light and occasional trains through the scene.
What the day feels like
What the Two‑Day Rhythm Feels Like
This is a slow, observational trip: a morning departure from Christchurch that follows SH1 and coastal detours to beaches and river mouths, a Kaikōura afternoon with seals and seaside sunset shoots, then an optional early dawn for mountain‑lit sunrises and the chance to join a whale‑watch on day two before returning via the Inland Kaikōura Road and Waipara vineyards back to Christchurch.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a two‑day program that typically returns to Christchurch by early evening on day two.
Bring warm layers and a good jacket for chilly coastal evenings, plus cameras and tripods if you plan to shoot—the tour can provide photography tuition if required.
Pickup is available from several main hotels in Christchurch or alternately from the Canterbury Museum.
Optional extras are purchased separately: Kaikōura whale‑watch boat trip (Adult $150, Child $60) and Hanmer Springs thermal pools (Adult $35, Child $20); meals and accommodation are included only on the Premium option—select Premium when booking.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Kaikōura Plus trip?
The Kaikōura Plus program runs for 2 days.
Where do we meet or get picked up?
Pickup is available from some of the main hotels within Christchurch or alternately from the Canterbury Museum.
Is a whale‑watch boat trip included in the price?
No—the whale‑watch boat trip is an optional extra and must be purchased separately when booking the tour.
Are meals and accommodation included?
Meals and accommodation are included only on the Premium option; you must select Premium when booking to include them.
What should I bring for photography and comfort?
Bring cameras and tripods if you plan to shoot, plus warm layers and a good jacket for the often‑chilly coastal breeze; photography tuition is available if required.
Are there age or group size limits?
The tour is offered for all ages and for groups of two or more; pricing is per group.