Bird Watching - Albatross Encounter | Kaikoura

Description

The amazing albatross is one of the most recognised sea birds in the world. With an amazing wingspan of up to 3.4 metres (the largest wingspan in the world), these majestic birds are hard to miss but are still a fairly rare sight. Thanks to the Kaikoura Albatross Encounter bird watching tour, it is easy to visit these remarkable pelagic birds in their natural habitat.

Kaikoura's diverse range of sea birds makes it an ideal location for bird watchers and – with a whopping 14 species of albatross migrating to this area during each year – it is known as the albatross capital of the world! A scenic 5 to 15 minute boat journey from the coast allows you to see these amazing birds, which is quite impressive in itself as they are usually difficult to access so close to land.

During your intimate (twelve passengers maximum) boat tour, you will get up close to Northern and Southern Albatross, penguins, petrels, shearwaters and many other rare and common seabirds. While you listen to the guided commentary, witness the grace and skill of these amazing birds. The amazing scenery of the Kaikoura area will leave you in total awe with the pure blue ocean meeting emerald mountains, and cloudy snowcaps in the distance, the view is phenomenal. The scenery along with the variety and proximity of the birds facilitates fantastic photographic opportunities for both the amateur and professional photographer so don’t forget your camera!

Whilst not guaranteed, with a 100% success rate at locating albatross, avid bird lovers – as well as those with just a general interest in wildlife and/or photography – will not be disappointed while on this tour.

If you're feeling a bit peckish, Encounter Kaikoura's on-site licenced cafe is a great spot to enjoy some great coffee, delicious food, local wine and beer and the amazing views when you get back to land.

Trip Includes

• Albatross boat tour 
• Guided commentary

Duration

• Allow 2.5 hours

Departures

• 9:00am & 1:00pm (October - April)
• 10:00am (May - September)
• Departs from the Encounter Kaikoura office (15 minute walk from town centre)

Other Information

• Minimum age is 3 years (this can be increased at captains discretion if the conditions are not suitable)
• No specialised equipment is necessary however we do recommend passengers bring warm clothing & sensible footwear
• No experience & no prior bird knowledge is necessary. This tour is suitable for people with a general interest in wildlife to the passionate birder, as well as keen photographers
• Albatross Encounter has a 100% success rate of locating albatross on this tour
• The tour is only 2.5 hours in duration & usually travels to various locations along the coast. Pelagic birds are typically found just 5 minutes from the shore and usually, you are never more than 20 minutes from the shore
• Encounter Kaikoura boasts an on-site cafe with great coffee, beautiful food & breathtaking views. Cafe Encounter is open for breakfast, lunch & casual dining throughout the day. The cafe is fully licenced, so why not pop in & sample some local beers & wines, our homemade baking & other tasty treats before or after your tour
• All tours are subject to suitable weather conditions. Please note that the sea conditions can change very quickly along the Kaikoura coast at little notice
• If you are susceptible to motion sickness we recommend taking medication prior to your trip. This can be found at the local pharmacy in the town centre
• Minimum numbers required for tour to go ahead

Normal Retail Prices

• Adult: NZD$165.00
• Child (5-14yrs): NZD$70.00