Do both in a day, or make an entire weekend out of your Chuffed Gift, with these two incredible Kaikoura Experiences!

Whale Watch:

Whale Watch is New Zealand's only vessel based whale watching company offering an exciting up-close encounter with the world's largest toothed predator the Giant Sperm Whale. See the whales in their natural environment at all times of the year, boasting a 95% success rate!

The main focus of your tour is to locate and view the Giant Sperm Whale. Whale Watch average between 1 to 2 whale sightings per tour due to the length of time the whales can stay submerged. The whales form loose pods, keeping several miles between each other, so viewing any more than 1 to 2 whales per trip is a real bonus.

Around 80% of the world’s whale and dolphin species migrate past our coastline so at any given time there is the opportunity for other species of marine mammals to be sighted such as Blue, Fin, Sei, Humpback, Minke, Pilot, Orca and Southern Right Whales, Common Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, Southern Right Whale Dolphins, Elephant Seals and Leopard Seals.

Depending on the amount of time available after viewing the Sperm Whales, the captain of the vessel may decide to move in along the coastline and see what other types of marine life can be encountered. This could include Dusky and Hector Dolphins and the New Zealand Fur Seal.

Kaikōura is also home to around 75% of the world’s pelagic sea bird species which include Wandering and Royal Albatross, Mollymawk Albatross, Petrels, Shearwaters, Prions, Fulmars, Gannets, Terns and Herons.

Throughout your tour there is an onboard visual presentation, “World of the Whales” – an experience that takes passengers “virtually” to the bottom of the Kaikōura undersea canyon. The presentation also provides information for a variety of marine life found in Kaikōura waters.

Designed specially for whale watching, the modern catamarans are equipped with engines that minimise underwater noise and toilets that never pollute the sea. The main passenger cabin is enclosed and large outside decks offer great viewing and photo opportunities. Passenger numbers for each tour are kept well below vessel carrying capacity to ensure your tour experience remains a personal one.

Hapuku Kitchen:

At its heart, Hapuku Kitchen is focused on reconnecting the kitchen to the land and sea, celebrating the abundant larder nature has to offer - taking inspiration from the wild Kaikōura landscape. You are hosted in the home of Fiona & Chris Read, located between the soaring peaks of the Kaikōura mountains and the wild Pacific coast of Aotearoa New Zealand, for a culinary adventure that celebrates the season.

The Hapuku Kitchen Seasonal Feast is an ever-changing half day experience, focused on uncomplicated and utterly delicious dishes made from ingredients sourced from the gardens and local producers.

The day begins with an introduction to the kitchen and the menu for the day.  This is discussed over a cup of locally roasted coffee or a refreshing drink made from herbs and flowers from the garden.  You’ll then embark on a wander around the Hapuku Kitchen property, foraging in the garden for fruit, vegetables and herbs.

Once you have completed the harvest, return to the kitchen and as a group, prepare the various dishes that make up the menu.  With help always at hand, you will learn many techniques and tricks on the creation of the dishes of the day.

To finish the day, simply relax and enjoy the feast accompanied with wine or beer from some of Fiona’s favourite Canterbury and Marlborough winemakers and brewers.  Delicious home-made non-alcoholic beverages are also available, such as sparkling elderflower and cucumber.

Experience the beautiful Kaikoura landscape with a guided kayak tour, choose from the amazing wildlife or sunset tours. Then top off your day with a delicious seasonal three-course meal inspired by the stunning Kaikoura surrounds.

Wildlife or sunset Kayak

Choose between the Wildlife or Sunset Kayak trips with Kaikoura Kayaks!

Experience the excitement of watching seals ducking, weaving and diving around your kayak. Have chance encounters with dolphins, penguins and albatross!

Or watch seals dive and manoeuvre around and under your kayak as the sun sets, paddle with them as they swim around the Peninsula hunting for octopus! Along your way keep an eye out for blue penguins or albatross then have chance encounters with dusky dolphins.

Whichever you opt for, this promises to be a unique & unforgettable adventure!

Three course seasonal meal

The Supper Club at Hapuku Kitchen offers a unique dining experience in the home of chef Fiona Read, inspired by Kaikoura's natural surroundings.  This three-course, set menu meal is a celebration of the seasons and everything the wild, rugged region has to offer.

At its heart, Hapuku Kitchen is focused on reconnecting the kitchen to the land and sea, celebrating the abundant larder nature has to offer - taking inspiration from the wild Kaikōura landscape. You are hosted in the home of Fiona & Chris Read, located between the soaring peaks of the Kaikōura mountains and the wild Pacific coast of Aotearoa New Zealand, for a culinary adventure that celebrates the season.

The dining table seats ten guests and while you're savouring the flavours of Kaikoura, you'll hear stories about how Hapuku Kitchen grow the food, how they forage from the mountains to the sea and the people behind locally sourced ingredients.

At its heart, Hapuku Kitchen is focused on reconnecting the kitchen to the land and sea, celebrating the abundant larder nature has to offer - taking inspiration from the wild Kaikōura landscape. You are hosted in the home of Fiona & Chris Read, located between the soaring peaks of the Kaikōura mountains and the wild Pacific coast of Aotearoa New Zealand, for a culinary adventure that celebrates the season.

The Hapuku Kitchen Seasonal Feast is an ever-changing half day experience, focused on uncomplicated and utterly delicious dishes made from ingredients sourced from the gardens and local producers.

The day begins with an introduction to the kitchen and the menu for the day.  This is discussed over a cup of locally roasted coffee or a refreshing drink made from herbs and flowers from the garden.  You’ll then embark on a wander around the Hapuku Kitchen property, foraging in the garden for fruit, vegetables and herbs.

Once you have completed the harvest, return to the kitchen and as a group, prepare the various dishes that make up the menu.  With help always at hand, you will learn many techniques and tricks on the creation of the dishes of the day.

To finish the day, simply relax and enjoy the feast accompanied with wine or beer from some of Fiona’s favourite Canterbury and Marlborough winemakers and brewers.  Delicious home-made non-alcoholic beverages are also available, such as sparkling elderflower and cucumber.

Why is this Chuffed Worthy?

While we haven't yet had a chance to experience Hapuku Kitchen first-hand, we were so inspired hearing the story of Fiona & Chris & their passion for using locally sourced, seasonally fresh ingredients in all of their experiences, we knew we had to get them on board for our customers for experience themselves. The Chuffed team are arguing over who gets to go and 'quality control' this experience first!

Kaikoura is New Zealand's leading location for marine wildlife and has been rated as the best place in the world to swim with dolphins.

Swimming with the Dolphins is often described as a life changing experience! Get alongside these beautiful, gentle creatures in their natural habitat and watch them perform their underwater acrobatics! With just 16 swimmers per tour you wont feel rushed or pressured, and can go at your own pace & enjoy an intimate dolphin swimming experience without the crowds!

Encounter Kaikoura have a modern well maintained fleet of smaller boats which, unlike most other operators both locally and globally, offer a close-to-the-water experience for our customers.

All swimmers are fitted with a good quality wetsuit prior to departure which comprises a full 5mm body one piece overall and a 5mm jacket.  Also provided are a hood, mask snorkel and fins.

Allow 3.5 hours for the full experience with time on the sea approximately 2.5 hours.

Dolphins can be seen year round in Kaikoura so this experience operates year round.

Spot incredible sea creatures for yourself on this famous whale watching tour where you'll get VIP treatment. The main focus of your tour is to locate and view the Giant Sperm Whale. This trip has a 95% success rate & averages between 1 to 2 whale sightings per tour!!

Depending on the amount of time available after viewing the sperm whales, the captain of the vessel may decide to move in along the coastline and see what other types of marine life can be encountered. This could include Dusky and Hector Dolphins and the New Zealand Fur Seal. Kaikōura is also home to around 75% of the world's pelagic sea bird species which include Wandering and Royal Albatross, Mollymawk Albatross, Petrels, Shearwaters, Prions, Fulmars, Gannets, Terns and Herons.

This experience includes VIP access & a seat in the Captains Cabin. The Captain’s Cabin is situated in the wheelhouse alongside the captain and watch keeper. This cabin provides guests with exclusive access to the captain as they go about their duties as well as a dedicated tour host for the duration of the tour.