Croisière d'observation des baleines de deux jours à Kaikoura au départ de Christchurch
Description
Admirez les baleines et de nagez avec les dauphins. C'est deux jours de plaisir pour tous ceux qui souhaitent se rapprocher de la nature. Voyagez de Christchurch à Kaikoura, où vous irez faire une excursion pour observer les baleines. Passez la nuit dans cette petite ville côtière avant de rejoindre votre excursion de nage avec les dauphins. Plongez dans les océans et nagez à côté de ces étonnants mammifères. Une expérience marine unique.
Options de l'excursion
Points forts
Ce qui est inclus
Avis des voyageurs
Informations importantes
- Landau ou poussette possible pour les bébés et enfants en bas âge
- Animaux d'assistance acceptés
- Transports en commun disponibles à proximité
- Convient à toutes les conditions physiques
- Un minimum de 2 personnes par réservation est requis
- Le tarif enfant ne s'applique que s'il est partagé avec 2 adultes payants
- Veuillez noter que les bébés de moins de 3 ans ne peuvent pas participer aux croisières mais peuvent voyager lors des circuits en avion léger.
- Les enfants doivent être âgés de 8 ans et plus pour nager avec les dauphins.
- Les clients doivent déclarer toute condition médicale préexistante. Un niveau de base de condition physique est requis. Les clients flotteront en haute mer et devront nager vers et depuis le bateau - des distances pouvant atteindre 50 mètres (150 pieds) à la fois.
- Une fois que le tour a commencé, seule la partie non utilisée du tour sera remboursée si les bateaux ne naviguent pas ou si les avions ne volent pas.
- Si, en raison d'observations de baleines ou de conditions météorologiques, le bateau offre un remboursement partiel, ce remboursement sera répercuté sur nos clients.
- Si la surveillance des baleines est effectuée par avion léger et qu'aucune baleine n'est vue, aucun remboursement ne sera effectué.
- Des fauteuils roulants pliables avec roues amovibles peuvent être installés à condition que le passager soit accompagné d'une personne pouvant l'aider à monter et à débarquer
- Si le temps le permet, nous nous arrêterons dans un vignoble de North Canterbury pour une dégustation de vin !
- Maximum - Un sac/valise de taille moyenne par personne (max 20 kg chacun)
- Le transfert de Kaikoura à Christchurch peut se faire en autocar interurbain si le nombre minimum n'est pas atteint
Avis(9)
This company is nothing more than an intermediary that adds ZERO value to your experience. Rather, they are pretty incompetent when it comes to setting up an itinerary for you. We wanted an overnight stay at Kaikoura and came across this tour. Told them over phone that in our group of 3, two do not swim. For reasons they alone know, they made no note of it and booked 3 swim tickets with the tour operator. They did not inform us either that there were swim and watch options with different ticket prices. We learnt of this option only once we got to the tour centre and spoke to the front desk there. The only option we had was to use the "swim" tickets on a "watch" tour as that's what Leisure Tours had got for us. And no, we do not get our money back for having paid for the pricier "swim" tickets. Taking it up with these guys later, they said - but you booked a "swim" tour, failing to realize or acknowledge that they did not offer the watch option. They also refused to accept that I had informed them about the swimming abilities/preferences of my group. And also that since we went ahead with the tour, there was no change or refund they would be offering. How exactly did they expect us to not go ahead with the tour when we reached Kaikoura, I fail to understand. It was well within their means to book different tickets for members of our group but they just did not go beyond their scripted offering/pay heed to the customer's needs. Those looking for a good experience, with a bit more of research (and learnings from customers like myself), will realise that one does not need these guys to book a good experience. In fact, one would be better off doing it by themselves if they are willing to drive on their own than getting mixed up with these mediocre tour companies. Rent a good vehicle, go on your schedule. It will be heaps more comfortable than their 12 seater vans. There are a handful of tour companies running these cruises and some good hotels to stay in Kaikoura. Go ahead and book them yourself - don't rely on these guys. This is not a criticism of the tour company, but a broad recommendation to travellers. Do your own research, DO NOT trust Leisure Tours to look at it from a your perspective. They are just incapable of that. They are in it only for the money and have no value for your experience.
Pradeep Kodandaram booked himself, his wife Seeta Bodke and their son Aatrey Iyengar aged 9 for our overnight Kaikoura Experience on our website. The tour included one nights accommodation in Kaikoura with the Dolphin Swimming Experience on day one and the Whale Watching Experience on day two. Unfortunately, on check in for the Dolphin Swimming it was discovered that nobody in the family could swim. The family were then changed to Dolphin Watching only, however, as there was no opportunity for Dolphin Encounter to now sell these dolphin swimming seats the family could not be refunded for the price difference between to the two activities. At the conclusion of the two day tour Pradeep Kodandaram again asked for a refund and was politely advised that this was not possible as we had been charged in full for the dolphin swimming experience by Dolphin Encounter and he was sent documentary evidence of these charges. At no time were we advised that none of the family could swim, had we been so advised the booking would have been adjusted and a price reduction made. Instead Pradeep Kodandaram simply refuses to acknowledge his own incompetence and hence the review. Please see all of the other great reviews for this product and decide for yourself.
Pete is an Absolutely fantastic guide from Leisure Tours. Super informative. Had so much great information during the drive to and from whale boat (2 hours each way). He really took excellent care of us and and made sure we had a blast. The whale watching (not leisure tours) was pretty good. We drove around for a while while they tracked a whale. He finally came up for a few minutes and then dove. Certainly not the most exciting whale watching I’ve ever done. But that’s what Sperm whales do. Impressive location. Great crew on the boat - also very informative.
Thanks for the review and pleased you had a great and enjoyable day.
Our visit to Kaikora for whale watching was cancelled due to bad weather by guide Tania was so considerate, jolly and sincere that in the evening way back to Christchrch we stopped for seal watching and went to Georges Road Wines and enjoyed wine tasting . Full 5 stars for efficient, friendly and punctual staff .
Kiaora and thank you for leaving a review. I am pleased to hear that you enjoyed your tour with Tania!
I was quite disappointed with this experience overall as I don't feel the description matched the reality. Although parts of the trip like the dolphin watching were as amazing as described, the description far oversold the experience. I understand that many things are presented as possibilities not guarantees but I missed out on many of the things I was looking forward to. There was no seal colony viewing, no winery stop, no hotel drop-off, no ocean view from my room. I didn’t mind getting the public bus back but it was definitely more inconvenient than the advertised drop off. It felt like the whole experience was an attempt to patch together activities that the company aren't used to combining. I feel like this package should not be offered if it is not manageable. After weeks of backpacking and looking forward to my overnight break with some luxury, I was sadly disappointed.
Ciara - It is always disappointing to get poor reviews especially when they are as disingenuous as this one. You, a single traveller, joined our two day overnight tour on the 4th December and travelled with our tour guide to Kaikoura doing the Dolphin Swimming on the 4th, overnight accommodation in Kaikoura, in sea front accommodation that night and then did the Whale Watch the next day and returned to Christchurch by coach later that day. All included in the tour price and everything that was described in the product description was provided as advertised. You state that there was no seal colony viewing, this was done on both boats trips plus there is a seal colony which in adjacent to the township and in walking distance from your hotel. The accommodation is waterfront and we do not and never have guaranteed rooms with an ocean view. You were picked up and dropped off at your hotel accommodation as advertised. With regard to the winery, as advertised this is a stop that is done if time is permitting, this is normally only when the whale watch boat cancels and the whale watching is done by air. Finally, the return to Christchurch by coach was not a public bus. We have carried hundreds of passengers on this tour over the past 30 plus years and I invite you to see all of the other fantastic reviews.
Entire experience was fantastic! Swimming with dolphins was amazing and very well organized, transport was hassle free and straight forward, and the whale watching tour was peaceful. Highly recommend for anyone looking to get a lot out of Kaikōura in a short amount of time.
Kiaora Chris and thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review it's very much appreciated. I'm glad you enjoyed your tour.
We booked an early boat on a beautiful day. A very short bus ride to the boat which was extremely comfortable. The crew were very friendly and Informative. We were so lucky after a relatively short time we saw our first whale just basking in the water. We waited iand after sometime he decided to dive flipping his tale several times. Breathtaking. We then went on seeing dolphins and sea birds a truly magical day.
I have always wanted to swim with dolphins and whilst travelling NZ, Kaikoura was the one place loads of people had recommended to do this. I was all geared up at 6am and ready, I'd taken sickness tablets for the boat ride. On the boat, we started to see the dolphins, jumping alongside, was amazing and i was so excited. BUT, as we were told to come in and gear up, i didnt feel too good. Sadly, i missed out on interacting with the dolphins and getting into the sea as my head remained in a bucket for the rest of the experience. I had an amazing time and would recommend it.
Thank you for taking the time to submit your review your feedback is important to us to ensure we meet and where possible exceed our customers expecations. I am sorry to hear that the sea out the better of you and that you missed out on getting up close and interacting with the dolphins. I do hope you have the opportunity to visit this very unique corner of the world, at some future date, and that the sea is kinder on that occasion.
<p>It is an amazing and awesome trip to me and my wife. Strongly recommended</p>
<p>One of the best experience I've had swimming with dolphins. Highly recommended. I was initially worried about being cold in the water, but the wetsuits were extremely warm.</p>
