Kaikoura Tours
Located 180 km north of Christchurch on the South Island’s east coast, Kaikōura is known for being one of the world’s best places for whale watching – you have a 95% chance of seeing a sperm whale on a Kaikōura whale watching tour. Lucky visitors on tour may also get to see orca, or humpback whales!
While they may be what the area is known for, it’s not all about the whales – you can also see dusky dolphins in Kaikōura, or visit fur seals and admire albatross with their impressive wingspan.
coast life
Kaikōura coast is a particularly picturesque setting with the jagged Kaikōura mountains – a branch of the Southern Alps – very nearly touching the Pacific Ocean. The abundance of photogenic sea-life here is fed by an abundance of smaller (not-so-photogenic!) marine critters, but don’t worry, there’s still plenty of fresh seafood for you to taste! In fact, the name Kaikōura means 'meal of crayfish' (kai – food/meal, kōura – crayfish). We recommend sampling the local wares at Nin’s Bin.
What’s the best way to see whales in Kaikōura?
We often get asked this for our tours that explore the South Island, but it really depends on personal preference. Two popular Kaikōura whale watching tours to choose from are the whale watching cruise where you get to feel the sea spray and may or may not snap a shot of a whale tail. Or, you can take a scenic flight where you’ll get the full picture of just how magnificent these creatures are in their natural habitat – and won’t have to worry about losing your camera overboard as you get that epic shot for Instagram feed! Remember that you’re 95% certain of seeing a sperm whale either way, as they are the resident locals. Sometimes, if you’re lucky, their humpback whale and orca friends can be seen, too!
Swim with dolphins and see the seals!
Dusky dolphins can only be found in the southern hemisphere and are known to be some of the acrobatic dolphins in the world! They are very often seen on a whale watch tour, otherwise a Kaikōura dolphin tour is the place to do it. There are thousands of ‘duskies’ in this coastal region, and the whale watch and dolphin crew never tire of their playfullness.
Your Haka guide can direct you to a coastal colony of NZ fur seals that are best viewed at low tide. Remember to always keep a respectful distance from the seals – they may look slow, cute and lazy, but their hind flippers can rotate forward which allows them to move quickly on land when they feel threatened.
Other things to do in Kaikōura
If being on the water isn’t your thing, there are many walking tracks up and through the mountains, including the popular Mt. Fyffe track, which gives a panoramic view of the Kaikōura peninsula from the summit.
Visit Kaikōura Museum for intriguing insights into the Māori and European settlement and whaling history of the area. In summer, the southern end of the beach is the place to swim and cool down.
Photo Credits: Destination Kaikōura, Wings Over Wales, Kaikōura Kayaks, Dolphin Encounter Kaikōura
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