Pelagic Birds
Kaikoura is best known for its whales and dolphins but surprisingly, it is the place to see the largest wingspan in the world as up to 12 species of albatross can be found along the coastline.
A tour with Albatross Encounter will allow you to view the magnificent albatross and the incredible range of other pelagic (ocean going) birds, just 15 minutes by boat from the Kaikoura coast.
The other birds sighted include penguins, gannets, skuas, shearwaters, petrels and terns.
The tours operate all year round and usually last for 2 ½ hours. The Albatross Encounter vessel has been adapted to allow for maximum wildlife viewing opportunities and the passenger capacity is limited to 14 to allow for a more intimate tour and to ensure that the birds can be viewed in closer proximity.
The skippers have an excellent level of knowledge about the pelagic birds you will encounter so the tour is not just for the avid birder but for general wildlife lovers as well. The skippers will carry frozen chum (fishy bits) onboard and this will draw the seabirds in very close, offering fantastic photo opportunities.
For bird enthusiasts, Albatross Encounter can offer a 4 hour specialist tour, offering the chance to see some of the less frequently sighted birds.
