Albatross Encounter
Albatross Encounter Kaikōura
Small boats head out a few kilometers to bring you close to wandering albatrosses with 3-meter wingspans and more than ten other pelagic seabird species.
Upwelling from the Kaikōura Canyon brings abundant food that draws pelagic seabirds close to shore, making it one of the most convenient places in the world to see albatrosses. Albatross Encounter's roughly 2.5-hour boat trip throws out bait to attract the birds. Common sightings include wandering albatrosses, royal albatrosses, white-capped albatrosses, giant petrels and several storm-petrel species, and you can photograph them from just a few meters away. Tickets cost about NZD 150. Trips run daily year-round, departing from the Encounter visitor center, where the dolphin swims also meet. Those prone to seasickness should take medication in advance.
Opening hours
Departs daily around 09:00 and 13:00 (seasonal)
Nearby sights
- Swim with Dusky Dolphins (Dolphin Encounter)
- Kaikōura Esplanade
- Kaikōura Museum
- Kaikoura Whale Watch
- Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway
- South Bay
- Fyffe House
- Kaikōura Seafood BBQ