The Albatross Encounter Kaikoura tour is a unique boat based tour and a truly breathtaking experience taking you up close and personal to the majestic albatross. The Kaikoura coastline boasts one of the largest numbers of different types of seabirds within a small area than anywhere in New Zealand, if not the world, and this tour is an opportunity to view the diverse array of seabirds along the beautiful Kaikoura landscape.

If you are keen to view the incredible albatross in their natural habitat or to see as many different species as possible, an Albatross Encounter will be the most memorable experience.

The skippers have an excellent level of knowledge of the seabirds you are likely to encounter while out at sea and provide an on board identification guide for assistance. The crew ensure up to date and accurate information is available and provide a detailed checklist for all passengers as a record of species sighted. An information pack is provided at the tour conclusion with detailed information about the species sighted and the danger that threatens some of these animals. The tour is usually two and a half hours in total duration and is subject to the ocean conditions.

Scheduled tours to visit the pelagics off Kaikoura follow a predictable pattern. They have a duration of between 2 to 2.5 hours and cover the sea areas normally within 5 to 8 miles off shore. Trips cater not only for the serious birder, but also for those amongst us who are really only interested in seeing albatross.

Summer: 6.00am, 9.00am and 1.00pm
Winter: 9.00am, 1.00pm