Albatross Encounter Kaikoura

Experience the sensation of getting incredibly close to the mighty wandering albatross, which has the largest wingspan in the world! The Albatross Encounter tour involves feeding and observing the large pelagic birds of the Kaikoura coastline, which include the Northern and Southern Albatross, Petrels and occasionally varieties of Penguins.

Kaikoura has one of the largest numbers of different types of seabirds within a small area than anywhere along the New Zealand coastline and this breathtaking tour will leave you speechless!

The unique quality of the Albatross Encounter is that you can be on board the boat for just five minutes before you start to see these incredible ocean living birds. The tour has a 100% success rate in locating albatross and we have 12 different species of albatross that visit Kaikoura.

Activity Options

• Adults & children can watch the spectacular Albatross on the Albatross Encounter Tour
• The youngest age is usually 5 years old, however in calm conditions we may take children as young as 3 years old.
• This boat tour can take you just 15 mins from the coast before you start to encounter a diverse range of seabirds.

Departures

• Albatross Encounter tours operate at 9.00 am and 1.00 pm with an additional tour available in the summer at 6.00 am subject to demand.

Duration

• The Albatross Encounter Tour is approximately 2.5 hours in duration and is dependent on the sea conditions on the day.

Facilities

• The Albatross Encounter boat may accommodate up to 13 passengers, this small capacity allows the tour to have an intimate feel and our passengers get close enough to touch the birds!

Location

Kaikoura is located on the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand just two and a half hours drive north of Christchurch. The Encounter Kaikoura complex is at 96 Esplanade in Kaikoura and you will be transported to the departure point for the boat.