Boat Day Trips Christchurch

Kaikōura, whose name translates to ‘eat crayfish’ in English, is a small coastal town often overlooked by tourists. However, we at Cheeky Kea Tours feel it is an absolute "must-see"! 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.

So why not join us as we venture north to the Kaikōura Peninsula, (Te Taumanu-o-te-waka-a-Māui) which was the seat where Māui sat when he fished the North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui) up from the depths of the ocean. What can we say except you’re welcome to soak in the panoramic views and spot all the marine wildlife this town has to offer. 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, with a dolphin encounter where you will swin 1:1 with the Dusky dolphins - (described by many as a life changing experience). This journey is one you will never forget.

Highlights and Inclusions:

• Small group size
• Carbon neutral tour of Kaikōura from Christchurch
• Picture-perfect scenery and panoramic views spanning the mountains to the sea
• Wildlife sightings - including exploration of a New Zealand furseal colony along Kaikoura’s rugged coastline 
• Dolphin Encounter Tour as a Swimmer (approximately 4 hours)
• Scenic lookouts
• Wine tasting (time permitting)
• Lunch, bottled water, and Kiwi snacks
• Wi-Fi and USB charging
• Commentary
• 100% Kiwi experience

Itinerary:

Christchurch - We start by leaving Ōtautahi Christchurch, also known as New Zealand's Garden City. As we head north towards Kaikōura, our knowledgeable guide will point out some of the central city highlights and facts about the wider Canterbury region.

Cheviot (15 minutes) - Our first stop is in Cheviot, a hidden gem on one of New Zealand’s largest coastal routes. This is a perfect spot to stretch your legs and refuel. After our brief break, we’ll continue through the stunning Hundalee Hills, where you’ll have a chance to spot surfers and local wildlife, including seals! The scenic drive offers spectacular views all along the way.

Kaikōura (4 hours) - The highlight of the tour! It is something incredibly special that these wild animals choose to stop and engage 1:1 with swimmers in the water.  Dusky dolphins are probably the most interactive dolphin species; we don’t know why, and this sense of mystery makes the engagement with them all the more extraordinary! Often described as a life-changing experience; snorkeling with the pod will leave you with lasting magical memories. This bucket list activity is very sought after, often selling out during the summer months so we recommend advance booking to avoid disappointment. Please note that the minimum age for this tour is 8 years old.

*Please note that this product is purely for those interested in dolphin encounter swim experience. There will be no time for additional walks or local shopping unfortunately.

If Time Allows: Waipara - If time permits, we’ll stop at Waipara, a renowned wine region surrounded by lush vineyards and green hills. Here, you can taste a selection of locally produced wines from a family-owned vineyard. Don’t worry if wine’s not your thing beer and non-alcoholic options are available as an alternative!

Christchurch - After a fantastic day in Kaikōura, we’ll head back to the Garden City.  Sit back and  relax after a day full of stunning landscapes and wildlife sightings. With your camera roll full, this day will definitely be something to brag about!

Please note: Additional stops will be made for toilet breaks during the journey.

We at Cheeky Kea Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey, and all those little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complimentary refreshments, and many other fun surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. 

See More, Do More, Spend Less.

Kaikōura, whose name translates to ‘eat crayfish’ in English, is a small coastal town often overlooked by tourists. However, we at Cheeky Kea Tours feel it is an absolute "must-see"! 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.
So why not join us as we venture north to the Kaikōura Peninsula, (Te Taumanu-o-te-waka-a-Māui) which was the seat where Māui sat when he fished the North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui) up from the depths of the ocean. What can we say except you’re welcome to soak in the panoramic views and spot all the marine wildlife this town has to offer. 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, with a dolphin encounter where you will swin 1:1 with the Dusky dolphins - (described by many as a life changing experience). This journey is one you will never forget.




Highlights and Inclusions: Small group size Carbon neutral tour of Kaikōura from Christchurch Picture-perfect scenery and panoramic views spanning the mountains to the sea Wildlife sightings - including exploration of a New Zealand furseal colony along Kaikoura’s rugged coastline Dolphin Encounter Tour as a Swimmer (approximately 4 hours) Scenic lookouts Wine tasting (time permitting) Lunch, bottled water, and Kiwi snacks Wi-Fi and USB charging Commentary 100% Kiwi experience




Itinerary:
Christchurch - We start by leaving Ōtautahi Christchurch, also known as New Zealand's Garden City. As we head north towards Kaikōura, our knowledgeable guide will point out some of the central city highlights and facts about the wider Canterbury region.


Cheviot (15 minutes) - Our first stop is in Cheviot, a hidden gem on one of New Zealand’s largest coastal routes. This is a perfect spot to stretch your legs and refuel. After our brief break, we’ll continue through the stunning Hundalee Hills, where you’ll have a chance to spot surfers and local wildlife, including seals! The scenic drive offers spectacular views all along the way.


Kaikōura (4 hours) - The highlight of the tour! It is something incredibly special that these wild animals choose to stop and engage 1:1 with swimmers in the water. Dusky dolphins are probably the most interactive dolphin species; we don’t know why, and this sense of mystery makes the engagement with them all the more extraordinary! Often described as a life-changing experience; snorkeling with the pod will leave you with lasting magical memories. This bucket list activity is very sought after, often selling out during the summer months so we recommend advance booking to avoid disappointment. Please note that the minimum age for this tour is 8 years old.
*Please note that this product is purely for those interested in dolphin encounter swim experience. There will be no time for additional walks or local shopping unfortunately.


If Time Allows: Waipara - If time permits, we’ll stop at Waipara, a renowned wine region surrounded by lush vineyards and green hills. Here, you can taste a selection of locally produced wines from a family-owned vineyard. Don’t worry if wine’s not your thing beer and non-alcoholic options are available as an alternative!


Christchurch - After a fantastic day in Kaikōura, we’ll head back to the Garden City. Sit back and relax after a day full of stunning landscapes and wildlife sightings. With your camera roll full, this day will definitely be something to brag about!


Please note: Additional stops will be made for toilet breaks during the journey.


We at Cheeky Kea Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey, and all those little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complimentary refreshments, and many other fun surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.
See More, Do More, Spend Less.