Albatross Encounter Tours
Kaikoura is renowned worldwide as a birding hotspot; within just a small area, you'll meet one of the greatest varieties of seabirds and pelagic birdlife you'll find anywhere!
Our tours are by boat, on a vessel designed for purpose. We only take up to 12 people on each tour, so that you can get the best possible chance to see birds up close.
It's typically just a 15-20 minute ride out to encounter the birdlife, during which you'll be treated to spectacular views of the stunning Kaikoura Coast. The whole tour is approximately 2.5 hours long, giving you plenty of opportunities view and observe the majestic albatross and other species. We carry frozen 'chum' (fishy bits) on the boat, sourced naturally from local commercial fishers, that helps to bring the birds in close allowing very close viewing and photography opportunities. The discarded offal from the local fishing fleet helps provides a significant portion of the seabirds diet here in Kaikoura.
On-board identification guides, knowledgeable staff and a full species list and souvenir information pack will help you identify and learn more about the birds you see on your trip.
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Tour Times
Albatross Encounter tours are scheduled year round.
November - April: daily at 6.00am, 9.00am and 1.00pm
October & May: daily at 9.00am and 1.00pm
June - September: daily at 10.00am
We suggest you allow 2.5 hours for a tour.
All tour operation is subject to suitable weather and sea conditions on the day and minimum passenger numbers.
The standard tour typically provides great viewing opportunities of the pelagic birds, and several albatross species are often seen on the tour.
We can schedule extended tours of 4 hours in duration on request subject to availability. These tours require a minimum of 4 people or the equivalent minimum fare to operate. Email the Customer Service Team for more information.
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Expertise
You're in fantastic hands. Our skippers know their stuff and are keen to share their knowledge about all the seabirds you'll encounter. They can also cater the tour to what you and others on the boat want, making it a great choice for both the general wildlife enthusiast and the avid birder.
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Wildlife You'll Encounter
We encounter a wide variety of albatross species: the great albatross, the wanderings and royals, the smaller albatross (commonly referred to as mollymawks in New Zealand), the Salvin's, white-capped, black-browed and Buller's.
There's plenty of other amazing birdlife, too. We can see up to 15 species of petrel, including two species of giant. There are about eight species of shearwater including the endemic Hutton's shearwater, which nests in burrows in the Kaikoura Mountains. Of course there can be those very special times when we are surprised by a visit of rarer visitors to the waters off Kaikoura.
On top of that, you might also see skua, blue penguin and, of course, the gulls (three species). Three species of tern, several species of shag and the Australasian gannet can also be seen at various times of the year.
For a full species list visit our daily tour sighting reports.
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Children Joining the Tour
Children aged 3 and over are able to participate on the Albatross Encounter tour when accompanied by an adult subject to conditions on the day. The skipper may deem the weather and sea condition unsuitable for children to partake in the tour and in this instance refunds are available. Children under 3 years are not permitted on board.
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Seasickness
Sea sickness is often experienced in Kaikoura waters and even in slight seas, some customers find themselves dealing with motion sickness. We recommend taking medication to combat this prior to your tour. We sell Sea Legs, ginger tablets and hire out sea bands at the check in counter if you don't have this with you; ask our Customer Service Team about your options when you check in for your tour.
General enthusiast, or avid birder - it's great for everyone!
No matter your level of knowledge or interest, you'll find something at which to marvel
Our skippers really know their stuff, so whether you're an avid birder or just a casual wildlife enthusiast, they'll give you the experience you want.
Because the ride out to the birds is typically a short 15-20 minutes, there's plenty of time to cater the tour to what you and others on the boat would like. You'll see and learn what suits you - and maybe some things you didn't expect!
Looking to spend more time on the water?
Our standard tours offer incredible viewing opportunities of a wide range of species, however for those wanting to spend longer on the water we can offer an extended four-hour tour on request. Additional time on the water, just might increase the chances of seeing something different to our normal range of species.
Our extended tours are subject to availability at time of request, and require advance notice and a minimum number of passengers to operate. Please get in touch with our Customer Service Team as early as possible to arrange.
What do others say about their encounter?
"Amazing experience close up with these awe inspiring birds"
"One of the best wildlife experiences of our lives!"
"Where else can you get this close to albatross so easily?"
"Best bird photography in NZ - fantastic trip!"
"A great trip by staff who care"
When you encounter Kaikoura albatross, you will leave transformed. Share the experience.
Gallery
Photos and videos from previous tours!
Albatross Conservation
Protect our very special environment.
We look forward to welcoming you aboard!
Standard Tour Pricing
$175*
Adult
15 years and upwards
$75*
Child
3 years to 14 years inclusive
Specialist Tour Pricing
$260*
Adult
15 years and upwards
$180*
Child
3 years to 14 years inclusive
* (Please note this pricing is valid to 30 September 2024)
Nov - Apr Albatross Encounter Tours are scheduled daily at 6.00am, 9.00am and 1.00pm
Oct and May Albatross Encounter Tours are scheduled daily at 9.00am and 1.00pm.
In winter (Jun-Sept) tours are scheduled once daily at 10.00am.
For everything you need to know about your tour click here.
