Albatross Encounter
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Sue Wolfe
About this spot
Kaikoura is the albatross capital of New Zealand [and New Zealand the albatross capital of the world]. The area’s abundant food chain brings at least ten species of the albatross to the Kaikoura Coast. Albatross are the world’s largest seabird with a wingspan of up to 3.5 meters.
Due to their wingspan, albatross can glide for hours. It is estimated they fly 118,000 miles per year and can reach speeds of 70 mph. They spend 85% of their life on water and usually touchdown on land to breed and raise their chicks.
These birds can live up to 50 years old and mate for life. Depending on the species, chicks are ready for flight within 3 to 12 months. The young seabirds will not return to land until they are ready to mate—spending their first 10 years at sea.
There are 21 species of albatross—17 of those are threatened with extinction. Their decline is caused by loss of habitat, oil spills, environmental changes, climate change, predators, human waste, and commercial fishing practices.
Getting out on the water is the best way to see these magnificent birds up close. Encounter Kaikoura has both albatross and dolphin tours. On your 2 1/2 hour boat tour you will see a variety of pelagic birds including albatross, shearwaters, and petrels. The boats are designed with photographers in mind—lots of deck space and low to the water. Capacity is limited to allow photographers a good shooting angle. Albatross follow boats in hopes of feeding on fish bait. The boat skipper often brings chum along to ensure a high number of sightings.
There is a café and a gift shop at the Encounter facility if you need to eat or buy anything before heading out on the tour.
Due to their wingspan, albatross can glide for hours. It is estimated they fly 118,000 miles per year and can reach speeds of 70 mph. They spend 85% of their life on water and usually touchdown on land to breed and raise their chicks.
These birds can live up to 50 years old and mate for life. Depending on the species, chicks are ready for flight within 3 to 12 months. The young seabirds will not return to land until they are ready to mate—spending their first 10 years at sea.
There are 21 species of albatross—17 of those are threatened with extinction. Their decline is caused by loss of habitat, oil spills, environmental changes, climate change, predators, human waste, and commercial fishing practices.
Getting out on the water is the best way to see these magnificent birds up close. Encounter Kaikoura has both albatross and dolphin tours. On your 2 1/2 hour boat tour you will see a variety of pelagic birds including albatross, shearwaters, and petrels. The boats are designed with photographers in mind—lots of deck space and low to the water. Capacity is limited to allow photographers a good shooting angle. Albatross follow boats in hopes of feeding on fish bait. The boat skipper often brings chum along to ensure a high number of sightings.
There is a café and a gift shop at the Encounter facility if you need to eat or buy anything before heading out on the tour.
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