New Zealand Pelagic Birding
The Albatross Encounter vessel is purpose-built for viewing wildlife at close range. With adequate deck space and open plan design, superb photography opportunities are guaranteed. Experienced guides on board are able to assist with identification of the birds and provide an educational and memorable commentary.
Kaikoura is regarded as one of the world’s hotspots for viewing pelagic (ocean-going) birdlife with up to ten species of albatross able to be found at various times of the year. The local marine environment is home to more seabird species in a compact area than anywhere else in New Zealand. Albatross Encounter provides an unprecedented close-up view of a diverse array of seabirds including albatross, petrels, shearwaters, shags, terns and other species… all within close proximity of the Kaikoura Peninsula.
Just 15 minutes travel time by boat and it is possible to encounter a number of albatross. The tour appeals to a broad cross-section of people ranging from the avid birdwatcher wishing to see as many seabird species as possible, to the wildlife enthusiast with a dream of seeing an albatross in the open ocean environment.
Alternatively, you could visit their sister company Dolphin Encounter offers two unique options, swimming with dolphins or staying on board and watching from the comfort of the boats.
Pelagic Birding Trip, Kaikoura, New Zealand










Recently Encounter Kaikoura has focused on the Qualmark certification, achieving Qualmark Enviro Gold in 2009, which is the highest achievable level within the Qualmark accreditation system in New Zealand.
However, Encounter Kaikoura partners have been committed to conservation prior to 2003. Encounter Kaikoura consider sustainable practices as essential to their business and in 2003 they embarked on the Green Globe accreditation system. GREEN GLOBE 21 is a global benchmarking, certification and implementation system for sustainable travel & tourism. The GREEN GLOBE 21 is based on Agenda 21 principles for sustainable development, endorsed by 182 Heads of State at the Rio de Janeiro United Nations Earth Summit. It provides a pathway to sustainable travel & tourism.
Encounter Kaikoura first obtained Benchmark status in 2003 and Certification was achieved in 2004 and the following 4 years.
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